Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 Review

Testing the Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678: What You Need to Know

For those venturing into the nuanced world of cartridge reloading, especially for less common or classic calibers, the right tooling is paramount. The Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 emerges as a compelling option, aiming to deliver Lee’s signature value without the premium price tag often associated with specialized dies. This particular set promises the core functionality needed to size and seat bullets for the 7mm Shooting Times Westerner cartridge, a wildcat with a dedicated following.

My journey to this set of dies began with a desire to revisit a cartridge I hadn’t loaded in years but held fond memories of. The 7mm STW, with its potent performance, deserved to be brought back into regular rotation. Finding reliable and affordable dies for such a caliber can often be a challenge, pushing many enthusiasts towards more expensive, boutique manufacturers. Lee’s approach with their “Limited Production” line, however, suggested a way to achieve this without breaking the bank.

Upon arrival, the packaging was typical Lee: functional and no-frills. Inside, the dies themselves felt robust, exhibiting the familiar, no-nonsense manufacturing characteristic of the brand. The included shellholder, a crucial component for proper operation, felt solid and well-machined. It wasn’t the most aesthetically refined set I’d ever handled, but that’s never been the primary concern for me when it comes to reloading tools. Lee’s reputation for producing effective, no-nonsense equipment at accessible price points made me cautiously optimistic.

In considering alternatives, I’d looked at offerings from Redding and RCBS, which are undeniably excellent but often command a significantly higher price, especially for less common calibers. The allure of the Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 was its explicit promise of quality paired with affordability, a combination that’s hard to ignore. My initial feeling was one of quiet anticipation; I was ready to see if Lee had delivered on its promise for this specific, limited-run caliber.

First Use Experience

My initial foray with the Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 took place on my reloading bench, a familiar sanctuary of precision and patience. The task at hand was straightforward: re-sizing spent brass and seating new projectiles for my trusty 7mm STW rifle. Setting up the dies in my press was a familiar process, requiring minimal fuss.

The sizing die performed its duty with satisfying efficiency, bringing the fired brass back to spec without undue force or strain on the press. There was a noticeable smoothness in the operation, which is always a good indicator of quality in die manufacturing. Similarly, the seating die allowed for precise control over bullet depth, a critical factor for consistent accuracy and safe chambering.

The included shellholder fit snugly into the press, providing the necessary support during the resizing operation. I encountered no binding or extraneous movement, which can be a common issue with lower-quality shellholders. All in all, the first use was remarkably uneventful, which, in the reloading world, is the highest compliment one can give. It simply worked as intended, performing its fundamental tasks without any hitches.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past few months, I’ve put these Lee dies through their paces, loading several hundred rounds of 7mm STW ammunition. This extended use has taken place in a variety of conditions, from the controlled environment of my workshop to the more demanding conditions of a dusty outdoor range. The dies have consistently performed without any noticeable degradation in their functionality.

Durability has proven to be a strong suit. Despite repeated cycles of resizing and seating, there are no visible signs of wear, such as galling or excessive scratching on the die bodies. The threads remain clean and precise, ensuring easy adjustment and setup. Even after being inadvertently exposed to a light dusting from a nearby construction project, a simple wipe-down with a clean cloth restored them to their pristine state.

Maintenance has been refreshingly simple. A light application of a quality resizing lubricant on the cases before entering the sizing die, and an occasional cleaning of the die interiors with a brass brush and solvent, is all that’s required. This set has certainly held its own against my experiences with more expensive die sets, particularly in its consistent ability to produce well-formed cartridges. It offers the reliability one expects from premium tools, but at a fraction of the cost.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678

The Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 is a two-die set designed to bring fired brass back to its original dimensions and seat bullets to the desired depth. It’s important to note that, as indicated by its “Limited Production” status, this set intentionally omits the Lee Factory Crimp Die, which is often included in their full Pacesetter sets. This omission is a key factor in its reduced price point and reflects its target audience: reloaders who understand their needs and may already possess a separate crimp die or prefer to control crimping independently.

Specifications

This set includes a full-length sizing die and a bullet seating die. The sizing die is meticulously machined to return fired cases to factory dimensions, ensuring proper chambering. Its internal configuration is designed to handle the specific case taper of the 7mm STW cartridge.

