Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 Review

The Story of My Time with the Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717

When it comes to precision reloading, especially for classic calibers like the .303 British, attention to detail is paramount. This is precisely why I found myself drawn to the Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717. It promised a unique approach to neck sizing using a collet mechanism, which is often touted for its case longevity and accuracy enhancement. My goal was to achieve more consistent neck tension and reduce case stretching, issues that can plague older brass or cases fired in multiple rifles.

What led me to this specific die set was a desire to extract the utmost accuracy from my Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk 1, a rifle I cherish for its history and surprising potential. I was experiencing flyers that I suspected were due to inconsistent neck sizing with my standard full-length sizing die. The promise of a collet system, which inherently avoids working the entire case neck and shoulder area, seemed like the perfect solution for this particular cartridge and rifle combination.

Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of no-nonsense utility, typical of Lee Precision products. The set arrived complete, including the critical collet neck sizing die, a dead length bullet seating die, a shell holder, a powder measure, a charge table, and a sturdy storage box. The collet die itself felt robust, with its knurled body offering a good grip, and the mandrel looked precisely machined. There was no overt flashiness, just the solid, functional design that Lee has built its reputation on.

In my search, I had considered other brands that offered neck sizing dies, but many were significantly more expensive or lacked the integrated approach that Lee often provides, especially with their comprehensive die sets. The inclusion of a powder measure and shell holder in this package for the price point made the Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 a compelling value proposition that was hard to ignore.

My first impression was one of quiet anticipation. I wasn’t expecting luxury, but I was hoping for performance that matched the claims. The simplicity of the design suggested that if it worked as intended, it would become an indispensable part of my reloading bench.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my dedicated reloading bench, a sanctuary of sorts, where precision is the name of the game. I began by de-priming and resizing a batch of once-fired .303 British brass. The process was straightforward: insert the sized case into the collet die, close the die’s adjusting ring until snug, and then operate the press handle.

The collet action was smooth, and I felt a distinct tightening around the case neck without any undue force required. I immediately measured the neck diameter and then the run-out of a seated bullet in a sized case. The results were promising; the run-out was significantly reduced compared to cases sized with my previous die.

I tested the set across various conditions. I ran batches of brass that had been fired multiple times, some showing slight case stretching, and the collet die handled them with grace. I also tested it in cooler workshop temperatures, and the die performed consistently, without any noticeable stiffness or change in operation.

Ease of use was a strong point from the get-go. The instructions provided with the die set were clear, and the operation of the collet die, in particular, was intuitive. There was no complex setup or adjustment beyond setting the die body to the correct height in the press.

One minor quirk I noticed initially was ensuring the collet was properly seated before applying pressure. A slight misalignment could lead to uneven sizing, but this was easily rectified with careful attention during the process. Overall, the first-time use was efficient and delivered a noticeable improvement in case neck consistency.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, resizing hundreds of .303 British cases, this Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 has proven its mettle. It has become my go-to for .303 British brass preparation, and I haven’t looked back. The die continues to perform with the same precision as day one.

Durability has been excellent. Despite being made from steel, there are no visible signs of significant wear on the collet mechanism or the resizing mandrel. The die body remains unmarred, and the threads are still crisp. I haven’t encountered any stiffness, sticking, or performance degradation, even after being exposed to the usual workshop dust.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after use, and an occasional light application of case lubricant inside the collet mechanism and on the mandrel, is all that’s needed. The included storage box is also a boon, keeping all the components together and protected.

Compared to my previous experiences with standard full-length sizing dies, this collet die set unequivocally outperforms in terms of case longevity and potential accuracy. While other specialized neck sizing dies exist, for the price and the completeness of the set, Lee has hit a home run here. The cases genuinely feel less stressed, and I anticipate getting many more reloads out of each piece of brass.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717

Specifications

The Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 is designed to offer a comprehensive reloading solution for the .303 British cartridge. The set includes a Collet Neck Sizing Die, which is the star of the show, employing a collet that squeezes the case neck against a precision-ground mandrel for accurate sizing. This method is distinct from conventional sizing dies, which push the entire case neck against a button.

Also included is a Dead Length Bullet Seating Die, ensuring bullets are seated to a consistent depth relative to the case head. A Shell Holder specific to the .303 British case rim is provided, crucial for proper case feeding into the die. The set is rounded out with a Powder Measure and a Charge Table, offering basic but functional powder handling capabilities for beginners. A dedicated Storage Box keeps all these components organized and protected.

