Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138 Review

Getting Started with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138

For those of us who reload ammunition, precision and consistency are paramount. After several loadings, spent brass cases inevitably stretch beyond acceptable limits, necessitating trimming to ensure safe and accurate reloads. This is precisely where a reliable case length gauge and shell holder combination becomes indispensable. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138 is a specific tool designed to address this exact need for .300 Savage cartridges.

What initially drew me to this particular tool was the simple necessity of accurate case trimming. When you’re invested in the reloading process, whether for plinking, hunting, or competitive shooting, you understand that every step matters. Case length is a critical dimension that affects headspace, chambering, and ultimately, the bullet’s trajectory. Finding a dedicated, well-made tool that simplifies this measurement is always a win.

Upon receiving the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138, my first impression was one of straightforward utility. It’s a tool, not a showpiece. The Lee brand is known for its functional, no-nonsense approach to reloading equipment, and this gauge and holder set exemplifies that. The hardened steel construction felt solid and durable, exactly what you want in a tool that will be handled frequently and likely used in conjunction with other metal components.

While other brands offer universal case length gauges, the appeal of a caliber-specific unit like this one lies in its potential for greater accuracy and ease of use. I’ve found that universal tools can sometimes require more fiddling to get just right, whereas a dedicated gauge often locks into a more precise geometry. Considering the modest price point, it seemed like a no-brainer to go with the Lee offering for my .300 Savage brass. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping for a tool that would make a tedious but necessary task significantly easier.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138 took place at my reloading bench. The process is straightforward: the shell holder secures the .300 Savage case, and the gauge, which acts as a pilot, is inserted into the case neck. This setup is designed to work in conjunction with a trimming tool, such as a case trimmer or a power trimmer.

The gauge slid smoothly into the case mouth, and the shell holder provided a secure grip. There was no perceptible wobble or looseness, which is crucial for accurate measurement. I tested it on several fired cases of varying brands, and the fit was consistently snug. The hardened steel construction felt robust against the pressure of sliding it in and out, and I experienced no immediate issues or surprises.

I’ve used universal-style pilots and shell holders in the past, and while they can work, they often require a bit more finesse to ensure proper alignment. This caliber-specific unit from Lee immediately felt more direct. It’s designed for one job and performs it without unnecessary complexity. My first impression was that this tool was going to simplify the case trimming process significantly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several reloading sessions, involving dozens of .300 Savage cases, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138 has held up exceptionally well. The hardened steel shows no signs of premature wear, such as dulling of the pilot or deformation of the shell holder. It remains as precise as it was on day one, which is a testament to its robust construction.

Maintenance is practically non-existent, which is ideal for a tool like this. A quick wipe-down with a cloth after use is all that’s needed to keep it free of debris and prevent any potential corrosion. I haven’t had to lubricate it or perform any special care, and it continues to function flawlessly.

Compared to some of the more complex, multi-caliber systems I’ve encountered, this Lee set is a breath of fresh air. Those systems often involve multiple collets and adapters, each a potential point of failure or inaccuracy. This dedicated gauge and shell holder for .300 Savage is far simpler and, in my experience, more reliable for its intended purpose. It’s a tool that just works, consistently, without fuss.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138 is a two-piece set, comprising a case length gauge (pilot) and a corresponding shell holder. The manufacturer is Lee, a well-respected name in the reloading equipment industry. This particular set is designed specifically for the .300 Savage caliber.

The materials are crucial here, as the primary component, the case length gauge, is made from Hardened Steel. This ensures durability and resistance to wear, which is vital for maintaining consistent measurements over time. The shell holder is also typically made of steel, providing a robust platform for your cartridge.

The quantity of pieces in this pack is two, offering the essential components needed for effective case trimming. The additional feature is clearly listed as a Case Length Gauge W/Shell Holder, highlighting its singular purpose.

In plain language, this set provides a precise metal pin (the gauge) that fits into the neck of your .300 Savage brass, and a holder that firmly grips the base of that same brass. When you use this with a case trimmer, the gauge pilots your trimming setup to the correct length, ensuring all your resized cases are uniformly trimmed. This is far more accurate than trying to eyeball it or relying on less precise methods. For anyone reloading .300 Savage, this specific caliber application is key; unlike a generic pilot that might fit multiple calibers loosely, this one is designed for the exact dimensions of the .300 Savage case.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138 is to accurately guide a case trimmer to the correct length for .300 Savage cartridges. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The gauge pilots smoothly into the case neck, and the shell holder provides a secure, stable platform.

