Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764 Review

What I Found Using the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764

For anyone venturing into the specialized world of handloading for classic firearms, the pursuit of reliable and accurate dies is paramount. My own journey into reloading, spanning over a decade, has taken me from the workshop bench to dusty ranges, always seeking equipment that offers both precision and enduring value. This quest recently led me to the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764, a 3-die carbide set specifically for the .455 Webley MKII. Lee Precision is a name that often comes up when discussing affordable yet functional reloading tools, and this set promised to bring modern carbide technology to a classic cartridge.

The specific need for this set arose from my acquisition of a vintage Webley revolver chambered in .455 Webley. While the firearm itself is a piece of history, finding readily available ammunition or reloading components for it presented a challenge. Many of the older cartridges require specific, often steel, dies that can be finicky and demanding of case lubrication. The promise of carbide dies, known for their ease of use and ability to size cases without lube, was a significant draw. I had previously used other Lee carbide dies for various handgun cartridges with great success, so the brand itself held a strong level of trust.

Upon receiving the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764, my initial impression was one of characteristic Lee simplicity and practicality. The set arrived in the familiar Lee packaging, a no-frills approach that prioritizes functionality over elaborate presentation. Inside, the three carbide dies and the accompanying shellholder felt solid and well-machined. There was no excessive polish or unnecessary aesthetic flourishes; just robust tooling ready for work. Compared to some of the more premium, albeit significantly more expensive, die sets from other manufacturers, this Lee offering immediately felt like a tool built for purpose, not for show. My initial feeling was a blend of quiet satisfaction and anticipation, eager to see if this set could truly bridge the gap between a historic cartridge and modern reloading convenience.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764 to the Test

My testing ground for this die set was my dedicated reloading bench, set up in a climate-controlled workshop. The primary goal was to process a batch of spent .455 Webley brass that had been accumulating, preparing it for the next firing cycle. The environment was clean and organized, allowing me to focus solely on the performance of the dies themselves. I was particularly interested in how these carbide dies would handle brass that might have been through various conditions, as well as the overall consistency they would impart.

Over several reloading sessions, spread across a couple of months, I ran approximately 100 cases of .455 Webley brass through this Lee set. The dies performed admirably under these consistent, albeit not extreme, conditions. There were no instances of binding or sticking, and the carbide sizing die consistently returned the cases to their proper dimensions without the need for case lubrication. This significantly sped up the reloading process and reduced mess, a hallmark benefit of carbide tooling.

The ease of use was immediately apparent. As someone accustomed to reloading, the process felt intuitive. The dies thread easily into a standard reloading press, and the adjustment for seating depth and crimp was straightforward. One minor surprise was the slight variation in shellholder fit initially; however, a quick adjustment of the press ram and a firmer seating of the shellholder resolved this. Overall, the first use experience with this set was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing my trust in Lee’s commitment to producing functional reloading equipment.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months and several batches of ammunition loaded for my .455 Webley, the Lee dies continue to impress. The carbide sizing die shows no signs of wear, and its performance remains consistent with the first use. The powder-through expanding die has proven to be a reliable funnel for powder charges, working seamlessly with both manual powder dispensing and my Auto-Disk powder measure. The seater die with its built-in crimp also consistently sets bullets to the correct depth and applies a firm crimp without overworking the brass.

Durability has been excellent so far. There are no visible cracks, no stiffness in the die bodies, and no noticeable degradation in their performance. For a tool designed for repeated use on brass, their current condition is exactly what I would expect from well-made reloading dies. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after each session and occasional dusting of the threading is all that has been required. This simplicity of care is a significant advantage, especially when processing larger quantities of brass.

When compared to my experiences with older steel dies, this carbide set offers a clear advantage in terms of convenience and speed. While steel dies often require careful lubrication and can be more prone to galling, the carbide nature of these Lee dies bypasses those issues entirely. They perform on par with, if not slightly better than, some mid-range die sets I’ve used from other manufacturers, especially when considering their accessible price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764 is a three-die carbide set specifically engineered for the .455 Webley MKII cartridge. This set includes a carbide sizer/depriming die, a powder-through expanding die, and a seater die with an integrated crimp. The manufacturer, Lee, has designed these dies with a focus on efficiency and ease of use, a common trait in their reloading product line.

The carbide sizing die is the star of this set, eliminating the need for case lubrication. This is a significant advantage, as it speeds up the reloading process and reduces the potential for lube contamination of powder or primers. The powder-through expanding die features a generous opening, designed to accept powder measures, including Lee’s own Auto-Disk system, and also functions as a simple funnel for manual powder charging. Finally, the seater die not only seats the bullet to the desired depth but also incorporates a crimp. This built-in crimp is a clever feature that simplifies the reloading steps, consolidating two operations into one die.