These specifications matter significantly for reloaders. The Collet Neck Sizing Die‘s core function directly impacts accuracy and case life. By only sizing the neck, it minimizes stress on the case shoulder and body, leading to longer case life and reducing the risk of case head separation over multiple firings. The Dead Length Bullet Seating Die is critical for achieving consistent overall cartridge length, a key factor in rifle accuracy and reliable chambering. The inclusion of the powder measure and charge table makes this set a near-complete starter kit for someone looking to reload this caliber.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this die set is to produce accurate and consistent ammunition, and it excels at this. The Collet Neck Sizing Die consistently sizes case necks to within a very tight tolerance. This leads to less run-out when seating bullets, a direct contributor to better ballistic consistency and tighter groups on the target.

A significant strength of this set is the case life extension. My .303 British brass, which previously showed signs of stretching after only a few reloads, now feels much more robust after going through the collet sizing process. The ability to seat bullets so they almost touch the rifling, as the product description suggests, is also readily achievable, further enhancing accuracy potential.

The only perceived weakness, if it can even be called that, is that the included powder measure, while functional, isn’t a high-precision bench rest instrument. For those seeking extreme accuracy, a separate, more sophisticated powder dispenser might be a future upgrade. However, for the intended purpose and the price point, its performance is more than adequate.

Design & Ergonomics

The design philosophy of Lee Precision is clearly evident here: utilitarian and functional. The Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 features robust steel construction with a durable, matte finish. The knurled surfaces on the collet die provide an excellent grip, even with slightly greasy hands.

Ergonomically, the dies are comfortable to work with during the reloading process. The seating die features a knurled adjustment ring for fine-tuning bullet depth, and the ram stroke is smooth. There’s a slight learning curve to ensure the collet die is correctly adjusted to just touch the case neck without over-working it, but this is minor and quickly mastered.

Practical design elements include the clear markings on the die bodies, indicating their purpose and caliber. The overall feel is one of solid engineering, built for the task without unnecessary frills. It’s a tool designed to be used, not just looked at.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 is built to last. The hardened steel components suggest excellent longevity under normal reloading conditions. I haven’t experienced any failure points, nor do I anticipate any in the near future.

Maintenance is blessedly simple. A light wipe-down after each reloading session with a soft cloth prevents dust and debris buildup. Periodically, a very light application of case lube or a quality gun oil inside the collet mechanism and on the sizing mandrel keeps everything running smoothly. There are no complex parts to disassemble or clean, making upkeep a non-issue.

The main concern for any reloading die set is ensuring the threads remain clean and undamaged. Storing the dies properly in their designated slots within the included box is key to preventing damage to these crucial interfaces.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 comes as a remarkably complete package. The included Powder Measure is a functional, albeit basic, tool that gets the job done. The Charge Table is a helpful guide for common powder loads.

While Lee doesn’t typically offer extensive customization for individual die bodies themselves, the set’s strength lies in its completeness. The shell holder is specific to the .303 British, and the dies are caliber-specific. For those looking to expand, the real customization comes in pairing this set with other reloading components like premium primers, various bullet types, and potentially a more sophisticated powder scale or dispenser down the line. However, for the core task of sizing and seating, this Lee set provides everything needed to start.

Pros and Cons of Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717

Who Should Buy Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717?

This die set is an ideal choice for the dedicated .303 British reloader who prioritizes accuracy and case longevity. It’s perfect for shooters who have a rifle chambered in this caliber and want to extract the best possible performance from their ammunition without unnecessarily stressing their brass. If you find yourself frequently retiring .303 brass due to case stretching or are seeking to tighten up your groups, this set is a compelling investment.

However, individuals who require or prefer full-length resizing, especially for cases fired in multiple rifles with varying chamber dimensions, might find this set limiting as their sole sizing solution. Those just starting out with reloading and needing a universal set for many calibers might also want to consider a more general-purpose die. For those focused on .303 British, it’s fantastic.

To make the most of this set, I’d recommend pairing it with a good quality digital caliper for precise bullet seating depth measurements and a reliable powder scale for verification, even when using the included measure. A clean reloading bench and quality brass are also essential partners for optimal results.

Conclusion on Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717

The Lee Collet Die Set W/Shellholder For 303 British 90717 is a standout performer that delivers on its promises of enhanced accuracy and dramatically increased case life. For anyone reloading the .303 British, this set represents exceptional value, combining Lee’s innovative collet neck sizing with the essential components needed to get started or to improve an existing reloading process. Its robust construction and straightforward operation make it a joy to use.

Considering its price point and the significant benefits it offers in terms of brass longevity and potential accuracy improvements, the value proposition is undeniably strong. It punches well above its weight class, offering features often found in much more expensive reloading dies.

I wholeheartedly recommend this die set to any .303 British enthusiast looking to refine their handloads. It’s a tool that will serve you faithfully for years, allowing you to coax exceptional accuracy and efficiency from your classic rifle and its ammunition. If you’re serious about reloading this caliber, this Lee set is a smart, effective, and cost-efficient choice.