Its greatest strength is its simplicity and accuracy. Because it’s caliber-specific, it eliminates guesswork and the potential for errors that can arise with universal gauges. The hardened steel construction ensures that the dimensions remain consistent, batch after batch, year after year.

A potential, albeit minor, weakness for some might be its singular focus. If you reload a wide variety of calibers, you’ll need a separate Lee set (or equivalent from another manufacturer) for each. However, for dedicated reloaders of a specific caliber, this is precisely what makes it so effective. It meets and exceeds expectations for its intended use, providing reliable results every time.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Lee tool is purely functional. There are no unnecessary aesthetic embellishments; it’s built for utility. The hardened steel material gives it a substantial, reliable feel.

Ergonomically, it’s designed to be used with other reloading tools, so its “in-hand” feel is secondary to its fit and function within a larger system. The gauge is meant to be inserted, and the shell holder is meant to hold. Both tasks are accomplished with ease.

Practical design details include the precise machining of the gauge’s pilot to fit the .300 Savage case neck and the precise fit of the shell holder’s recess to the cartridge base. These elements ensure stability and accurate measurement, which are the hallmarks of good reloading tool design. There’s no learning curve; if you can insert a cartridge into a shell holder and slide a pilot into a case, you can use this tool.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its hardened steel construction, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138 is built for longevity. Under normal reloading use, it is unlikely to fail or wear out. This is a tool designed for repetitive tasks and is exceptionally robust.

Maintenance is incredibly straightforward. A simple wipe-down after use is sufficient to keep it clean and free from any residue that could affect its precision or lead to corrosion. No specialized cleaning agents or techniques are required.

The potential failure point, as with any precision tool, would be damage from significant impact or gross misuse. However, for its intended application, it’s exceptionally durable. The risk of performance degradation due to wear is practically negligible for the average reloader.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138 comes as a two-piece set: the Case Length Gauge W/Shell Holder. There are no other included accessories. This is a specialized tool, and its strength lies in its focused design rather than a wide array of attachments.

Customization options for this specific set are virtually non-existent, nor are they needed. It is designed for the .300 Savage caliber. If you reload other calibers, you would look for the corresponding Lee gauge and shell holder for that specific cartridge. Its compatibility is with the brass it is designed for and the case trimming devices it is intended to be used with.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138?

This Lee set is ideal for any individual who reloads ammunition for the .300 Savage caliber. Whether you are a seasoned handloader with decades of experience or a newcomer to the craft, this tool will simplify and improve the accuracy of your case trimming process. It’s perfect for those who value precision and want to ensure their reloaded ammunition performs at its best, from bench rest shooting to hunting scenarios.

Those who reload a wide variety of calibers might want to consider Lee’s multi-caliber systems or sets for each specific cartridge they load. If you’re only loading one or two calibers sporadically, a universal gauge might seem more economical, but for consistent .300 Savage reloading, this specialized tool is superior.

A must-have accessory to go with this set would be a reliable case trimmer. Whether you opt for a manual trimmer like a Wilson or a power trimmer, this Lee gauge and shell holder will integrate seamlessly. Having a good set of reloading dies for your .300 Savage caliber will, of course, be essential for the entire process.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138 is a prime example of how Lee delivers highly functional, precise tools at an exceptional value. For anyone dedicated to reloading the .300 Savage cartridge, this case length gauge and shell holder set is an indispensable addition to their bench. It performs its singular task with unwavering accuracy and durability, thanks to its hardened steel construction.

Considering its modest price point and the vital role it plays in ensuring safe and consistent ammunition, the value proposition is outstanding. It’s not a flashy gadget, but rather a workhorse tool that gets the job done reliably.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90138 to anyone reloading .300 Savage. If precision in your reloads matters, and you’re looking for a no-nonsense, effective solution for case trimming, this set is an easy choice. It’s a tool that will serve you well for countless reloads to come.