Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 Review

Was the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 the Right Choice?

When the need for precise reloading tools arises, especially for less common but increasingly popular cartridges like the .45 GAP, the choices can sometimes feel limited. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 Carbide 3 Die Set for .45 GAP presented itself as a potential solution, promising the renowned Lee precision at an accessible price point. It’s a set that aims to equip reloaders with the essential tools to process .45 GAP brass, a caliber often favored for its balance of power and manageable recoil.

My pursuit of this particular die set was driven by a desire to expand my reloading capabilities. I was finding myself drawn to firearms chambered in .45 GAP, and naturally, the next step was to be able to reliably and safely reload for them. While steel dies exist, the allure of carbide tooling for straight-walled pistol cartridges is undeniable; the promise of no case lubrication, faster operation, and reduced wear is a significant draw for any serious handloader.

Unboxing the set revealed the characteristic Lee packaging – functional and no-frills, but always containing the necessary components. The dies themselves felt substantial, with the familiar blueing on the steel bodies and the distinctive carbide sizing rings. There was an immediate sense of solid construction, typical of Lee Precision products, though perhaps without the polished sheen of some higher-end manufacturers. My initial assessment leaned towards a cautious optimism; the weight and feel suggested durability, but the true test would be in the performance on the bench.

In considering alternatives, I briefly looked at offerings from Redding and RCBS. However, their .45 GAP sets often came with a higher price tag and, in some instances, were still steel dies, negating some of the key advantages I was seeking. Lee’s reputation for providing excellent value, particularly with their carbide dies, made the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 the more compelling choice for a balance of cost and functionality. My first impression was one of anticipation; this set promised to unlock a new avenue in my reloading endeavors.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 to the Test

My initial foray with the Lee carbide dies took place at my reloading bench, a familiar sanctuary filled with the scent of gunpowder and metallic cases. I was processing a batch of once-fired .45 GAP brass, intending to load them with my preferred jacketed hollow points. The first step was the carbide sizing die, and I was immediately impressed by how smoothly the brass slid into the die without any need for case lubrication. This alone was a significant time-saver and reduced mess considerably.

The expanding die, designed for use with the Lee Auto-Disk powder measure or a funnel, worked flawlessly, gently flaring the case mouth to prepare it for bullet seating. This aspect of the set is crucial for preventing shaving of the bullet during the seating process, and the Lee expanding die performed this task admirably. I ran a few cases through multiple times, checking for any signs of over-expansion or difficulty, but found none. The die consistently produced a perfect flare for accurate powder drops and easy bullet insertion.

After weeks of consistent use, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 has proven its mettle. I’ve run hundreds of .45 GAP cases through this set, and the performance remains as consistent as day one. The carbide sizing rings show no discernible wear, and the expander plug continues to flare case mouths without issue. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe down with a dry cloth after use and a light application of oil on the threads of the seating die is all that’s required to keep them in top condition.

Compared to steel dies I’ve used in the past for other calibers, this carbide set is a revelation in terms of speed and cleanliness. While premium brands might offer a slightly more refined finish, the functional performance of these Lee dies is exceptional. They consistently produce well-sized and properly primed cases, which is the foundation of accurate and reliable ammunition. I haven’t encountered any performance degradation, which speaks volumes about the durability of the carbide components.

First Use Experience

My first real-world test was during a dedicated reloading session aimed at producing ammunition for my recently acquired Glock 30S chambered in .45 GAP. The environment was my well-lit, temperature-controlled garage workshop, a space where precision and efficiency are paramount. I loaded the three dies into my Lee Turret Press, ensuring proper alignment and seating.

The process was remarkably straightforward. The carbide sizer die moved with a satisfyingly smooth action, resizing the fired cases back to their original dimensions without any sticking or resistance, a hallmark of quality carbide tooling. The powder-through expanding die integrated seamlessly with my Lee Perfect Powder Measure, allowing for simultaneous expansion and powder charging, significantly speeding up the process. Finally, the bullet seating die, with its built-in crimp, reliably seated bullets to the desired depth and applied a firm taper crimp, ensuring they would feed correctly from the magazine.

