Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770 Review

Behind the Box: Testing the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770

The world of reloading can be intricate, often demanding precise tools for optimal results. For those venturing into the realm of the .17 Remington cartridge, or perhaps seeking a cost-effective solution for an established reloading bench, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770 Pacesetter Limited Production dies present a compelling option. This set promises the core functionality expected from reloading dies, specifically tailored for the .17 Remington, at a price point that immediately catches the eye. It’s a product designed to deliver the essential reloading steps without the premium often associated with specialized tooling.

My journey to this particular set of dies was less about a sudden epiphany and more about a slow, steady realization of a niche need. I’d been working on a project that involved a rifle chambered in .17 Remington, a caliber known for its speed and precision, but one that doesn’t always have the widest array of readily available reloading components. My existing die sets were either too generic or too expensive for the limited production nature of this caliber’s components and dies. I needed a solution that was both accurate and budget-conscious.

Upon receiving the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770, the initial impression was one of functional simplicity. The set arrived in a standard Lee plastic case, which, while not luxurious, is robust enough for its purpose. Inside, the dies and the included shellholder were neatly arranged. The machining appeared clean and the overall heft suggested a solid, no-nonsense tool. Compared to some premium brands I’ve used which often come with elaborate packaging and premium finishes, this felt more like a craftsman’s workhorse. I had considered a few other manufacturers, but their prices for similar caliber-specific dies were often double, and some didn’t even include the crucial shellholder.

My immediate feeling was one of cautious optimism. Lee Precision has a reputation for offering high-value products, and this set seemed to embody that philosophy. The absence of a factory crimp die, while noted in the description as a “limited production” feature, didn’t raise immediate red flags for my specific reloading needs at the time. It was clear this was designed to be a foundational set, offering the essential resizing and seating operations, and that simplicity often translates to reliability.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770 to the Test

My initial testing of the Lee Pacesetter dies for the .17 Remington took place on my dedicated reloading bench, a space that’s seen countless rounds processed. The .17 Remington cartridge, with its small case and high velocity, requires a certain level of precision, and I was keen to see how these dies would perform under those demands. The setup process was straightforward, largely due to the included shellholder, which fit my press perfectly.

The first few cases I ran through the sizing die were noticeably smooth. There was a satisfying, consistent resistance as the case was drawn down, and upon inspection, the sizing was uniform. No bulged cases or difficult extractions were encountered, which is always a good sign. Following this, the seating die proved equally adept. It allowed for precise control over bullet seating depth, a critical factor for achieving consistent ballistic performance in a cartridge like the .17 Remington.

After several dozen cases were processed, I noticed no significant issues or quirks. The dies operated smoothly, and the resulting brass looked and felt correct. The absence of the factory crimp die didn’t pose a problem for my initial testing, as I typically apply crimp in a separate step if needed, or not at all for some cartridges. This confirmed my initial impression that these are indeed functional, no-frills dies.

Over several weeks of consistent reloading, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770 proved to be remarkably reliable. I processed enough brass to load several boxes of ammunition for my .17 Remington rifle. During this extended use, the dies maintained their accuracy and smooth operation. There were no signs of wear, such as galling or increased friction, even after repeated cycles.

Maintenance has been minimal, mostly consisting of a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after a reloading session and a light application of oil to the threads before storage. Cleaning is simple; a quick brush and solvent takes care of any residue. Compared to some older dies I’ve used that developed stiffness over time, or more expensive, specialized dies that require particular cleaning agents, these Lee dies are refreshingly low-maintenance. They hold their own against some mid-range options I’ve encountered, offering a durability that belies their accessible price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770 set includes the essential components for reloading the .17 Remington cartridge. This particular offering is a Pacesetter Limited Production Rifle Die Set, which means it comes with a full-length resizing die and a bullet seating die. Crucially, it also includes the corresponding Lee shellholder for the .17 Remington, eliminating the need for a separate purchase for this critical component.

The full-length resizing die is engineered to bring fired brass back to factory dimensions, preparing it for multiple reloads. Its internal workings are designed for smooth operation, ensuring consistent resizing without excessive force or case damage. This is vital for reliable chambering and extraction in any rifle.

The bullet seating die is equally important, allowing the reloader to set the bullet to the precise depth required for optimal accuracy and magazine fit. This die features a built-in bullet guide to help align the projectile correctly before seating, minimizing the chance of runout. The limited production aspect signifies that these are not always standard stock items, often produced in batches.

The Pacesetter LP Rifle Dies designation points to Lee’s commitment to providing quality reloading tools at an affordable price. While it omits the factory crimp die, this choice helps reduce the overall cost of the set. For many reloaders, especially those who are meticulous about their crimping or prefer a separate step, this isn’t a significant drawback.

Specifications

The core specifications of this reloading die set are centered around its intended caliber and components. The set is designed exclusively for the .17 Remington caliber, a bottlenecked rifle cartridge renowned for its high velocity and flat trajectory. This specificity is key to ensuring proper fit and function with the unique case dimensions of this cartridge.