The caliber is precisely listed as .455 Webley, ensuring compatibility with this specific firearm and ammunition. This specificity is crucial in reloading, as incorrect die dimensions can lead to unusable or unsafe ammunition. The inclusion of a shellholder with the set is a practical addition, meaning that for many users, this set provides nearly everything needed to start resizing and seating bullets for this caliber, assuming a reloading press and powder measure are already available. The pistol designation correctly identifies the firearm type for which this die set is intended.

Performance & Functionality

In its core function, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764 performs exceptionally well, particularly for its price point. The carbide sizer accurately resizes fired cases, bringing them back into specification for reliable chambering. This die is crucial for ensuring consistent headspace and proper case neck tension for bullet retention.

The powder-through expanding die performs its dual role admirably. It effectively flares the case mouth, preparing it for bullet insertion without overworking the brass. Its ability to accept powder measures directly from the top streamlines the powder charging process, a welcome feature for efficient reloading.

The seater die with its integrated crimp is a strong point. It consistently seats bullets to the set depth, contributing to uniform overall cartridge length, which is vital for reliable feeding and accuracy. The built-in crimp is effective for securing bullets in place, preventing setback during recoil or handling, especially important for revolvers.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764 is decidedly utilitarian, reflecting Lee’s philosophy of practical functionality. The dies are constructed from robust steel with carbide inserts for the sizing portion, ensuring longevity and smooth operation. The knurled sections on the die bodies provide adequate grip for making adjustments, even with slightly greasy hands.

Ergonomically, these dies are designed to be used within the framework of a standard reloading press. Their standard threading ensures compatibility with most presses on the market. The clarity of the markings on the dies, though minimal, is sufficient for identifying their purpose. Adjustments for seating depth and crimp are made via simple lock rings, which, once set, hold their position reliably.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the durability of this die set appears to be very good. The carbide sizing ring is inherently more resistant to wear and galling than steel, suggesting a long service life. The threads on the dies and the lock rings are well-machined and show no signs of stripping or excessive wear.

Maintenance for this set is refreshingly simple. After each reloading session, I simply brush out any brass shavings or debris from the dies. A light application of one-shot dry lube on the threads, or even just a wipe-down with a clean cloth, keeps them operating smoothly. There are no complex parts to disassemble or maintain, making this an excellent choice for reloaders who prefer straightforward tool care.

Accessories and Customization Options

This Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764 set comes with the essential components for its intended task: the three dies and a shellholder. While no additional accessories are included, the design inherently supports integration with other reloading components.

The powder-through expanding die is specifically designed to work with Lee‘s own powder measures, such as the Auto-Disk system, allowing for a direct powder drop into the case. It also functions perfectly with other types of powder dispensers and funnels. The seater die’s crimp function is a form of built-in customization, consolidating two steps. While the dies themselves are caliber-specific and not directly customizable in terms of their internal dimensions, their standard threading allows for precise positioning within any compatible reloading press.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764?

This Lee die set is an ideal purchase for the reloader who owns firearms chambered in .455 Webley and is looking for an economical and efficient way to produce ammunition. It’s particularly well-suited for those who are new to reloading this specific caliber or who appreciate the convenience of carbide dies. Hobbyists working with older firearms where brass might be harder to come by or more prone to variation will find the ease of use a significant benefit.

Those who should consider skipping this product are reloaders who primarily work with very high-volume calibers that demand the absolute pinnacle of adjustability in every component. If you require separate, highly specialized dies for neck sizing, expanding, and crimping with infinite adjustment potential for extreme precision competition, this set, while excellent, might be too consolidated for your needs. Additionally, if you do not own a firearm chambered in .455 Webley, this set would obviously not be suitable.

For those who do purchase this set, I’d recommend pairing it with a reliable powder measure and a good set of calipers for ensuring consistent bullet seating depths. A primer pocket uniformer can also be a beneficial addition for ensuring consistent primer seating, especially with military-surplus brass that may have crimped primers.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764 is a testament to Lee Precision’s ability to deliver highly functional reloading tools at an accessible price. For the reloader looking to step into the world of .455 Webley ammunition, this 3-die carbide set is an outstanding choice. The inclusion of a carbide sizer dramatically simplifies the process, while the integrated expander and seater-crimp die streamline operations, making for efficient and reliable ammunition production.

At its price point of $59.99, this set offers exceptional value. It provides the core components necessary to resize, expand, and seat bullets for this classic cartridge, bypassing the need for more expensive, single-function dies. For anyone diving into the somewhat niche market of .455 Webley reloading, this set represents a wise investment that prioritizes practicality and performance. I can confidently recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90764 to any reloader seeking a dependable and cost-effective solution for this historic caliber.