Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759 Review

My Journey with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759

For anyone delving into the world of precision shooting or seeking to optimize their ammunition, the right reloading dies are paramount. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759 caught my eye due to its advertised quality at a price point that seems almost too good to be true. As an enthusiast who has spent over a decade working with tools in diverse environments, from dusty workshops to pristine labs and rugged field sites, I’m always on the lookout for equipment that offers genuine value without compromising performance. This particular set promises the core functionality of premium dies but omits the factory crimp die, a feature I often find superfluous for my specific reloading needs.

My quest for these dies was driven by a desire to efficiently and accurately reload for my 6mm Creedmoor. While many established brands offer robust die sets, the cost can escalate quickly, especially when factoring in shellholders and the indispensable load data. I had been exploring options from other reputable manufacturers, but their pricing often pushed beyond my immediate budget for what felt like incrementally better features for my particular application. The Lee Pacesetter line, with its reputation for solid engineering at an accessible price, presented a compelling alternative.

Upon receiving the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759, my initial impression was one of understated practicality. The packaging was straightforward, and the dies themselves exuded a no-nonsense, utilitarian design. The steel felt substantial, and the machining appeared precise, hinting at the quality described. There was no excessive polish or flashy branding, just solid, functional tooling. This aligns perfectly with my preference for gear that prioritizes performance over aesthetics. I was genuinely eager to get these onto my reloading press and start pushing the boundaries of my 6mm Creedmoor’s potential.

First Use Experience

The first time I mounted these Lee Pacesetter dies onto my RCBS Rock Chucker press was a revelation in simplicity. The smooth threading into the press ram indicated excellent tolerances, a crucial factor for consistent seating and sizing. I was loading for my 6mm Creedmoor, aiming for sub-MOA accuracy, and the initial feel of the sizing die and seater die was exactly what I hoped for.

I ran through a few test cases, paying close attention to the feel of the handle throughout the ram stroke. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759 performed admirably, providing consistent feedback with each pull. There was a satisfying, almost buttery, smoothness as the cases were resized and then the bullets seated. No binding, no grinding, just pure, unadulterated functionality.

Extended Use & Reliability

After countless reloads – easily numbering in the hundreds for my 6mm Creedmoor – these dies continue to impress. They’ve maintained their precise tolerances and consistent performance, which is a testament to their robust construction. I haven’t noticed any significant wear or degradation in their ability to size cases or seat bullets accurately.

Maintenance has been minimal, requiring only a light wipe-down and occasional application of a firearm lubricant to the threads to ensure continued smooth operation. Compared to some other brands I’ve used where dies can develop stiffness or slight inconsistencies over time, this set has been remarkably reliable. For the price, their longevity and continued accuracy are outstanding.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759 is a Pacesetter die set designed for the 6mm Creedmoor caliber. It includes a full-length sizing die and a bullet seating die, along with the corresponding shellholder. Lee’s Pacesetter dies are known for their affordability and carry the same quality as their standard dies, with the key distinction being the absence of a Lee factory crimp die.

This intentional omission is what contributes to the significantly lower price point compared to more comprehensive sets. The full-length sizing die is crucial for restoring fired cases to their original dimensions, ensuring proper chambering and extraction. The bullet seating die is precision-machined to seat bullets to the desired depth, which is critical for consistent chamber pressure and overall accuracy.

For those who don’t require a factory crimp, or who prefer to apply crimps separately if needed, this set offers exceptional value. The 6mm Creedmoor caliber is a popular choice for precision shooting and long-range hunting, and having reliable dies is paramount for handloading this cartridge effectively. The inclusion of the necessary shellholder means the set is ready to go right out of the box, provided you have a compatible reloading press.

Performance & Functionality

When it comes to the core task of resizing and seating bullets, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759 performs exceptionally well. The full-length sizing die consistently brings fired cases back to precise specifications, making chambering a smooth and reliable process. I experienced no case neck runout issues or over-sizing, which can plague lesser quality dies.

