Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708 Review

Why the Lee Collet Die Set w/Shellholder For 22-250 Remington Caught My Eye

For those of us who take our rifle reloads seriously, achieving consistent accuracy is paramount. The promise of reduced case runout and extended case life is a siren song to any handloader, and that’s precisely what drew me to the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708. This particular die set, designed for the popular .22-250 Remington caliber, boasts a unique collet neck sizing system that claims to offer superior concentricity and accuracy. In a world where minute differences can mean the difference between a bullseye and a flyer, this caliber of precision tooling is always worth investigating.

My journey to this specific Lee die set was born out of a desire to wring every last bit of accuracy from my .22-250 Remington rifle. While full-length sizing dies are essential for cases that might be used in multiple rifles or after significant stretching, they can sometimes overwork brass and introduce slight neck runout. I was seeking a way to achieve that “just right” neck tension, one that would hold a bullet securely without excessive pressure, and ideally extend the number of times I could reload each precious case. This Lee collet die set, with its promise of precision neck sizing, seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

Upon receiving the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708, the initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense functionality. The components, nestled securely within a sturdy plastic storage box, exuded a utilitarian charm. There was no excessive flash or polish, just well-machined steel components. The heft of the collet die and the dead length seating die felt reassuring, suggesting robust construction. While I’d briefly considered other brands that offer similar collet neck sizing options, the overall value and the established reputation of Lee for producing effective reloading tools at accessible price points ultimately steered my decision toward this specific set.

My first tactile experience with the set left me cautiously optimistic. The metal felt smooth, the threading looked clean, and the collet mechanism seemed well-engineered. It wasn’t the high-gloss, intricately machined aesthetic of some boutique reloading dies, but it possessed a rugged dependability that spoke to its intended purpose. I was eager to get it onto my press and see if the promised precision lived up to the tangible quality I held in my hands.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Collet Die Set w/Shellholder For 22-250 Remington to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial foray with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708 took place on my trusty reloading bench, a space that has seen countless rounds assembled and a fair share of calibration. I mounted the set into my single-stage press, a process that was as straightforward as with any other high-quality die set. The Lee collet neck sizing die and the dead length bullet seating die threaded in smoothly, and the included shell holder snapped into place with a satisfying click.

The first few cases I ran through the collet die were a revelation. The action was firm but not overly strenuous, and the resulting neck tension felt perfectly controlled. I was particularly impressed with how uniformly the collet applied pressure, creating a truly concentric neck without any discernible runout. Swapping to the dead length seating die, I found that adjusting the seating depth was intuitive, and the bullet seated with remarkable straightness, even when I pushed the seating depth out to just kiss the rifling of my .22-250 Remington barrel.

I ran about twenty cases through the set that first afternoon, and the process was remarkably efficient. There was no finicky adjustment period, no wrestling with stiff mechanisms. It felt like the dies were designed with the reloader’s workflow in mind, anticipating the steps and streamlining them. The only minor surprise was how much cleaner the case necks appeared after sizing with the collet die compared to my previous experiences with standard neck sizing dies.

Extended Use & Reliability

Months of consistent use have done little to diminish my appreciation for the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708. I’ve loaded hundreds of rounds for my .22-250 Remington with this set, and it continues to perform with unwavering reliability. Whether I’m churning out batches of plinking ammunition or meticulously crafting rounds for a specific long-range varmint hunt, these dies have proven themselves to be indispensable.

Durability has been exceptional. Despite being subjected to repeated cycles of brass resizing and seating, there are no signs of significant wear. The collet still grips with the same tenacity it did on day one, and the seating stem moves freely without any wobble. I haven’t experienced any stiffness, leaks (not applicable to this type of die, but the principle of smooth operation remains), or performance degradation whatsoever.

Maintenance has been virtually non-existent. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after a reloading session keeps them clean and free of debris. I store them in their original box, which protects them from dust and accidental damage. Compared to some of the more complex sizing dies I’ve used in the past, the simplicity and robustness of this Lee set make it a joy to maintain. They simply work, day in and day out, a testament to their thoughtful design and quality construction.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Collet Die Set w/Shellholder For 22-250 Remington

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708 is a comprehensive package designed for precision reloading of the .22-250 Remington cartridge. It includes a collet neck sizing die, which utilizes a hardened steel collet to grip the case neck and squeeze it onto a precision ground mandrel, ensuring minimal runout. This is complemented by a dead length bullet seating die, which seats bullets to a consistent depth by contacting the bullet’s ogive, not the nose, preventing damage and promoting uniformity. The set also comes with a dedicated shell holder for the .22-250 Remington, a powder measure for accurate charge dispensing, and a charge table to aid in load development. All of these components are neatly organized within a durable storage box.

