Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117 Review

One Week with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117

For any reloader, maintaining consistent case length is paramount for accurate and safe ammunition. Over time, brass cases stretch, and if not trimmed to specification, they can lead to excessive headspace, poor ignition, and even dangerous pressure spikes. I was on the hunt for a reliable and straightforward solution for my .270 WSM loads, and that’s when the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117 caught my eye. This compact tool promises to simplify a critical step in the reloading process.

My journey to this specific piece of equipment was driven by necessity. I’d noticed some variability in my reloaded .270 WSM ammunition, and after some diligent research, case trimming emerged as a likely culprit. I considered several methods, from basic manual trimmers to more complex electric models, but I was looking for something that offered precision without a steep learning curve or a significant investment of bench space. The allure of a dedicated tool for each caliber, especially from a brand with a long history in reloading, felt like the right path.

Unboxing the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117 was a no-frills affair, which is exactly what I expect and appreciate from reloading components. Inside a simple plastic bag, I found the case length gauge and its corresponding shell holder, both made of hardened steel. The finish was utilitarian – functional rather than flashy. There was a slight greasiness, typical of manufactured steel parts, but nothing a quick wipe-down couldn’t handle.

Before settling on this Lee offering, I’d briefly looked at some universal case trimmers that promised versatility across multiple calibers. However, the thought of fiddling with various collets and adjustments for each cartridge type seemed more cumbersome than I desired for my core calibers. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117, with its dedicated design for the .270 WSM, appealed to my desire for simplicity and specific application. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; it looked like exactly what it claimed to be: a tool built for a specific job, and hopefully, built to do that job well.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117 to the Test

My initial testing took place on my reloading bench, a familiar sanctuary filled with the scent of gunpowder and case lube. I inserted a fired .270 WSM case into the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117’s accompanying shell holder, then attached the case length gauge. The gauge is essentially a pilot that slides into the case mouth, and it has a precisely machined shoulder that stops against the case neck.

The gauge itself is designed to be used with a file or a dedicated case trimmer attachment, ensuring that no matter how you trim, you have a fixed point of reference. I employed a simple bench-mounted case trimmer, sliding the trimmed case over the pilot until it made contact with the gauge’s shoulder. This confirmed that my trimming was consistent and stopped at the correct point. The tool performed flawlessly, providing a clear and unambiguous indicator of when to stop trimming.

After several dozen cases, I experienced no issues. The hardened steel construction of both the gauge and the shell holder felt robust. There was no discernible flex or wobble, even when applying moderate pressure with a file. In terms of ease of use, it was remarkably intuitive. If you can insert a case into a shell holder and hold a file, you can use this tool. The simplicity meant I could focus on the act of trimming itself, rather than wrestling with the measuring device.

Over the subsequent weeks, this set became a regular fixture in my reloading routine for the .270 WSM. I’ve processed well over a hundred cases with it, and the tool shows no signs of wear. The edges of the gauge remain sharp, and the shell holder’s grip on the case rim is as firm as ever. Maintenance is virtually nonexistent; a quick wipe down after use is all that’s required. Compared to the fiddly nature of some adjustable calipers or generic case pilots I’ve used in the past, this dedicated tool is a breath of fresh air. Its reliability has allowed me to consistently produce trimmed cases, leading to more uniform ammunition and peace of mind.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117 is a two-piece set consisting of a case length gauge (pilot) and a dedicated shell holder, specifically designed for the .270 Winchester Short Magnum caliber. Both components are constructed from Hardened Steel, a material chosen for its durability and resistance to wear, which is crucial in the often abrasive world of reloading. The gauge itself features a precisely machined shoulder designed to stop against the case neck, providing an exact reference point for trimming.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the accuracy and safety of your reloaded ammunition. Consistent case length ensures that your resized cases fit within proper headspace limits. The hardened steel construction guarantees that the tool will maintain its precise dimensions over thousands of uses, preventing gradual errors from creeping into your measurements. For a caliber like the .270 WSM, where precision is key for optimal ballistic performance, this level of accuracy from the case length gauge is invaluable.