No significant issues or surprises presented themselves during this initial use. The ease of operation was particularly notable; the absence of case lube was a welcome change from my experiences with steel dies, making for a much cleaner reloading bench. The only minor quirk I observed was that the seating die’s adjustment required a bit of tactile feel to get perfect, but this is a common characteristic of most seating dies and not a fault of this particular set. The precision achieved was immediately apparent, with cases uniformly sized and seated.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, I’ve used this die set to reload for competitive shooting events and for general range practice with my .45 GAP pistols. The dies have consistently performed, and I’ve not experienced any case neck runout or issues with bullet seating depth deviating from my set parameters. The carbide inserts have held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of scoring or degradation, which is precisely what one expects from quality carbide tooling.

The durability of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 is impressive, especially considering its modest price point. I’ve intentionally pushed the set a bit, processing cases that might have seen slightly rougher handling, and it has met the challenge without complaint. Cleaning is a simple affair of brushing out any residual debris and occasionally wiping down the threads with a light oil. Storage is also straightforward, with the dies fitting neatly back into their original protective packaging.

When compared to other die sets I own, these Lee carbide dies stand out for their sheer practicality and performance for the caliber. While some high-end dies might offer finer adjustments or more elaborate features, for the straightforward task of resizing, expanding, and seating bullets in a straight-walled pistol cartridge, this Lee set is incredibly effective. It delivers reliable results consistently, making it a workhorse in my reloading setup.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498

This die set is designed for the handloader looking to process .45 GAP cartridges efficiently and accurately. It comprises three essential dies: a carbide sizer, a powder-through expanding die, and a bullet seating/crimping die. The set also includes a corresponding shellholder.

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 set is constructed with carbide for the sizing die, which is a significant advantage for straight-walled pistol cartridges. The expanding die and seating/crimping die are typically made of hardened steel, also finished for durability and smooth operation. The caliber it’s designed for is .45 GAP, a cartridge known for its .45 Auto ballistics in a shorter case.

The carbide sizing die is crucial as it eliminates the need for case lubrication, a major convenience that speeds up the reloading process and keeps your bench clean. This die sizes the fired case back to proper dimensions, ensuring reliable chambering and feeding. The powder-through expanding die is designed with a hollow expander plug, allowing you to drop powder directly into the case as it’s being expanded. This feature is particularly useful when using progressive presses or integrated powder measures.

The seater/crimper die combines two functions: seating the bullet to the desired overall length and applying a taper crimp to secure the bullet in the case. This integrated design saves a step and ensures consistent crimping pressure. The inclusion of a specific shellholder for the .45 GAP caliber ensures a perfect fit and secure case support during the resizing and priming stages. This set is built for pistol cartridges, specifically designed to handle the dimensions and characteristics of the .45 GAP.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 excels. The carbide sizing is smooth and effective, bringing cases back to spec reliably. The expanding die consistently produces the correct case mouth flare for easy bullet insertion, crucial for preventing lead shaving and ensuring accurate seating. The seating and crimping die performs both functions competently, delivering consistent overall cartridge length and a secure taper crimp that holds bullets firmly.

One of the primary strengths of this set is the speed and convenience offered by the carbide sizing die. Reloading without the mess of case lube is a game-changer for many. Furthermore, the integrated powder expansion and seating/crimping functions streamline the reloading process, which is particularly beneficial for high-volume reloaders. The accuracy of the seated bullets is directly impacted by the consistency of the sizing and expansion, both of which are handled very well by this set.

However, for extremely tight tolerances or very soft bullets, the built-in crimp in the seating die might be considered a limitation by some advanced reloaders who prefer to crimp in a separate step. While it’s a perfectly functional taper crimp, it’s not an ‘N.E.C.G.’ (No-Excuse-Case-Gauge) crimp, which is reserved for specific high-end dies. For most users, though, this integrated crimp is more than adequate and contributes to the set’s overall efficiency.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee carbide dies is functional and robust, prioritizing usability over aesthetics. The dies are clearly marked with the caliber and function, reducing the chance of error during setup. The carbide sizing ring is the most visually distinctive feature, a metallic sheen that sets it apart from steel dies. The knurled bands on the body of the dies provide a good grip for easy installation and adjustment in the press.

Ergonomically, these dies are a pleasure to use. The smooth action of the carbide sizing requires less effort than steel dies, reducing fatigue during long reloading sessions. The powder-through expander design makes powder charging a natural part of the ram stroke, integrating well into a progressive press setup. The adjustment collar on the seating die moves with satisfying clicks, allowing for precise setting of bullet depth, and its large diameter makes it easy to grip and turn.

