Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90535 Review

Inside the Experience: The Humble Utility of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90535

For those of us who spend any significant amount of time at a reloading bench, the accumulation of small, specialized tools and components can quickly become a logistical challenge. My own workspace, a dedicated corner of my workshop that has seen everything from delicate electronic assembly to heavy-duty metal fabrication, is no stranger to this phenomenon. It was amidst this organized chaos that I found myself in need of a simple, effective solution for storing reloading dies. Specifically, I was looking for a way to keep assembled dies protected and readily accessible between reloading sessions, especially for those calibers that don’t see weekly use. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90535 caught my eye due to its straightforward design and the reputation of Lee for providing practical, no-nonsense reloading equipment. This particular item promised a simple way to house dies, and at its price point, it seemed like a low-risk experiment to solve a persistent organizational itch.

What ultimately led me to this particular product was a growing frustration with how my dies were being stored. Before this, they resided in various plastic bags, small parts bins, or worse, loose in a drawer. This meant invariably hunting for the right die set, often finding them dusty or with small parts dislodged. I needed something that was more than just a container; it needed to be a protective sleeve that could also offer some degree of organization. I recall seeing similar plastic containers from other manufacturers, but the Lee offering, often bundled with their presses or die sets, seemed like the most straightforward and budget-friendly option available to me at the time.

Upon receiving the Lee Red Round Die Box, my initial impressions were exactly what I expected: it’s a simple, molded plastic container. There’s no complex packaging, no fancy accessories, just the red plastic box itself. The material feels like a fairly standard, durable plastic, the kind that can withstand the occasional bump or knock without shattering. It’s lightweight, which is a plus for storage and transport, and the color, a rather bright red, makes it easy to spot amongst the more muted tones of my workshop. The build quality is, frankly, basic – it’s a functional item, and its simplicity is its primary characteristic. There weren’t any other competing products I seriously considered for this specific need, as the market for such a simple die storage box isn’t vast. My excitement was tempered by a pragmatic understanding that this was a utilitarian item, and my primary hope was that it would simply work as intended, providing that much-needed organizational and protective function for my reloading dies.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90535 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Lee Red Round Die Box took place on my main reloading bench, a space that’s typically kept relatively clean but is nonetheless prone to fine brass shavings and dust. The primary purpose was immediate storage for a set of pistol dies that I frequently swap out. The box is designed to hold dies, and my first attempt involved placing a standard 3-die pistol set into it.

The process was straightforward: unscrew the dies from their previous storage, and place them into the corresponding holes in the box. I tested it under conditions that are typical for my reloading environment: the slight ambient dust that settles on surfaces, and the occasional vibration from nearby machinery. The box itself remained stable on the bench. My first surprise was how tightly the dies fit. It wasn’t a loose, rattling fit, which was good for protection, but it also made me wonder about ease of removal later on. Overall, the ease of use was high – there’s no complex mechanism or learning curve here; it’s a box with holes.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the subsequent months, this particular Lee die box has seen regular use, housing a set of dies for a caliber I load less frequently. This means the dies spend considerable time stored, protected from the workshop environment. I’ve since acquired a couple more of these boxes for other calibers, and the experience has been consistent.

The durability has been surprisingly good for such a simple item. I’ve accidentally knocked one off the bench a couple of times onto the concrete floor of my garage, and it has survived without any cracks or structural damage, though it has acquired a few scuffs. The plastic hasn’t become brittle, and the fit of the dies remains consistent. Maintenance is practically non-existent. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed if any dust accumulates. Compared to the old method of using plastic bags or makeshift containers, this die box has certainly proven more reliable in keeping the dies clean and secure. It doesn’t offer the absolute hermetic seal that some might desire for long-term, extreme storage, but for typical workshop use, it holds up remarkably well.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90535

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90535, known simply as the Lee Red Round Die Box, is designed with a clear purpose: to store reloading dies. Its specifications are fundamentally tied to this function. The Quantity is listed as 1 unit per purchase, which is typical for smaller reloading accessories. The Color is a distinctive Red, making it easily identifiable. The core feature is its Round Die Box design, which dictates its shape and how dies are housed.

The Fabric/Material is specified as Plastic, and from my experience, it’s a robust, molded polypropylene or similar durable polymer that feels substantial enough to protect its contents. While the “Gun Type” is listed as Pistol, the box’s dimensions are such that it can accommodate a variety of standard pistol dies, and often rifle dies as well, though this can vary by specific die manufacturer. The interior is molded with individual compartments to hold each die securely, preventing them from rattling against each other. This simple yet effective design is crucial for preventing damage to the delicate threads and alignment surfaces of reloading dies.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job, the Lee Red Round Die Box performs adequately. Its main function is to provide a dedicated, protected space for assembled reloading dies. The dies fit snugly within the molded compartments, which effectively prevents them from shifting or coming loose, a significant improvement over loose storage. This snug fit minimizes the risk of accidental damage to the die threads, which can happen when they are stored loosely.