Performance & Functionality

In its primary function, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117 performs exceptionally well. It provides a definitive stop point for case trimming, enabling users to achieve consistent case lengths time after time. This consistency is vital for ensuring that rounds chamber and eject reliably, and that the case is properly supported during ignition for peak accuracy.

The main strength of this tool lies in its simplicity and specificity. It does one job, and it does it very effectively. There are no complex adjustments or delicate mechanisms to fail. Its drawback, if you can call it that, is that it is caliber-specific, meaning you’ll need a separate set for each cartridge you reload. However, for a dedicated reloader who focuses on a particular caliber, this specificity is actually a significant advantage. It meets expectations by providing a reliable and accurate method for a critical reloading step.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117 is purely functional, embodying a “form follows function” philosophy. The Hardened Steel construction gives both the gauge and the shell holder a solid, substantial feel. There are no extraneous parts or decorative elements, just pure utility.

Ergonomically, the gauge is designed to be held comfortably and used in conjunction with a trimming device. The shoulder provides a clear tactile and visual cue for stopping the trimming process. The shell holder is a standard design that fits well into most reloading presses or manual priming tools, offering a secure grip on the case rim. The precise machining of the gauge’s stopping shoulder is its most important ergonomic feature, as it directly translates to ease of use and accuracy for the reloader.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hardened Steel construction of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117 suggests excellent durability. Given its simple design and the inherent toughness of the material, it is built to last for many years, even with frequent use. I anticipate this tool will endure thousands of cycles without significant degradation in performance.

Maintenance is incredibly straightforward. After each reloading session, a quick wipe down with a dry cloth to remove any brass shavings or lubricant residue is sufficient. Storing it in a dry place, perhaps within a component drawer or a small parts organizer, will prevent any potential for rust, although the hardened steel is fairly resistant to corrosion. There are no apparent failure points, making it a low-maintenance, high-reliability accessory.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117 is a two-piece set that includes the Case Length Gauge and the corresponding Shell Holder. There are no additional accessories included, nor are there any inherent customization options for the gauge or shell holder themselves. Its purpose is singular: to provide a precise reference for trimming .270 WSM cases.

However, this gauge is designed to be used in conjunction with various case trimming methods. This can include a simple file, a power trimmer chucked into a drill press, or Lee’s own Precision Case Trim setup. The gauge acts as the critical measurement stop regardless of the trimming tool employed. While it doesn’t offer customization, its compatibility with a wide range of trimming setups makes it a versatile component within a reloader’s toolkit.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117?

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117 is an ideal purchase for any reloader who is serious about their .270 WSM ammunition. This includes hobbyist reloaders looking to improve the consistency and accuracy of their handloads, as well as those who reload for bolt-action rifles where precise headspace is critical. It’s particularly beneficial for anyone who has experienced issues with excessive case stretch and wants a straightforward, reliable method to address it.

Those who should probably skip this product are reloaders who only shoot a handful of rounds annually for this specific caliber, or those who are using very basic, un-necked cartridges where extreme precision in case length is less of a concern. If you are just starting out and haven’t yet invested in a case trimmer, this gauge alone won’t suffice; you’ll need a complementary trimming tool. A highly recommended accessory would be a basic hand-held case trimmer, or if you already own one, ensure it has a chuck that can securely hold the .270 WSM cases for use with this gauge.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90117 is a testament to functional design and exceptional value in the reloading world. It addresses a critical aspect of case preparation – consistent length – with a tool that is both precise and remarkably easy to use. The Hardened Steel construction ensures it will be a reliable companion for many reloading sessions to come.

For its price point, the value proposition is outstanding. It delivers the accuracy and consistency needed for quality ammunition without demanding a significant financial outlay or a steep learning curve. I wholeheartedly recommend this set to any reloader who is invested in the .270 WSM cartridge. If you’re looking to refine your loads, improve accuracy, and ensure the safety and reliability of your ammunition, this simple yet effective tool is an essential addition to your bench.