Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″ Review

The One Thing I Didn’t Expect from the Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″

For years, my reloading bench has been a curated collection of tools, each chosen for its reliability and effectiveness in producing accurate ammunition. When I decided to venture into sizing my own cast bullets for specific rifle calibers, I knew I needed a dependable kit. The Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″ caught my eye not for its bells and whistles, but for its straightforward design and the reputation of the Lee brand for providing functional, no-nonsense reloading equipment. My existing sizing dies were from other manufacturers, but the need for a specific .278” diameter for a particular wildcat cartridge meant a new solution was in order.

The initial impression upon receiving the kit was one of robust utility. It’s not flashy, but the materials felt substantial, promising longevity and consistent performance. I’d considered some more expensive, standalone sizing machines, but for the infrequent nature of this particular sizing task, a press-mounted solution seemed far more practical and cost-effective. My immediate feeling was one of quiet satisfaction; this looked like a tool that would simply work, without fuss.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″ to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing ground for the Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″ was my dedicated reloading workshop, a space accustomed to the clatter of case tumblers and the scent of case lube. The first bullets I ran through it were cast from a common alloy and were slightly oversized from the mould. I mounted the die into my standard 7/8 x 14 threaded reloading press, loaded the bullet, and pulled the lever. The operation was surprisingly smooth, with minimal resistance as the bullet was pushed through the die. The process was intuitive; once the die was set up correctly, it was simply a matter of feeding bullets.

I tested the kit under varying conditions, primarily focusing on repeated use over several reloading sessions. Dust and metal shavings are constant companions in my workshop, and this sizing kit handled them without issue. The critical factor was consistent sizing, and after a dozen bullets, then fifty, and then over a hundred, the results remained remarkably uniform. There were no leaks of the sizing lubricant, and the die maintained its integrity throughout.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of periodic use, the Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″ has proven to be a reliable workhorse. It has consistently sized bullets without noticeable degradation in performance. The die shows only minor cosmetic wear, mostly on the die’s exterior from handling and mounting.

Durability seems excellent for its intended purpose. I haven’t encountered any cracks, the sizing orifice remains perfectly round, and the mechanism for lubricating the bullets continues to function as intended. Cleaning is straightforward: a quick wipe-down with a solvent-soaked rag after use is usually sufficient. For more stubborn lubricant residue, a soft brush can easily clear any build-up.

Compared to other sizing dies I’ve used, this Lee offering sits comfortably in the mid-range. It doesn’t possess the hyper-precision of some boutique manufacturers, but it significantly outperforms generic dies and is vastly more convenient than manual sizing methods. It’s a tool that, once set up, you can largely forget about, trusting it to do its job accurately.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″

Specifications

The Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″ is a compact and functional unit designed for reloading presses with a standard 7/8 x 14 thread. Its primary function is to lubricate and size cast bullets to a precise 0.278 in diameter. The kit includes the sizing die itself, a push-through lubricant die, and typically comes with a case of Lee‘s proprietary sizing lube.

The Steel & Plastic construction ensures durability for the die body and its internal components, while the lubricant reservoir, often a plastic component, holds a sufficient amount for many sizing sessions. The 7/8 x 14 threading is the industry standard for most reloading presses, making this kit exceptionally versatile across different brands and models. This specific diameter, 0.278 in, is crucial for handloaders seeking to achieve optimal accuracy with cast bullets in certain rifle cartridges where this precise diameter is required for proper bore fit.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″ is to resize cast bullets to a specific diameter and simultaneously apply a lubricant. It excels at this task, consistently reducing bullet diameter and ensuring a thin, even coat of lube. The built-in lubrication system is a significant advantage, eliminating the need for separate lubing steps before sizing, which saves considerable time and mess.

Its main strength lies in its efficiency and the accuracy it imparts to cast bullets. Bullets sized to 0.278 in with this kit show excellent uniformity, leading to improved accuracy downrange. A potential weakness, though minor, is that the lubricant applied can sometimes be a bit sticky if too much is used, requiring a light wipe-down of the sized bullets before further handling.

