Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 Review

Testing the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624: What You Need to Know

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 Carbide 3-Die Set for the .32 S&W Long cartridge presents itself as a straightforward, no-nonsense solution for handloaders looking to produce accurate and reliable ammunition without breaking the bank. This particular die set promises a complete reloading experience, integrating essential steps into its three dies: a carbide sizer, a powder-through expanding die, and a seater/crimper die. It’s designed with the reloader’s convenience and budget firmly in mind, aiming to make the process as smooth as possible for this classic revolver cartridge.

My journey to this specific set of dies was driven by a long-standing appreciation for the .32 S&W Long cartridge, a round that offers pleasant shooting characteristics and surprising accuracy, often found in older revolvers that deserve to be fired. I’d been seeking a reliable and affordable way to reload for a particularly cherished Smith & Wesson Model 1955 revolver, which thrives on well-matched ammunition. While premium die sets exist, I was drawn to the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 for its reputation of delivering functional quality at a highly accessible price point, a hallmark of Lee Precision’s offerings. My initial impressions upon receiving the package were positive; the dies felt robust, and the inclusion of a shellholder and basic load data was a thoughtful touch for someone starting out or looking for a complete package.

When considering reloading dies, I typically look at brands like Redding or RCBS for their perceived precision and longevity, especially for rifle cartridges where minute adjustments matter. However, for a revolver cartridge like the .32 S&W Long, where straight-walled cases are the norm and the need for extreme precision is slightly less critical than, say, a magnum rifle round, the cost-benefit analysis leans heavily towards brands like Lee. The promise of carbide sizing, eliminating the need for case lubrication, was a significant draw compared to older steel sizing dies. My anticipation was for a functional, dependable set that would allow me to load thousands of rounds without fuss.

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my reloading bench, a space familiar with the clang of metal, the scent of gunpowder, and the meticulous process of crafting ammunition. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 was paired with a single-stage press, and the process of setting up the dies was straightforward. The dies themselves screwed into the press with a familiar thread, and the adjustment process for seating depth and crimp was intuitive.

The carbide sizer performed admirably, dropping resized cases down to their correct dimensions with minimal effort. What impressed me most was the absence of lubrication; this made case preparation significantly faster and cleaner. Following this, the powder-through expanding die seamlessly integrated with my Auto Disk powder measure, expanding the case mouth just enough to accept a bullet without flaring too much or too little. This die also doubles as a convenient funnel, streamlining the charging process.

The final die, the seater and crimper, allowed for precise bullet seating, and the integrated crimp was easily adjustable. It effectively removed any case mouth flare and provided a secure crimp, essential for revolver cartridges to prevent bullet setback during recoil and ensure consistent chambering. There were no immediate issues or surprising quirks; the dies performed exactly as expected, which, in the reloading world, is a significant win. The entire process felt smooth and efficient, setting a positive tone for extended use.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several months, and after loading well over a thousand rounds of .32 S&W Long using this set, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 has proven to be exceptionally reliable. The carbide sizing ring has shown no signs of degradation, consistently sizing cases with the same ease as when they were new. I haven’t experienced any sticking or increased resistance, even when processing slightly dirty brass that has been fired multiple times.

The powder-through expanding die continues to function flawlessly, its opening consistently accepting the base of the bullet and providing the correct expansion for a good fit. The seater die maintains its accuracy, allowing for very consistent bullet seating depths across batches of ammunition. The built-in crimp also holds its adjustment well, producing a uniform crimp that prevents bullet creep.

Compared to older steel dies I’ve used that required regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation, these carbide dies are a revelation in low-maintenance reloading. They require little more than a wipe-down and occasional brushing to keep them in top condition. While I haven’t needed to replace any parts, the availability of individual dies and spare parts from Lee Precision provides peace of mind for long-term ownership. These dies have certainly held their own against more expensive alternatives, offering a durability and consistency that belies their modest price tag.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624

Specifications

This Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 Carbide 3-Die Set is specifically designed for the .32 S&W Long cartridge. The set includes three essential dies: a carbide sizing die, a powder-through expanding die, and a seater/crimper die. It also comes with the appropriate shellholder for the cartridge.

The carbide sizing die is a key feature, eliminating the need for case lubrication. This is a significant advantage, as it speeds up the reloading process and reduces mess, especially when dealing with large volumes of brass. The powder-through expanding die is designed to work with Lee’s Auto Disk powder measure or can be used as a simple funnel for charging cases, ensuring consistent powder drops and proper case neck expansion for bullet seating. The seater/crimper die combines two crucial steps: it precisely seats the bullet to the desired depth and then applies a taper crimp to secure the bullet in place.

The use of carbide for the sizing die is a hallmark of Lee’s commitment to efficiency and user-friendliness. Unlike steel dies which require lubrication, carbide is harder and inherently slick, allowing cases to slide in and out with significantly less friction. This specification not only saves time but also helps prolong the life of both the dies and the press due to reduced wear. The inclusion of a dedicated shellholder means you have the primary components needed to begin reloading this specific caliber.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 is to reliably resize spent brass, expand the case mouth for bullet insertion, and then seat and crimp the bullet to SAAMI specifications. In this regard, the set performs exceptionally well. The carbide sizer consistently brings fired cases back to the correct dimensions, ensuring proper chambering in firearms.

