Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 Review

How the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 Performed Under Pressure

For anyone involved in the meticulous world of reloading, particularly for those who appreciate the value of precision and cost-effectiveness, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 presents itself as a compelling option. This set of Lee Pacesetter rifle dies for the .300 Savage caliber aims to deliver core reloading functionality without the premium often associated with more elaborate sets. Lee’s reputation for offering robust, no-nonsense equipment at accessible price points is well-established, and this particular offering seems to embody that philosophy. I was drawn to this die set primarily because of its specific caliber application and the reputation of the Lee brand for delivering solid performance for the investment.

My search for dies suitable for the .300 Savage caliber wasn’t driven by a sudden urge, but rather by a gradual accumulation of rifles chambered in this often-overlooked but highly capable cartridge. Having recently acquired a vintage rifle, I needed a reliable and affordable way to produce ammunition for it. While other manufacturers offer dies for this caliber, the price points often jumped significantly, and many included features I didn’t strictly need for my basic reloading needs. Lee’s approach, focusing on essential functionality, immediately caught my eye as a pragmatic solution.

Unboxing the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 was a straightforward affair. The dies arrived in a sturdy plastic case, a standard for Lee products, which is always a good sign for long-term storage and protection. Inside, the Pacesetter Rifle Dies and the accompanying Shell Holder were neatly organized. My initial impression was one of solid, no-frills manufacturing. The steel of the dies felt substantial, with a good weight that suggested durability. There was a slight industrial finish to them, typical of reloading dies, but no obvious flaws or rough spots that would impede their function.

In my consideration set were dies from RCBS and Redding, brands known for their premium quality and often higher price tags. While I respect their engineering and reputation, the Lee Pacesetter dies for the .300 Savage offered a significant cost advantage. Crucially, the description explicitly mentioned that these dies do not include a Lee Factory Crimp Die, which, for my purposes, was actually a positive. I prefer to control crimping as a separate step or rely on the seating die’s capabilities for my particular rifle and intended use. This omission helped keep the cost down while focusing on the core resizing and bullet seating functions. My first impression was a quiet satisfaction – it felt like finding a practical tool that solved my specific reloading need without unnecessary embellishments or a hefty price tag.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 to the Test

My testing environment for the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 was my dedicated reloading bench, a space that has seen countless rounds processed and countless tools put through their paces. The initial setup involved cleaning the dies thoroughly with a good solvent and a lint-free cloth. This is a standard practice for me, ensuring no residual manufacturing lubricants interfere with the reloading process or contaminate cases. I then proceeded to mount the sizing die into my reloading press, followed by the seating die.

The first real use experience was with a batch of .300 Savage brass that had been fired a few times and needed resizing and priming. I chucked up a case, applied a light coat of case lube, and cycled the press. The Lee sizing die worked smoothly, requiring a moderate amount of force to fully resize the case. There was a satisfying, solid feel as the case passed through the die, indicating good alignment and a precise fit. The decapping pin also performed its function without issue, knocking out spent primers cleanly.

Following resizing, I loaded a fresh primer and then moved to the seating die. This die performed just as well, consistently seating bullets to the desired depth. I was able to achieve very uniform overall cartridge lengths, which is critical for consistent chambering and, ultimately, accuracy. Testing occurred over several reloading sessions, processing roughly 100 cases initially and then another 150 in subsequent batches. I deliberately varied the bullet types and powder charges during my testing to ensure the dies were versatile enough for different reloading recipes. The dies were exposed to the typical environment of my workshop, which can sometimes include moderate dust levels, but they showed no adverse effects.

Extended use and reliability proved to be where the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 really shone. After weeks of regular use, processing hundreds of .300 Savage cartridges, the dies continue to perform admirably. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the critical internal surfaces of the dies. The resizing has remained consistent, and the seating die continues to hold its adjustments reliably. I haven’t encountered any sticking, galling, or deformation of cases, which speaks to the quality of the steel and the precision of the machining.

Maintenance for these dies is, as expected with most Lee reloading equipment, very straightforward. A quick wipe down after each reloading session with a dry cloth is usually sufficient. Periodically, I’ll run a bore brush through the sizing die to ensure no debris is accumulating. Compared to my experiences with older, less precisely manufactured dies I’ve used in the past, these Lee dies feel significantly more robust and user-friendly. The lack of a crimp die, which I noted earlier, hasn’t been an issue; the seating die provides adequate neck tension for my purposes. The overall durability and consistent performance under repeated use solidify their value proposition.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 is a comprehensive set designed for handloaders focusing on the .300 Savage cartridge. It includes a Full Length Sizing Die and a Seating Die, along with a Shell Holder specific to the caliber. The dies are constructed from high-quality steel, a hallmark of reliable reloading equipment. The Full Length Sizing Die is responsible for reforming spent brass back to its original dimensions, ensuring proper fit in the firearm’s chamber and preparing it for resizing.

