Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf Review

Here’s What You’ll Love (or Not) About the Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of reloading tools. The Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf arrived on my workbench during a period where I was expanding my capabilities for some truly robust rifle platforms. I needed a reliable set of dies for a specific large-caliber project, and after sifting through some mixed online feedback, I decided to give this Lee offering a shot. My initial impression upon unboxing was that of no-frills functionality; the steel construction felt solid, typical of Lee Precision’s utilitarian approach. While I briefly considered some higher-end alternatives, their price point was significantly higher, and for this particular application, the Lee set seemed like the most pragmatic choice. My first reaction was one of cautious optimism, a feeling that this set might just deliver on its promise of effective reloading for a niche caliber.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf to the Test

My initial testing for this die set took place right at my reloading bench, a familiar environment where precision and consistency are paramount. I ran several batches of .50 Beowulf cartridges, focusing on accuracy and ease of operation throughout the resizing and seating processes. The conditions were standard workshop temperatures, with no extreme environmental factors to contend with, allowing for a clear evaluation of the dies’ core performance.

The ease of use was, for the most part, intuitive. The standard threading for die bodies and the familiar seating depth adjustments meant I was up and running quickly. However, the lack of carbide sizing meant that case lubrication was not just recommended, but absolutely critical to prevent any sticking or galling. I found that applying a thin, consistent coat of case lube was the key to a smooth resizing operation, avoiding any surprises or snags.

First Use Experience

My first real immersion with the Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf was on my dedicated reloading bench in a climate-controlled workshop. I was working with newly purchased brass cases, some of which had a slight ding from shipping, providing a good initial stress test for the resizing die. The process of resizing, expanding the case mouth, seating the bullet, and applying a taper crimp was straightforward, albeit requiring a bit more physical effort than with carbide dies for smaller calibers.

The primary condition I tested was the effectiveness of each die’s function through multiple cycles. I ensured proper case lubrication was applied before each resizing pass. This careful application of lube prevented any case rim damage or sticking within the sizing die.

The dies felt intuitive from the start, largely due to my prior experience with Lee’s die systems. The adjustments for bullet seating depth and crimp were standard and easy to manipulate. There wasn’t a significant learning curve, beyond remembering the necessity of case lubrication due to the steel construction.

My only initial surprise was how much lubricant was truly necessary for the steel sizing die to function flawlessly. A light wipe wasn’t enough; a more thorough, consistent coating was the only way to ensure smooth operation and prevent any case damage.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several hundred rounds loaded with this die set, its reliability has proven to be quite solid, provided the lubrication protocol is maintained. The consistent performance across multiple reloading sessions speaks to its robust design for the .50 Beowulf cartridge. It has become a staple for my .50 Beowulf reloading tasks.

Durability has been good so far. There are no visible signs of significant wear and tear, such as cracking or deformation, on the steel dies. The threads remain clean, and the internal surfaces still appear smooth and well-machined.

Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each session and a light application of oil to the threads is all that’s needed. Keeping them clean and dry is paramount, especially given they are not made of carbide. Any residual brass shavings or powder residue should be meticulously removed to prevent abrasive action.

Compared to my experiences with other die sets, both higher-end and budget, this Lee set falls squarely in the “effective workhorse” category. It doesn’t offer the effortless glide of a carbide sizing die, but for the price, its performance is excellent. It’s a tool that requires a bit more user diligence in terms of lubrication but rewards that effort with consistent results.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf

The Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf is a comprehensive package designed to handle the specific needs of reloading this powerful rifle cartridge. It includes all the essential dies required for a complete reloading process, from sizing fired cases to seating and crimping new bullets. The materials used and the design philosophy are typical of Lee Precision: functional, durable, and budget-conscious.

Specifications

This set includes four essential steel dies for the .50 Beowulf caliber. These are the Full Length Sizing Die, the Bullet Seating Die, the Powder Thru Expanding Die, and the Taper Crimp Die. It also comes with a Universal Shell Holder and instructions.

The Full Length Sizing Die is crucial for returning spent brass cases to their correct dimensions, ensuring they will chamber properly in your firearm. Its steel construction necessitates the use of case lubricant, a critical step for smooth operation and preventing case damage. This die is designed to resize the entire case, including the rim, which is vital for reliable extraction and feeding.

The Bullet Seating Die is responsible for seating the projectile into the case mouth at the precise depth required for accurate and safe shooting. It features an adjustable stem for setting the desired overall cartridge length, allowing for fine-tuning of your reloads. This ensures consistency from round to round, which is a hallmark of quality handloads.

The Powder Thru Expanding Die performs two functions: it expands the case mouth sufficiently to accept a bullet without damage, and it also has a provision for drop-through powder charging. This feature can streamline the reloading process by allowing powder to be dispensed directly through the die as the case is expanded. The expansion step is critical for preventing damage to the bullet’s base and ensuring proper alignment when seating.

Finally, the Taper Crimp Die is used to apply a slight taper crimp to the case mouth. This helps secure the bullet in place, preventing it from backing out under recoil and ensuring reliable feeding. A proper crimp is essential for cartridges that will be subjected to significant magazine spring pressure or recoil impulse.