The powder-through expanding die is a stroke of genius for its dual functionality. It correctly flares the case mouth for easy bullet seating and integrates perfectly with my Auto Disk powder measure, making the powder charging step efficient. The seater/crimper die does an admirable job of both seating bullets to a uniform depth and applying a consistent crimp. This crimp is crucial for revolver rounds, preventing bullet jump during firing and ensuring reliable feeding.

While these dies are not designed for extreme precision benchrest reloading, they exceed expectations for standard handgun ammunition. For its intended purpose – producing accurate, safe, and reliable .32 S&W Long ammunition for revolvers – this die set is outstanding. The key strength lies in its integrated functionality and the sheer convenience offered by the carbide sizing and the combined seating/crimping die. The only potential minor weakness might be that the crimp adjustment is a single point, whereas some higher-end dies might offer more granular control, but for most users, this is more than adequate.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 is utilitarian and focused on function over aesthetics. The dies are typically constructed from hardened steel with a carbide sizing ring. They possess a reassuring heft, suggesting durability and quality construction. The knurled sections on the dies provide a good grip for making adjustments, even with slightly greasy hands.

Ergonomically, these dies are designed to be used with standard reloading presses, and their threading is consistent with industry standards. The adjustment collars on the seater die are easy to manipulate, allowing for precise control over bullet seating depth. The integrated crimp feature in the seater die is a practical touch that simplifies the reloading process by combining two steps into one.

The absence of extraneous features means they are straightforward to use, with minimal learning curve, even for a novice reloader. Markings on the dies are clear, indicating their function (Sizer, Expander, Seater/Crimp), which is helpful during setup. Overall, the design prioritizes ease of use and efficiency, making the reloading process more accessible and less prone to errors.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and the reputation of Lee carbide dies, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 is built for longevity. The carbide sizing ring is exceptionally hard and resistant to wear, which means it should maintain its sizing capabilities for tens of thousands of rounds. The steel components of the other dies are also robust and resistant to corrosion, provided they are kept reasonably clean and dry.

Maintenance for this die set is remarkably simple. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after use and occasional brushing to remove any debris is usually sufficient. Unlike steel dies that require lubrication to prevent rust, the carbide sizing die requires no special care beyond keeping it clean. I have not encountered any specific failure points or potential concerns with this set during my extensive use.

The inherent design of carbide dies means they are less susceptible to the damage that can occur with steel dies if lubrication is forgotten or if they are over-tightened. They are designed to be reliable workhorses for the home reloader. The overall durability and low maintenance requirements make this set a highly practical choice for anyone reloading significant quantities of .32 S&W Long ammunition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 set comes with the essential components for reloading the .32 S&W Long cartridge: the three specialized dies and a matching shellholder. While no additional accessories like case trimmers or case tumblers are included, this is typical for die sets, which are sold as the core tooling.

Customization options for this particular die set are limited, as it is designed to perform specific functions for a particular cartridge. However, within the context of reloading, one can adjust the bullet seating depth and the crimp to fine-tune ammunition for specific firearms. The powder-through expanding die is also designed to work seamlessly with Lee Precision’s Auto Disk powder measure, which is a popular and affordable option for many reloaders.

It’s worth noting that while the dies themselves are not customizable in terms of material or function, the resulting ammunition can be tailored. For instance, experimenting with different bullet weights and types, along with slight adjustments to the seating depth and crimp, allows the user to optimize loads for their specific firearm. The primary “customization” comes from the reloading process itself, facilitated by the precise control these dies offer.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624?

This Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 die set is an ideal choice for home reloaders who primarily shoot .32 S&W Long revolvers and are looking for an economical, reliable way to produce their own ammunition. It’s perfect for those who value efficiency and minimal mess, thanks to the carbide sizing technology.

Beginner reloaders entering the world of handgun cartridge reloading will find these dies very forgiving and easy to set up and use. Enthusiasts who reload in moderate to high volumes and want to keep costs down without sacrificing quality will also be very satisfied. It is particularly well-suited for shooters who own older revolvers chambered in this caliber and want to keep them active and enjoyable to shoot.

Anyone seeking ultra-fine, custom-grade precision for competitive shooting with this specific caliber might consider more specialized, premium die sets with finer adjustment capabilities. However, for the vast majority of recreational shooters and general-purpose reloading of .32 S&W Long, this Lee set is more than adequate and offers exceptional performance for the price. A tumbler or case cleaner to prepare brass and a reliable powder measure would be excellent complementary items to enhance the reloading process.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 Carbide 3-Die Set for the .32 S&W Long cartridge stands as a testament to Lee Precision’s philosophy of providing high-quality, functional reloading tools at an accessible price. It masterfully combines essential reloading steps into three well-engineered dies, delivering consistent results with minimal fuss. The carbide sizing, integrated powder funnel, and combined seater/crimper significantly streamline the process, making it efficient and enjoyable.

For its intended purpose, this die set performs exceptionally well, producing accurate and safe ammunition suitable for a wide range of revolvers chambered in .32 S&W Long. The value proposition here is undeniable; the low cost does not come at the expense of reliability or durability, as evidenced by its ability to churn out thousands of rounds without issue.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this die set to any reloader looking for an economical, yet highly effective solution for the .32 S&W Long cartridge. If you own a firearm chambered in this caliber and want to experience the satisfaction and savings of handloading, this Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90624 set is an outstanding entry point and a dependable workhorse for years to come.