The Seating Die is crucial for accurately placing bullets into the sized case and setting them to the desired overall cartridge length. This die often includes an adjustable seating stem or micrometer adjustment on some higher-end models, but for this Pacesetter line, it’s a robust, functional design that allows for precise depth control. The Shell Holder, an essential component, correctly aligns the case within the die during the resizing and priming operations. This set is specifically designed for rifle cartridges, meaning it’s built to handle the pressures and tolerances associated with rifle brass.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lee
• Caliber: .300 Savage
• Die Type: Pacesetter Rifle Dies (Full Length Sizing Die and Bullet Seating Die)
• Included Accessory: Shell Holder (specific to .300 Savage)
• Material: Hardened Steel
• Application: Reloading rifle cartridges

These specifications are vital because they define the core functionality of the die set. The .300 Savage caliber specification means these dies are precisely machined to work with the dimensions of this particular cartridge case. The Pacesetter Rifle Dies designation indicates their intended use for rifle reloading, emphasizing their robustness and ability to handle the specific pressures and neck tensions required for rifle cartridges. The inclusion of a Shell Holder means the set is ready to go, provided you have a compatible press. The hardened steel construction ensures longevity and resistance to wear, which is critical for dies that will be used repeatedly over many years.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job – resizing and seating bullets – the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 performs exceptionally well. The resizing die consistently brings cases back to SAAMI specifications, ensuring reliable chambering and extraction. I experienced no issues with case stretching or difficult resizing, even with brass that had been fired multiple times. The seating die offers excellent control over bullet depth. I was able to achieve very consistent seating depths across a batch of cartridges, resulting in minimal variation in overall length.

The strengths of this set lie in its straightforward, effective design. It reliably accomplishes the core tasks of reloading without any fuss. Its primary weakness, if one can call it that, is the absence of a separate Factory Crimp Die. While I personally don’t find this to be a detriment, some reloaders prefer the added security and precise crimp that a dedicated crimping die offers, particularly for lever-action rifles or to ensure case neck integrity under heavy recoil. However, for its intended purpose and price point, its functionality is outstanding. It meets, and often exceeds, expectations for what one would anticipate from a set in this price bracket.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 is decidedly functional, prioritizing utility over aesthetics. The dies are crafted from hardened steel, giving them a reassuring heft and feel. The exterior finish is practical, offering good grip for threading them into the press and during adjustment. Threading them into my press was smooth, and they seated firmly without any wobbling.

The Seating Die features a simple but effective mechanism for adjusting bullet depth. While it doesn’t boast the fine-tuned micrometer adjustments of some premium dies, its design is intuitive and easy to use. Clear markings on the die body facilitate consistent adjustments once you’ve found your preferred seating depth. The overall ergonomics are geared towards the practicalities of the reloading bench; they are tools designed to be used, not admired for their styling.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extensive testing and Lee‘s track record, the durability of these dies is excellent. Constructed from hardened steel, they are built to withstand years of regular use. I’ve seen many Lee dies that are decades old and still perform as new. For normal reloading use, where cases are properly lubed and the dies are kept clean, I anticipate these Pacesetter Rifle Dies will last a lifetime.

Maintenance is blessedly simple. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after use prevents corrosion and the buildup of sizing lubricant or case neck debris. Periodically running a bore brush through the sizing die ensures it remains clear. Potential failure points are minimal; the decapping pin on the sizing die is designed to shear if it encounters an obstruction, preventing damage to the die itself. This is a common and easily replaceable part, a testament to Lee‘s focus on practical, user-serviceable equipment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 comes as a complete set, including the essential Shell Holder. This means you have the two critical dies needed for resizing and seating bullets, along with the component that aligns the case. Lee offers a vast array of accessories for their reloading equipment in general, though for this specific die set, the primary “customization” comes from the ability to purchase other individual dies if needed.

For instance, if you were to want a separate Neck Sizing Die for reduced case stretching on lighter loads, or a dedicated Factory Crimp Die, you could purchase those separately from Lee or other manufacturers. The Shell Holder is specific to the caliber, so if you were reloading multiple calibers, you would need corresponding shell holders for each. The beauty of reloading dies is that they are standardized in their threading, so they will fit almost any standard reloading press from major manufacturers.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545?

This die set is ideally suited for the home reloader who is looking for a cost-effective and reliable solution for the .300 Savage caliber. It’s perfect for those who already have a reloading press and understand the fundamental steps of case resizing and bullet seating. It’s an excellent choice for owners of older rifles chambered in .300 Savage who want to produce ammunition without a significant financial outlay.

Individuals who are new to reloading but have chosen a rifle in this caliber and want a straightforward, no-frills setup would also find this set highly beneficial. Anyone looking to reload for accuracy, but who doesn’t necessarily require the absolute highest echelon of precision offered by extremely expensive dies, will be well-served. However, those who demand the very finest in precision, or who absolutely require a dedicated Factory Crimp Die as part of their standard process, might consider looking at more elaborate sets. A digital caliper is a highly recommended accessory for any reloader, especially when using this set to ensure precise bullet seating depth and overall cartridge length.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90545 is a prime example of Lee’s commitment to providing essential, high-quality reloading tools at an accessible price point. It delivers on its promise of effective resizing and accurate bullet seating for the .300 Savage cartridge. The hardened steel construction ensures longevity, and the included Shell Holder makes it a ready-to-use package for any reloader with a compatible press.

The value proposition here is undeniable; you get the critical components needed to reload this specific caliber for a modest investment. This set is a solid recommendation for anyone looking to get into reloading .300 Savage ammunition or for experienced reloaders seeking an economical solution for this caliber. While it might lack some of the premium features of more expensive die sets, its core functionality is excellent, making it a trustworthy and dependable choice for producing safe and accurate ammunition. I would absolutely recommend this set to the target audience it’s designed for.