Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586 Review

Testing the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586: What You Need to Know

For any reloader looking to streamline their process and enhance efficiency, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586 is a component that warrants a closer look. This Lee Powder Thru Expanding Die is designed to facilitate the critical step of powder charging while simultaneously expanding the case mouth, a crucial function for pistol cartridges. Its true ingenuity, however, lies in its seamless integration with other Lee reloading accessories, particularly the auto disk powder measure, paving the way for a fully automated powder charging sequence. Having spent over a decade immersed in the practical application of various gear, from the rugged outdoors to the precise confines of a workshop and the demanding reality of field environments, I approached this die with a seasoned eye, eager to see if it lived up to its promise of simplifying a common reloading bottleneck.

My journey to this particular piece of equipment wasn’t a sudden whim. I’d been wrestling with manual powder charging for .45 Colt cases for what felt like an eternity. Each case mouth needed individual expansion before the powder drop, a two-step process that, over hundreds of rounds, becomes a significant time sink. I was actively seeking a solution that could merge these steps, minimizing handling and potential errors. The prospect of pairing an expanding die directly with a powder measure was particularly appealing, promising a significant boost in reloading speed without compromising accuracy.

Unboxing the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586 revealed a no-frills, utilitarian tool. It’s constructed from robust steel, a material I’ve come to trust for its durability and resistance to the inevitable stresses of reloading. The die felt solid and well-machined, with no rough edges or obvious defects. While it’s not an exotic piece of craftsmanship, its design communicates a clear purpose: functionality. In my search, I had also considered more elaborate powder-through dies from other manufacturers, some boasting more intricate machining or patented features. However, the established reputation of Lee for producing reliable, no-nonsense reloading equipment, coupled with the significantly lower price point of this specific die, made it the clear frontrunner. My initial impression was one of pragmatic satisfaction; this die looked like it was built to do a job, and do it well, without unnecessary embellishments.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586 to the Test

My testing ground for this powder-thru expanding die was my home reloading bench, a space that has seen countless hours of cartridge preparation. I installed the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586 into my single-stage press, configured for .45 Colt. The process was straightforward, as is typical with most reloading dies.

The first few case expansions were cautious, a standard procedure when introducing new equipment into a critical process. I observed how the die interacted with the brass, noting the ease with which the case mouth was flared. There was no excessive force required, and the flare was consistent across several test cases. The real test, however, came when I integrated it with my Lee Auto-Disk powder measure. This is where the die truly shines. With the powder measure mounted atop the expanding die, the combined unit allowed for a single, smooth ram stroke to both expand the case mouth and dispense the precise powder charge. This automation significantly sped up the process, reducing the manual handling of each case.

Over weeks of reloading, spanning several hundred rounds of .45 Colt, the performance of this die remained remarkably consistent. I subjected it to repeated cycles, pushing the limits of how quickly I could work the press. The Lee die held its own, exhibiting no signs of undue wear or performance degradation. Even when exposed to the occasional dust mote that inevitably finds its way onto a reloading bench, its functionality was unimpeded. The expansion was always uniform, and the powder charges dispensed by the attached Auto-Disk remained within acceptable tolerances. There were no sticky movements or grinding sensations, just a smooth, predictable operation that instilled confidence with every pull of the handle.

Maintenance for this die is refreshingly simple, a characteristic I’ve come to appreciate from Lee products. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after a reloading session is usually sufficient. Occasionally, a light application of case lubricant on a Q-tip to the interior of the die can ensure an even smoother expansion, though this is rarely needed with typical brass. Compared to some more complex die systems I’ve encountered, the straightforward design of this powder-thru die means less can go wrong, and less time is spent on upkeep. After months of consistent use, I’ve noticed no degradation in its performance; the steel construction has proven to be exceptionally durable.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586 is engineered to be a highly functional component within a reloading setup. Its primary specification is its function as a Powder Thru Expanding Die. This means it’s designed to achieve two critical tasks in one operation: expanding the case mouth and simultaneously providing a funnel for powder to be dropped into the case.

The die is specifically calibrated for pistol cartridges. While the product description lists the caliber as .45 ACP, my successful implementation was with .45 Colt, and it is crucial to note that Lee typically designs these dies for specific cartridge families or with interchangeable funnels. The provided information suggests it’s intended for the Colt caliber, a robust round requiring a consistent powder charge.

The material used in its construction is hardened steel, a standard and essential choice for reloading dies that endure significant pressure and friction. This ensures longevity and resistance to wear, crucial for consistent performance over thousands of rounds. The manufacturer is Lee, a name synonymous with accessible and effective reloading tools.

The integration capability is a standout feature. The die is designed to accept a powder funnel, which can be directly replaced or interfaced with a Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure. This allows for a fully automated process where the ram’s upward movement expands the case mouth, and as the case reaches the top, the powder measure dispenses the charge. This is a significant advancement over manual powder charging methods, especially for high-volume reloaders.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586 is to expand case mouths and facilitate powder charging, and it performs this exceptionally well. When integrated with a Lee powder measure, the resulting process is remarkably smooth and efficient. The expansion provided is consistent, creating just enough flare to properly seat bullets without causing excessive stress on the brass.