The bullet seating die is equally impressive, providing a clean, consistent seating of bullets. This is vital for accuracy, as slight variations in seating depth can lead to significant changes in bullet performance downrange. The die offers a good tactile feel, allowing for precise adjustments and repeatable results, batch after batch.

Its primary strength lies in its no-frills approach to reloading. It provides the two essential dies that most reloaders will use for the vast majority of their work, and it does so with remarkable accuracy and consistency. The main drawback, as implied by its design, is the lack of the factory crimp die, which some reloaders may prefer for certain applications, particularly with semi-automatic firearms or where heavy recoil is a concern. However, for bolt-action rifles like mine, this omission has had no negative impact on performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these Lee dies is purely functional, prioritizing robust construction and ease of use. The steel construction feels solid and durable, promising years of reliable service. The knurled rings on the dies provide sufficient grip for adjustments, even with slightly greasy hands after a long session at the bench.

Ergonomically, they are designed to be locked into a standard reloading press ram. Once installed, their operation is smooth and predictable. The seating die features a clear, graduated scale for precise depth adjustments, which I found incredibly helpful for fine-tuning my loads.

The overall feel is one of dependable tooling, not flashy gadgetry. While they may not possess the polished aesthetic of some higher-end dies, their straightforward design ensures that they are comfortable and intuitive to operate. The absence of complex mechanisms means fewer potential points of failure.

Durability & Maintenance

From my experience, these Lee dies are built to last. The steel construction resists corrosion and wear, and with proper care, they should provide decades of service. I have subjected them to frequent use, processing hundreds of 6mm Creedmoor cases, and they show no signs of degradation.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down after use, a light application of lubricant on the threads, and proper storage in their original packaging or a die organizer will keep them in peak condition. There are no complex internal parts to worry about.

A key factor in their durability is the absence of extraneous features. This simplicity means fewer parts that can break or wear out. For someone who appreciates equipment that simply works and keeps working, these dies are a superb choice.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759 set comes complete with the essential components for reloading the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge: a full-length sizing die, a bullet seating die, and the required shellholder. No additional accessories are included, which is consistent with the Pacesetter line’s focus on core functionality and value.

While Lee does offer optional accessories for their dies, such as different seater plugs for various bullet shapes or micrometer adjustments, these are not part of this particular set. The standard seating die, however, is highly functional and precise enough for most handloaders. The shellholder is a critical component, ensuring proper case alignment within the sizing die.

For those looking to customize, Lee offers a wide range of aftermarket dies and components. However, for the intended user of this set, the included components are sufficient for accurate and effective reloading. The beauty of this set is its self-contained nature for its specific purpose.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759?

This Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759 die set is ideal for the reloader focused on accuracy and efficiency for their 6mm Creedmoor rifle, particularly those who primarily use bolt-action platforms. It is perfect for the home reloader who understands their specific needs and doesn’t require the added cost of a factory crimp die. It’s an excellent choice for new reloaders looking to invest in their first quality die set without breaking the bank.

Individuals who require a factory crimp, perhaps for heavy recoil scenarios or semi-automatic firearms where case neck tension is critical, should look at Lee’s full Deluxe die sets or those from other manufacturers. Those seeking advanced features like micrometer adjustments will also need to consider premium options or aftermarket upgrades. For basic, reliable, and accurate reloading of the 6mm Creedmoor, however, this set is hard to beat.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90759 die set is a prime example of Lee Precision’s commitment to providing high-quality reloading tools at an accessible price. For the handloader focusing on precision and consistency with their 6mm Creedmoor, this set delivers outstanding performance. It excels at the two most critical tasks: sizing fired brass and seating bullets accurately.

The value proposition is undeniable; you receive the core functionality of expensive die sets without the premium cost associated with features you might not even use. While the omission of a factory crimp die might be a consideration for some, for the typical bolt-action rifle shooter, it’s a non-issue. I would personally recommend this set to any experienced or aspiring reloader seeking a dependable, accurate, and economically sound solution for their 6mm Creedmoor ammunition needs. It’s a no-nonsense tool that simply gets the job done, exceptionally well.