However, there are notable limitations that impact its functionality for some users. As experienced by some, the 4-hole turret dies often do not fit into the standard configuration without significant forcing, and sometimes not at all. This is a critical point for users who prefer to store their dies assembled on a turret head, a common practice for progressive presses. Furthermore, the “box” is not truly enclosed; the openings for the dies are exposed to the elements, meaning it’s not a dust-proof or weatherproof solution. For serious long-term storage, especially in humid environments, this lack of full enclosure is a drawback. It excels at basic organization and protection from physical bumps, but not from environmental contaminants.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Red Round Die Box is unapologetically utilitarian. It’s a molded plastic cylinder, visually simple with its bright red color. The round shape is practical for storage on a shelf or in a bin, and the durable plastic construction means it can handle a reasonable amount of abuse.

Ergonomically, it’s straightforward. You simply place the dies into their respective slots. However, this simplicity also leads to its main ergonomic issue for some users: the tight fit of the dies. While it prevents rattling, it can make removing and inserting dies a bit of a struggle, especially for those with less grip strength or when dealing with dies that have slightly non-standard dimensions. The top edge is relatively smooth, offering no particular grip enhancement, but this is hardly a concern for an item that is infrequently handled once placed in storage. The lack of any lid or sealing mechanism is a design choice that prioritizes simplicity and cost over complete environmental protection.

Durability & Maintenance

From my experience, the durability of this die box is quite good for its intended purpose and price point. The tough durable plastic it’s made from has shown no signs of cracking or degrading, even after being dropped on a concrete floor. The molded slots have retained their shape and continue to hold dies securely.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent, which is a significant advantage. A quick wipe down with a cloth is all that’s ever needed. There are no complex parts to clean or maintain. However, the inherent design flaw – the open compartments – means that dust and debris can accumulate over time if the box is left exposed in a workshop environment. While the plastic itself is durable, the contents might require cleaning if the box isn’t stored in a protected area. I haven’t observed any significant wear and tear on the plastic itself, suggesting it has a long functional lifespan for basic die storage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Red Round Die Box is a standalone item and does not come with any accessories. Its design is also highly specific, offering very little in the way of customization. You cannot change the color, nor can you alter the size or number of die slots.

The primary “customization” one might consider is how one uses it. For example, some users have reported success by flipping the bottom part over, or adding friction tape, to better accommodate larger turret assemblies. However, these are user-driven modifications born out of necessity due to the box’s limitations, rather than inherent design features or officially supported options. There are no aftermarket parts or modifications available for this particular product, and it is not designed to integrate with other storage systems in any modular fashion. Its strength lies in its simplicity, not its adaptability.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90535

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90535?

The Lee Red Round Die Box is best suited for the reloader who primarily uses standard 3-die pistol sets or individual dies that they prefer to keep separated. It’s ideal for someone looking for a budget-friendly and basic organizational tool for their reloading bench, especially if they don’t require advanced protection from environmental factors. This product is also a good fit for those who don’t typically store dies assembled on turrets and are comfortable with a simple, no-frills solution.

Conversely, individuals who frequently use 4-die turrets or progressive press die sets will likely find this box to be a frustrating fit and should look elsewhere. Those who need superior protection against dust, moisture, or contamination would also be better served by a more enclosed or sealed storage solution. For a truly dust-proof and sealable storage solution, one might consider repurposing larger, sealable plastic jars or investing in more specialized die cases.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90535

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90535 is, in essence, a functional but fundamentally basic die storage solution. For its incredibly low price, it does deliver on its promise of providing a dedicated spot for individual dies, keeping them from being lost or knocked around. The durable plastic construction ensures it can handle the typical wear and tear of a workshop environment.

However, its limitations are significant and cannot be overlooked. The open design means it offers minimal protection from workshop dust and debris, and the incompatibility with many 4-die turret assemblies renders it unsuitable for a substantial portion of the reloading community. Its value proposition hinges entirely on a user’s specific needs: if you are a casual reloader with a penchant for 3-die sets and prioritize price over advanced features, this box might suffice. For more demanding users or those with progressive presses, the frustrations it introduces likely outweigh its minimal cost. Personally, I would recommend it only for very specific use cases where its shortcomings are not deal-breakers. For most reloaders seeking versatile and protective die storage, exploring other options would be a wiser investment.