Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808 Review

My Verdict on the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808

For any serious handloader looking to expand their capabilities or tackle a new caliber, the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808 presents itself as a compelling option. Manufactured by Lee, a name synonymous with accessible yet effective reloading equipment, this set promises to deliver reliable results for the somewhat niche but dedicated .45 Auto Rim cartridge. Its inclusion of carbide dies is a significant draw, offering a maintenance-free sizing experience that appeals to those who value efficiency.

My journey to this particular die set was born out of a desire to delve deeper into historical handgun cartridges. The .45 Auto Rim, with its unique place in firearms history, beckoned, and I needed a reliable and straightforward way to reload for it. While other manufacturers offer reloading dies, Lee‘s reputation for offering robust, no-frills solutions at a reasonable price point led me to their offering. I considered a few other brands, but ultimately, the combination of carbide technology and the complete three-die package made the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808 the clear frontrunner for my reloading bench. My initial impression was one of pragmatic optimism; this set looked like it was built to do a job without unnecessary embellishment.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real dive with the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808 took place on my well-worn reloading bench, bathed in the steady glow of my bench lamp. I was reloading cases that had seen a few cycles already, aiming to assess how smoothly the dies would resize and prepare them for their next life. The set was intuitive from the moment I screwed the dies into my press; the familiar threading and feel of Lee reloading components made the process feel almost second nature. There were no immediate surprises, just the satisfyingly solid engagement of steel on steel and the promise of consistent results.

I subjected the dies to repeated use over a few reloading sessions, cycling through dozens of .45 Auto Rim cases without a hitch. The carbide resizing die performed admirably, requiring no case lubricant, which was a significant time-saver and cleaner process. The powder-through expanding die also worked as expected, providing a consistent flare for bullet seating. Even after a particularly dusty afternoon in the workshop, the dies continued to function smoothly, a testament to their robust design.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808 has proven itself to be a reliable workhorse. The carbide sizing die shows no signs of wear, maintaining its precise dimensions and requiring no case lube, which has been a revelation for my reloading workflow. The seating die, with its built-in crimp, continues to produce consistently seated bullets with the desired crimp, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction.

Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after use is usually all that’s needed. Unlike older steel dies that required diligent oiling to prevent rust, these carbide dies are wonderfully low-maintenance. Compared to some older steel die sets I’ve used in the past, which could become stiff or develop minor issues without constant attention, this Lee set has been a breeze. It’s a set that simply works, time after time, without fuss.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808

Specifications

This Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808 includes three essential dies and a corresponding shellholder, all designed for the .45 Auto Rim cartridge. The set features a carbide sizer die, a powder-through expanding die, and a seater die with a built-in crimp. The manufacturer, Lee, has clearly designed this set for efficiency and ease of use, especially with the inclusion of carbide technology.

The carbide sizer die is a standout feature, eliminating the need for case lubrication, which simplifies the reloading process significantly. The powder-through expanding die doubles as a convenient funnel for powder charges, making it compatible with Lee‘s Auto Disk powder measures or a simple dipper. Finally, the seater die not only seats bullets to the desired depth but also applies a necessary crimp to ensure cartridge integrity, a crucial step for reliable performance in semi-automatic firearms. The included shellholder is precisely machined to match the cartridge dimensions, ensuring proper case support during resizing.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808 is to prepare spent .45 Auto Rim cases for reloading, and it excels at this task. The carbide sizer die reliably brings cases back to spec, ensuring proper chambering of reloaded rounds. The powder-through expanding die consistently flares case mouths, making bullet insertion smooth and preventing damage to the bullet or case.

The seater die performs its dual role admirably; bullet seating is accurate and repeatable, and the integrated crimp provides a secure hold without being overly aggressive. I’ve found that these dies consistently produce rounds that chamber and eject flawlessly in my revolvers chambered for this caliber. The main strength of this set lies in its straightforward functionality and the consistent results it yields.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this die set is typical of Lee reloading products: functional, robust, and built for the task at hand. The carbide sizer die is clearly marked and features a smooth, unadorned finish, a hallmark of carbide tooling. The other dies are similarly well-constructed, with clear markings for their intended purpose.

While not designed for aesthetic flair, the ergonomics are excellent for their intended use. The dies are easy to grip and thread into a reloading press, and the lock rings hold their settings securely. The powder-through expanding die‘s opening is perfectly sized for powder funnels and measures, making powder charging a quick and mess-free operation.

Durability & Maintenance

Lee‘s carbide dies are renowned for their durability, and this set is no exception. The carbide sizer die is exceptionally resistant to wear and corrosion, meaning it should provide consistent performance for a lifetime of reloading. The steel components of the other dies are also well-finished and appear robust enough to withstand regular use.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. For the carbide die, a simple wipe-down after use is sufficient. The other dies benefit from an occasional light application of case lube or oil to ensure smooth operation, but they are far less prone to issues than older-style steel dies. There are no complex parts or mechanisms to worry about; it’s a straightforward, reliable design.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular set comes with the essentials: three dies and one shellholder specific to the .45 Auto Rim. Lee typically offers a wide range of complementary reloading components that can be used with this die set. For instance, their Auto Disk powder measures and various bullet molds would integrate seamlessly.

While the dies themselves are not typically customized in terms of materials, Lee does offer specialized seater dies for specific bullet types if a user required them. However, for the standard loading of the .45 Auto Rim, this three-die set provides all the necessary functionality. The included shellholder is a vital accessory, ensuring correct alignment and support for each case.

Pros and Cons of Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808

Who Should Buy Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808?

This Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808 is an absolute must-have for any handloader dedicated to the .45 Auto Rim cartridge. If you own firearms chambered in this caliber and want to reload your own ammunition, this set offers an unparalleled combination of quality, functionality, and affordability. It’s ideal for both experienced reloaders looking to add this caliber to their repertoire and enthusiastic newcomers who appreciate ease of use.

However, if you are not involved with the .45 Auto Rim cartridge, this die set would be of no use. Those seeking dies for more common calibers will need to look elsewhere. For those who do reload for the .45 Auto Rim, consider pairing this set with a reliable powder measure, such as Lee‘s Auto Disk system, and a good set of digital calipers for precise bullet seating depth checks.

Conclusion on Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808

The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Auto Rimfire 90808 stands out as an exceptional value for anyone venturing into or continuing their reloading journey with the .45 Auto Rim. Its carbide sizing die is a significant convenience, and the combined functionality of the expanding and seating/crimping dies makes for an efficient reloading process. The build quality is solid, and the performance is consistently reliable, yielding ammunition that functions flawlessly.

For its price of $61.49, this set delivers far more than expected, embodying Lee‘s commitment to providing quality reloading tools without exorbitant cost. I wholeheartedly recommend this set to any handloader who uses the .45 Auto Rim. It’s a straightforward, effective, and cost-efficient solution that will serve you well for years to come.