It includes a full-length sizing die and a bullet seating die. These are the two most fundamental dies required for reloading rifle cartridges. The inclusion of the Lee shellholder is a significant specification, as it ensures compatibility with Lee presses and many other standard reloading presses.

The dies are constructed from hardened steel, a standard for durability and longevity in reloading tools. Their design reflects Lee’s philosophy of providing effective functionality without unnecessary complexity, aiming for a balance between performance and affordability. The Pacesetter LP designation highlights that these are part of Lee’s value-oriented line.

Performance & Functionality

In practice, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770 performs its core functions admirably. The resizing die consistently brings fired .17 Remington brass back to within specification, ensuring smooth chambering in my rifle. I experienced no case neck runout or resizing issues that could compromise accuracy or safety.

The bullet seating die is equally effective. It allows for precise control over bullet depth, and the built-in guide helps ensure bullets are seated straight, minimizing runout which is critical for a high-velocity, small-caliber cartridge. I was able to achieve consistent seating depths across multiple batches of reloads.

The primary strength of this set is its ability to deliver accurate, repeatable results at a fraction of the cost of many competitors. Its main limitation, as advertised, is the absence of a factory crimp die. While not essential for all .17 Remington loads, some reloaders might prefer to have this option built into the die set. However, for its intended purpose as a foundational set, it functions exceptionally well.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these Lee dies is functional and robust, prioritizing performance over aesthetics. The hardened steel construction feels substantial and durable, suggesting a long service life. The threading on the dies is clean and precise, allowing for smooth adjustment on the reloading press.

Ergonomically, they are designed to be used with standard reloading presses. The knurled sections on the dies provide sufficient grip for adjustments, even with slightly greasy hands. While they lack the ergonomic refinements of some higher-end dies, their straightforward design makes them intuitive to use for anyone familiar with reloading.

The markings on the dies are clear and easily legible, indicating their function and caliber. This attention to detail, even on a value-oriented product, is commendable and contributes to a positive user experience. The overall feel is that of a tool built for the task, without any unnecessary embellishments.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and Lee’s general reputation for tool durability, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770 is built to last. The hardened steel construction is inherently resistant to wear and corrosion, provided basic care is maintained. After several weeks of consistent use, there are no visible signs of degradation, such as scoring or discoloration on the die bodies or internal components.

Maintenance is straightforward. A light cleaning with a solvent to remove powder residue and fouling, followed by a thin coat of gun oil or universal reloading die lubricant, is generally sufficient to keep them in optimal condition. Storage in their original case or a dry environment is recommended to prevent any potential rust, especially in humid conditions.

While I haven’t encountered any specific failure points with this set, as with any reloading die, consistent use of good quality brass and proper lubrication during resizing will maximize their lifespan and prevent undue stress on the die threads or internal resizing mandrels.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770 comes with a focused set of accessories: the full-length resizing die, the bullet seating die, and the Lee shellholder specifically for the .17 Remington. This is a complete package for the two most critical steps in reloading this cartridge.

Beyond the included components, the primary customization option involves the adjustment of the seating die’s depth stop and the resizing die’s position on the press. These adjustments allow reloaders to fine-tune case resizing and bullet seating to their specific firearm and ammunition preferences. While there aren’t interchangeable parts in the traditional sense for this basic set, their compatibility with standard reloading presses and shellholders from other brands (though a Lee shellholder is included) offers a degree of integration into an existing setup.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770?

This reloading die set is an excellent choice for reloaders specifically working with the .17 Remington cartridge who are budget-conscious or who only require the fundamental resizing and seating operations. It’s perfect for someone setting up a new reloading bench for this caliber or for experienced reloaders who appreciate value and don’t need advanced features. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770 is also ideal for those who already own a press and have a separate crimping die or prefer to control crimp independently.

Anyone looking for an all-in-one set with a factory crimp die might want to consider other Lee offerings or more comprehensive sets from different manufacturers. Similarly, users who prioritize highly polished finishes and intricate ergonomic designs might find these dies too basic, though their functionality is unimpeachable. For ensuring consistent case preparation and accurate bullet seating without breaking the bank, this set is hard to beat.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90770 Pacesetter Limited Production Dies for the .17 Remington cartridge represent a fantastic balance of affordability and functionality. They deliver the critical resizing and bullet seating operations with reliability and consistency, making them a smart choice for anyone delving into reloading this specific caliber. The inclusion of the shellholder further enhances their value proposition, providing a nearly complete solution right out of the box.

While the lack of a factory crimp die is a deliberate omission to manage costs, it doesn’t detract from the core performance of the set for its intended use. For the price, the durability and performance are outstanding, easily justifying the investment for the .17 Remington enthusiast. I would confidently recommend this set to reloaders who prioritize efficient and cost-effective reloading for this niche cartridge, provided they understand its scope and are comfortable with its feature set.