The inclusion of a Universal Shell Holder means this die set is compatible with most standard reloading presses, simplifying setup. The Steel Construction throughout the dies is a key characteristic; while it requires diligence with case lubrication, it contributes to the overall durability and longevity of the set. These specifications collectively address the core requirements for safely and effectively reloading the .50 Beowulf cartridge.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, the Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf performs admirably, with a clear caveat regarding lubrication. The Full Length Sizing Die effectively brings fired cases back to spec, though it demands careful and consistent application of case lube. Without it, you risk case mouth damage or, worse, the case sticking within the die.

The Bullet Seating Die is precise. It allows for easy adjustment of the bullet seating depth, and once set, it consistently seats bullets to that depth across multiple cases. This consistency is crucial for developing accurate reloads.

The Powder Thru Expanding Die works as intended, reliably expanding the case mouth for bullet insertion. I found its design straightforward and effective for this purpose, facilitating a smooth transition to the seating die.

The Taper Crimp Die applies a clean, consistent crimp that holds bullets securely. This is important for the .50 Beowulf, as proper crimping prevents bullet setback and ensures reliable chambering. The dies collectively allow for the creation of safe and functional ammunition.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf is purely utilitarian, a characteristic often found in Lee Precision products. The dies are made from robust steel, giving them a substantial feel and indicating good material strength. The knurled portion at the top of each die provides a decent grip for making adjustments, even with slightly lubricated hands.

The overall build quality feels solid and dependable, designed for longevity rather than aesthetic appeal. There are no fancy embellishments, just straightforward machining focused on functionality. The threading is clean and precise, allowing the dies to screw smoothly into my reloading press.

Ergonomically, the dies are comfortable enough to handle during the reloading process. The machining is not polished to a mirror finish, but it’s smooth enough not to cause discomfort. The primary ergonomic consideration is the need to apply case lube, which adds a step but is manageable. The adjustments on the seating and crimp dies are intuitive and easy to manipulate.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their steel construction, these dies are built for durability under normal reloading conditions. I anticipate they will last for many thousands of rounds with proper care. The primary maintenance concern is preventing rust and ensuring the internal surfaces remain free of debris.

Cleaning after each reloading session involves wiping down the dies with a dry cloth and perhaps a light application of a rust-inhibiting oil on the exterior threads. Keeping the dies clean and storing them in a dry environment is crucial for their longevity. Any neglect could lead to rust or buildup that compromises their performance.

A potential point of failure, common to all dies, would be cross-threading or forcing a die into place. However, with their precise machining, this is unlikely unless significant user error occurs. The steel construction itself is inherently robust and resistant to damage from typical reloading forces.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf comes with a Universal Shell Holder, which is a practical addition that enhances its immediate usability with many presses. Instructions are also included, which are straightforward and easy to follow for those familiar with reloading basics.

While the die set itself is comprehensive for basic reloading, there are no other significant accessories included. Customization options are limited to the standard adjustments within each die for seating depth and crimp. For instance, the seating die allows for precise control over bullet depth, and the taper crimp die can be adjusted for desired crimp strength.

It’s worth noting that Lee Precision offers separate dies for neck sizing or for different crimp styles if those become necessary for specific reloading goals. However, for the standard process of loading .50 Beowulf cartridges, this four-die set is entirely sufficient and self-contained.

Pros and Cons of Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf

Who Should Buy Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf?

This Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf is an excellent choice for the experienced handloader who is looking to reload this specific, powerful rifle cartridge. It’s ideal for those who already understand the importance of case lubrication for steel dies and are comfortable sourcing their own load data. The value proposition is particularly strong for individuals who reload this caliber regularly and are seeking a cost-effective, durable solution.

Conversely, this die set might not be the best fit for someone completely new to reloading, especially if they are accustomed to the convenience of carbide dies. A novice might find the added step of case lubrication cumbersome or overlook its necessity, potentially leading to frustration. Those who prioritize absolute “out-of-the-box” simplicity without any extra steps might prefer a more expensive carbide option if available for this caliber.

For those who decide on this set, I’d recommend ensuring you have a quality case lubricant and a reliable source for .50 Beowulf load data, such as a reputable reloading manual or manufacturer’s data. Having a good set of digital calipers is also always advisable for precise bullet seating depth verification.

Conclusion on Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf

The Lee 4-die Rifle Set .50 Beowulf delivers solid performance and exceptional value for its intended purpose. While the steel construction necessitates a bit more user attention in the form of case lubrication, this is a minor trade-off for the significant cost savings compared to other options. The set is comprehensive, containing all the essential dies needed to produce reliable .50 Beowulf ammunition.

Considering its price point and the quality of reloads it enables, this die set offers excellent value for money. It’s a workhorse tool that, with proper care and technique, will serve a handloader well for many years. I would personally recommend this set to any handloader looking to get into reloading the .50 Beowulf cartridge who is prepared to follow best practices regarding case preparation. It’s a functional, no-nonsense tool that gets the job done right.