The collet neck sizing die is the star of the show here. Unlike conventional neck sizing dies that merely push the case neck inwards, the collet design applies even pressure around the entire circumference of the neck. This is crucial for achieving the lowest possible bullet runout, a key factor in rifle accuracy. The dead length bullet seating die ensures that each bullet is seated to the exact same depth relative to the case shoulder, which is vital for consistent chambering and, consequently, consistent ignition and velocity. The inclusion of a powder measure and charge table, while basic, makes this set a truly ready-to-go reloading solution for the .22-250 Remington.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708 performs exceptionally well, exceeding my expectations for a set at this price point. The collet neck sizing process yields incredibly concentric necks, and I’ve observed a significant reduction in bullet runout compared to my previous reloading methods for this caliber. This translates directly into more consistent groups downrange. The dead length bullet seating die likewise performs flawlessly, seating bullets with remarkable precision and without any deformation of the projectile.

The strengths of this set lie in its precise neck sizing capability and the reliable bullet seating. The ability to control neck tension so finely allows for cases to last significantly longer, as they are not being overworked. The main weakness, if one could call it that, is that the included powder measure is a basic design. While functional for many loads, more advanced reloaders might prefer a micrometer-adjustable powder measure for finer charge adjustments, though this is a separate component purchase and not a flaw of the die set itself. Overall, it meets and often exceeds the performance expectations for accurate rifle reloading.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708 is a masterclass in practical engineering. The dies are constructed from robust steel, finished with a utilitarian coating that feels substantial and durable. The collet mechanism is simple yet effective, with a sturdy locking screw to secure the collet in place once adjusted. The seating die’s adjustment mechanism is precise and easy to manipulate, allowing for fine-tuning of bullet seating depth.

Ergonomically, the dies are comfortable to handle during the reloading process. The knurling on the seating die allows for a good grip, even with slightly greasy hands. The overall feel of the set is one of solid dependability, designed for long-term use rather than superficial aesthetics. The markings on the dies are clear and easy to read, indicating their purpose and caliber. The inclusion of the storage box is a practical touch that keeps everything organized and protected.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extensive use, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708 is built to last. The hardened steel components, particularly the collet and the sizing mandrel, show no signs of wear that would affect their performance. I anticipate these dies will serve me well for many years to come, likely outlasting many of my current rifle barrels.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a cloth after use and occasional light oiling of the threads is all that’s required. There are no intricate parts that require specialized cleaning or lubrication. The simple, robust design means there are very few potential failure points. The primary concern for any reloading die is maintaining the integrity of the sizing mandrel and the collet mechanism, both of which appear exceptionally well-made and durable in this Lee set.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708 is a complete package, arriving with a dedicated shell holder, a powder measure, and a charge table. The shell holder is precisely sized for the .22-250 Remington, ensuring proper case positioning within the press. While the included powder measure is functional, it’s a basic model, and serious reloaders might consider upgrading to a micrometer-adjustable powder measure for more precise charge selection. However, for the intended purpose of this set, it is perfectly adequate.

There aren’t many external customization options for the dies themselves, as they are designed for a specific caliber and function. However, the dead length bullet seating die is compatible with different seating stems if you were to reload bullets with unusually shaped noses, though this is rarely necessary for standard .22-250 projectiles. The true “customization” comes from how you utilize the dies for your specific load development, adjusting neck tension and seating depth to perfectly match your rifle and ammunition needs.

Pros and Cons of Lee Collet Die Set w/Shellholder For 22-250 Remington

Who Should Buy Lee Collet Die Set w/Shellholder For 22-250 Remington?

This Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708 set is ideally suited for the rifle reloader who prioritizes accuracy and case longevity for their .22-250 Remington. It’s perfect for those who shoot their .22-250 frequently and want to maximize the performance of their ammunition without constantly buying new brass. If you primarily use your brass in a single rifle or have consistent chamber dimensions, this set will allow you to achieve excellent results. It’s also a great option for reloaders looking to delve into precision load development for varmint hunting or target shooting with this caliber.

Those who should probably skip this product are reloaders who regularly switch their brass between multiple rifles with differing chamber dimensions, as full-length resizing might be necessary. Additionally, if your primary goal is simply to produce ammunition quickly and without concern for case life or minute accuracy improvements, a simpler full-length resizing die might suffice. For those who demand the utmost precision in powder measurement, investing in a separate high-end powder dispenser would be advisable.

Conclusion on Lee Collet Die Set w/Shellholder For 22-250 Remington

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708 is an outstanding value proposition for any .22-250 Remington reloader seeking enhanced accuracy and greater case utility. The collet neck sizing die is a standout component, delivering precision that punches well above its price class and directly translates into improved ballistic performance. Coupled with the reliable dead length seating die and the included accessories, this set offers a comprehensive and effective solution for creating high-quality ammunition.

The price of $56.39 for a complete set that includes a collet neck sizer, seating die, shell holder, powder measure, and charge table is exceptional. It represents a significant investment in accuracy and efficiency for the discerning handloader. I wholeheartedly recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90708 to anyone serious about reloading for their .22-250 Remington. If you’re looking to wring the most accuracy out of your rifle and extend the life of your brass, this set is a must-have addition to your reloading bench.