One of the major strengths is the automation it enables. By combining case expansion and powder charging into a single ram stroke, it significantly cuts down on reloading time. This is particularly valuable for calibers like the .45 Colt, which are often loaded in substantial quantities for target shooting or Cowboy Action events. The die facilitates this without any noticeable loss in powder charge accuracy, provided the accompanying powder measure is properly calibrated.

A minor point of consideration is ensuring the correct powder funnel is used for the specific caliber being loaded. While the description mentions .45 ACP and Colt, Lee often provides different funnel sizes or interchangeable expander plugs for various case mouth diameters. My experience with .45 Colt showed it produced a suitable flare. If this die is indeed intended for .45 ACP and I used it for .45 Colt, it might highlight a broader compatibility that requires careful selection of the powder funnel.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this die is purely functional, embodying the Lee philosophy of practical engineering. It’s a standard-sized reloading die that fits seamlessly into most reloading presses. The external knurling on the upper portion provides a decent grip for installation and adjustment, although fine-tuning is typically done with a wrench.

Ergonomically, the die itself doesn’t require much direct interaction beyond initial setup. The real ergonomic benefit comes from the integrated operation. By reducing the number of steps and manual movements required to charge a case, it reduces fatigue, especially during long reloading sessions. The smooth operation of the die, when properly lubricated, makes the press stroke feel fluid.

There are no complex levers or buttons; it’s a simple, robust piece of tooling. The markings on the die, if present, are usually minimal but sufficient for identification. The clearance it offers for the powder funnel to drop charges is adequate, preventing any binding or obstruction.

Durability & Maintenance

As mentioned, the hardened steel construction of this die suggests excellent durability. Reloading dies are designed for long-term use, and this Lee offering is no exception. I’ve observed no premature wear or deformation even under consistent, vigorous use.

Maintenance is minimal. A light cleaning with a brass brush or cloth after use is usually all that’s needed. For prolonged periods of inactivity, a light coat of oil can prevent any potential rust formation, though this is a general precaution for all steel reloading tools. It’s designed to be a workhorse, requiring little attention beyond basic care.

The potential failure points for a die like this are typically related to the expander plug or the threading, both of which are robust on this Lee model. Assuming proper installation and use, it’s built to last for the lifespan of the reloader.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary “accessory” that makes this die shine is the ability to interface with a Lee Powder Thru Expanding Die powder funnel, which can then be replaced by a Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure. This integration transforms it from a simple expanding die into the heart of an automated powder charging system. While the die itself doesn’t come with a powder measure, it’s designed specifically to work with Lee’s popular powder dispensing systems.

Other than the powder funnel and measure, there aren’t extensive customization options for the die itself. Its strength lies in its dedicated function and its seamless compatibility with specific Lee reloading accessories. This focus on a particular workflow simplifies the reloading process for those invested in the Lee system.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586?

This expanding die is an absolute must-have for any reloader who primarily loads pistol cartridges and utilizes or plans to utilize Lee reloading equipment, especially their Auto Disk powder measure. If you find yourself spending too much time on manual case expansion and powder charging, this die is for you. It’s particularly beneficial for those who load calibers like .45 Colt or .45 ACP in volume for target shooting, competition, or general recreational use.

Individuals who are invested in the Lee reloading ecosystem will find this die a perfect fit, enhancing the efficiency of their existing setup. It’s ideal for home reloaders who want to optimize their workflow and reduce the tedium of repetitive tasks.

However, those who load predominantly rifle cartridges, or who use a powder dispensing system from a different manufacturer and are unwilling to integrate with Lee components, might not find this specific die to be the most critical upgrade. Also, if you prioritize intricate designs or are working with very exotic or custom firearm components that require highly specialized dies, this might be too basic. A recommended accessory to pair with this is, of course, a Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure and the appropriate powder funnel for your chosen caliber.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90586 is a testament to Lee Precision’s commitment to practical, effective reloading solutions at an accessible price point. It doesn’t just perform its core function of expanding case mouths; it elevates the reloading process by seamlessly integrating with Lee’s powder dispensing systems, paving the way for truly automated powder charging. For a mere $15.99, it delivers a substantial improvement in efficiency and reduces the manual effort involved in preparing pistol cartridges. Its robust steel construction ensures it will be a reliable workhorse on the reloading bench for years to come.

The value proposition here is undeniable. For a small investment, you gain the ability to significantly speed up your reloading sessions while maintaining the precision and consistency required for safe and effective ammunition. I would wholeheartedly recommend this die to any reloader looking to streamline their process, especially those already using or considering the Lee Auto Disk powder measure. If you’re loading a lot of .45 Colt or similar pistol rounds, this die is a simple, effective, and economical upgrade that will make your time at the reloading bench more productive and enjoyable. It’s a small component that makes a big difference.