The accompanying bullet seating die features an adjustable seating stem, allowing for precise control over the cartridge’s overall length. This is crucial for optimizing a rifle’s performance and ensuring reliable feeding from the magazine. The set comes complete with a dedicated shellholder, number 3, specifically designed for the 7mm STW case head. This ensures a perfect fit and stable support during the resizing process.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of any reloading die set is to reliably produce safe and accurate ammunition, and these Lee dies excel at that. The full-length sizing die effectively restores the case shoulder and removes any case bulge, preparing them for reliable chambering. The bullet seating die provides consistent depth control, allowing for the creation of rounds with uniform seating depth.

A notable strength is the smoothness of operation. There’s a lack of gritty feel or resistance when working the press, which translates to more precise control and less wear on both the dies and the press itself. The primary benefit here is the ability to produce ammunition that rivals much more expensive alternatives, especially considering the price point of $54.59. While it doesn’t include a factory crimp die, for many experienced reloaders, this is not a drawback but rather an intentional feature that keeps costs down.

Design & Ergonomics

Lee’s design philosophy is one of function over form, and this set is a perfect example. The dies are constructed from hardened steel, giving them a substantial feel and promising longevity. The knurled surfaces on the die bodies provide adequate grip for adjustments, even with slightly greasy hands.

The thread patterns are standard, making them compatible with most common reloading presses. The seating die’s adjustable seating stem is easy to manipulate, and its alignment mechanism appears robust. While they may not possess the polished finish of some premium brands, their utilitarian design is practical and built to withstand the rigors of regular reloading sessions.

Durability & Maintenance

The hardened steel construction of these dies strongly suggests a long service life. I’ve seen Lee dies from decades ago still perform flawlessly, and this set appears to be built to the same standard. Under normal use, and with basic maintenance, these dies should last a lifetime.

Cleaning is straightforward: a quick wipe-down after use, and an occasional deeper clean with a suitable solvent and a brass brush for the sizing die’s internals. I recommend keeping them stored in their original packaging or a dedicated die box to prevent dust and debris accumulation. There are no obvious points of failure, like delicate springs or intricate mechanisms, which further enhances their perceived durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 comes with the essentials: the sizing die, the seating die, and the dedicated shellholder. As noted, it does not include a Factory Crimp Die. This is by design, and Lee offers their Factory Crimp Dies as separate purchases if desired.

The bullet seating die features an adjustable seating stem, which is a form of built-in customization for setting precise bullet depths. Beyond that, the dies are standard threaded components and are compatible with various die adjustment rings and lock rings found on most reloading presses. While there are no other included accessories, the base set provides everything necessary to perform the core reloading tasks for this specific caliber.

Pros and Cons of Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678

Who Should Buy Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678?

This set is ideal for experienced handloaders who are looking to reload for the 7mm STW cartridge and are conscious of budget. If you already have a Lee Factory Crimp Die or prefer a separate crimping step, this set is perfect. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who appreciates Lee’s philosophy of providing functional tools at an accessible price point.

Those who are new to reloading and seeking a complete, all-in-one kit might want to consider a full Pacesetter set that includes the crimp die. Similarly, if you demand highly polished finishes, intricate design features, or specialized tolerances that only the most premium brands offer, you might look elsewhere. However, for practical, effective reloading of the 7mm STW, these dies are an excellent choice.

I would suggest pairing these dies with a quality reloading press, a powder measure, scales, and appropriate primers and bullets. Having a separate Factory Crimp Die from Lee or another manufacturer would be beneficial if you specifically want that feature. Ensuring you have accurate load data for the 7mm STW is also critical, as it is a high-performance cartridge.

Conclusion on Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678

The Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 stands as a testament to Lee Precision’s ability to deliver core reloading functionality at an incredibly competitive price. For reloaders venturing into the 7mm STW, this set offers a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective solution for sizing brass and seating bullets. It provides the essential tools needed to produce accurate ammunition without unnecessary frills or excessive cost.

The value proposition is undeniable; you receive durable, well-functioning dies and the necessary shellholder for a fraction of what many competitors would charge for a similar caliber. While the intentional omission of the factory crimp die means it’s not an “all-in-one” solution for every reloader, it significantly lowers the entry cost for those who understand their specific needs. Its performance in extended use has been consistently impressive, with no degradation in quality or precision.

I would absolutely recommend this set to experienced handloaders who want to reload the 7mm STW. It’s a practical, no-nonsense tool that gets the job done effectively. If you are looking to bring this potent cartridge back into your shooting rotation without a significant financial outlay, the Lee Limited Production 7MM STW Dies W/Shellholder 90678 is a smart and dependable choice. Just be mindful of its limited production status; if you see it available, it’s wise to act.