Overall, the performance meets and often exceeds expectations for a kit at this price point. It effectively bridges the gap between manually lubing and sizing and more complex, automated systems. The Lee kit delivers reliable sizing and lubrication without demanding extensive user intervention.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″ is classic Lee: utilitarian, robust, and practical. The sizing die is a substantial piece of machined steel, and the lubricant die is equally well-constructed. The overall feel is one of dependable quality, designed to withstand the rigors of regular reloading use.

Ergonomically, the kit is straightforward to set up and operate. Once threaded into the press, its operation relies entirely on the press’s lever action. The lubrication mechanism, typically a simple push rod, is easy to engage and disengage. There’s no steep learning curve, making it accessible even for those new to bullet sizing.

The markings on the die are clear and easy to read, aiding in correct setup and alignment. The integrated lubricant system means fewer separate parts to handle, simplifying the reloading process. It’s a design that prioritizes function over form, and in that regard, it’s highly successful.

Durability & Maintenance

This sizing kit is built for longevity. The hardened steel sizing die is resistant to wear and deformation, and the plastic components of the lubricant system are also quite durable. Under normal reloading conditions, it’s likely to last for many thousands of bullets.

Maintenance is minimal. After each session, it’s advisable to wipe down the die and push rod to remove any residue. Periodically, the lubricant reservoir may need refilling. The simplicity of the design means there are very few parts that can break or fail.

The primary maintenance concern would be ensuring the sizing orifice remains clean and free of lead or lube build-up. A quick clean with a solvent-soaked patch is usually all that’s needed. Its straightforward construction means that any potential failure points are easily identifiable and often repairable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″ typically comes as a complete package for its core function. It includes the sizing die, the lubricant die, and usually a small quantity of Lee‘s specialized sizing lubricant. Lee Precision offers a wide range of sizing dies in various calibers and diameters, so while this specific kit is for .278″, other diameters can be purchased separately.

There are no significant customization options for the kit itself beyond ensuring you have the correct lubricant for your specific bullet alloy and desired performance. However, its compatibility with the standard 7/8 x 14 thread means it will integrate seamlessly with virtually any standard reloading press. While no additional accessories are typically included or required for its basic operation, a sturdy reloading press and appropriate case lube for resizing brass are, of course, essential components of the overall reloading setup.

Pros and Cons of Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″

Who Should Buy Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″?

This kit is an excellent choice for reloaders who cast their own bullets and need to achieve a specific diameter, particularly 0.278 in, for their rifle cartridges. It’s ideal for hobbyists and semi-serious handloaders who are looking to improve the accuracy of their cast bullet loads without investing in expensive, dedicated sizing equipment. Anyone already comfortable using a standard reloading press and looking to streamline their bullet preparation process will find this kit invaluable.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who require sterile, medical-grade equipment or are looking for an automated, high-volume bullet sizing solution. If you only shoot jacketed bullets or cast bullets that don’t require resizing, this kit would be unnecessary. For those needing ultra-precision for competitive long-range shooting with cast bullets, more advanced, micrometer-adjustable sizing dies might be a better, albeit more expensive, investment.

A must-have complementary item for this kit is a good quality reloading press that can provide consistent leverage. It’s also beneficial to have a soft cloth or paper towels on hand for wiping down sized bullets if the integrated lubrication system applies a bit too much lube.

Conclusion on Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″

The Lee Lube & Sizing Kit .278″ is a testament to Lee‘s philosophy of providing effective, practical, and affordable reloading tools. It successfully combines the critical steps of bullet sizing and lubrication into a single, efficient operation that integrates seamlessly with standard reloading presses. For the price of $39.99, the value proposition is outstanding, offering reliable performance and durability that far exceeds its cost.

I would personally recommend this kit to any handloader who needs to size cast bullets to a precise 0.278 in diameter. It simplifies a tedious process, improves bullet consistency, and ultimately contributes to more accurate reloaded ammunition. If you’re looking to get the most out of your cast bullets and are already equipped with a reloading press, this kit is a smart, effective, and budget-friendly addition to your bench.