The build quality is solid. While not as hefty or finely finished as some premium brands, the dies feel substantial and well-made. The threads are clean and engage smoothly with the press, and the overall impression is one of a tool built for reliable, long-term use. There are no sharp edges or uncomfortable protrusions, making them comfortable to handle and operate.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of carbide dies is legendary, and this Lee set is no exception. The carbide sizing ring is exceptionally hard and resistant to wear, meaning it should maintain its sizing capabilities for tens of thousands of rounds if properly cared for. The steel components, including the expander and seating/crimping dies, are also robustly constructed and finished to resist corrosion.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after each reloading session prevents the buildup of powder residue or case lube (if any accidental spillage occurs). Periodically, applying a small amount of light gun oil to the threads of the seating and expander dies will ensure smooth operation. It’s advisable to store the dies in their original packaging to protect them from dust and accidental damage.

Potential failure points are minimal. The most likely issue over time would be wear on the threads of the dies or the expander plug, but this would take a very significant amount of use to manifest. Even then, Lee Precision offers replacement parts, ensuring that this set can remain a reliable tool for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 set typically comes with the three main dies and a specific shellholder for the .45 GAP caliber. Lee also often includes their patented Universal Decapping Pin for the sizing die, which can be beneficial if you plan to decap cases separately or use it with other Lee dies. Beyond the included shellholder, there aren’t many direct “accessories” for the dies themselves, as they are designed to be used as a self-contained unit.

However, the true “customization” comes in how you integrate these dies into your existing reloading press and powder-handling system. For instance, the powder-through expanding die is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Lee powder measures, like the Auto-Disk or Pro Auto-Disk, allowing for automated powder charging during the resizing stroke. If you’re not using a Lee powder measure, you can still use the expander plug to simply flare the case mouth, then charge powder manually with a funnel.

While there isn’t a vast aftermarket for customizing dies themselves, Lee does offer a range of optional powder funnels for their expanding dies, should you need a different size or style. The most critical accessory is the reloading press itself, and these dies are designed to fit standard 7/8″-14 threaded presses. For those who reload .45 GAP, ensuring they have a reliable powder measure and a sturdy press are the most important complementary components to maximize the utility of this die set.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498?

This die set is an ideal choice for home reloaders who own firearms chambered in .45 GAP and are looking for an efficient, cost-effective way to produce their own ammunition. It’s particularly well-suited for those who value speed and cleanliness in their reloading process, thanks to the carbide sizing die. If you’re upgrading from steel dies or just starting out with .45 GAP reloading, this set offers an excellent entry point.

Beginner reloaders will appreciate the straightforward setup and the convenience of the integrated functions, which simplify the learning curve. Experienced reloaders who are already invested in the Lee Precision system, particularly those using their Auto-Disk powder measures, will find these dies integrate seamlessly into their workflow. It’s a practical, no-nonsense set for anyone looking to reliably load accurate .45 GAP ammunition for plinking, self-defense, or even competition.

You should probably skip this product if you are a reloader who exclusively works with wildcat cartridges or very obscure calibers that Lee may not produce dies for. Additionally, if your primary focus is extremely precise rifle reloads where neck sizing and separate, adjustable crimping dies are paramount, then this specific pistol die set wouldn’t be your primary focus. However, for the vast majority of .45 GAP shooters, this set is a solid recommendation. A must-have accessory would be a quality reloading press and a compatible powder measure, especially if you plan to utilize the powder-through expanding feature to its fullest.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 Carbide 3 Die Set is a testament to Lee Precision’s philosophy of providing reliable, functional reloading tools at an accessible price. For the .45 GAP cartridge, this set delivers exceptional value, combining the benefits of carbide sizing with the convenience of integrated expansion and seating/crimping. It streamlines the reloading process, making it faster, cleaner, and more enjoyable.

The performance is consistently accurate, producing well-sized, properly expanded, and reliably seated cartridges suitable for a wide range of applications. While it may not feature the premium finishes or the granular adjustment options of ultra-high-end dies, its functionality and durability are undeniable. It effectively meets and often exceeds expectations for a die set in its price category.

For anyone reloading for the .45 GAP, this set is a straightforward recommendation. It offers a significant upgrade in convenience over steel dies and provides the accuracy and reliability needed to produce excellent ammunition. I would personally recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90498 to any reloader looking to efficiently and affordably get the most out of their .45 GAP firearms.