Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797 Review

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797: First Use to Final Thoughts

For the dedicated handloader, particularly those delving into the nuances of less common or older cartridges, the pursuit of reliable and cost-effective tooling is a constant endeavor. This brings me to the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797, a specific set of Pacesetter dies for the .358 Winchester. Lee Precision has carved out a significant niche by offering functional, no-nonsense reloading equipment that often punches above its weight class in terms of value. This particular die set, being a limited production run and omitting the factory crimp die, immediately piqued my interest as a practical and economical solution for a caliber that’s not always at the forefront of modern reloading discussions.

My journey to the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797 was driven by a specific need. I recently acquired a vintage rifle chambered in .358 Winchester, a cartridge with a loyal following but one that can present challenges for reloaders due to its somewhat niche status. While standard dies are readily available for many calibers, finding cost-effective options for less common rounds, especially those requiring specialized shellholders, can be a rabbit hole of expense. I was specifically looking for a complete set of dies that would allow me to full-length resize, seat bullets, and, crucially, include the correct shellholder without breaking the bank.

Unboxing the set revealed the characteristic Lee approach: functional, no-frills packaging. The dies themselves, crafted from steel, felt solid and well-machined. There was a reassuring heft to them, suggesting they could withstand regular use in a reloading press. The included shellholder felt robust, fitting snugly onto the press ram. My initial impression was one of pragmatic utility; these weren’t flashy, but they felt like tools designed to do a job, reliably and without pretense.

In my search, I had considered other manufacturers, but many offered sets for the .358 Winchester at significantly higher price points, often without the essential shellholder included. Some premium brands presented more elaborate features, but for my specific need – getting a working set of dies for an established but less common caliber – the Lee Pacesetter series presented a compelling balance of price and essential functionality. The promise of including load data in the packaging, a feature highlighted by the manufacturer for less common calibers, was also a significant draw.

My anticipation upon receiving this set was tempered with the knowledge of Lee’s reputation for value. I wasn’t expecting luxury finishes, but I was certainly hopeful for dependable performance. The thought of being able to reload for this particular rifle, using its intended cartridge, filled me with the satisfaction that often accompanies acquiring the right tool for a specific task. Overall, the first impression was one of solid engineering and exceptional value, making me eager to get them onto my press.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797 to the Test

My initial testing of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797 took place on my dedicated reloading bench, a space that has seen countless calibers pass through its vice and press. The .358 Winchester, being a rifle cartridge, necessitated the use of a solid reloading press, which I mounted securely. The first task was to set up the full-length sizing die and the seating die according to the included instructions. The dies threaded smoothly into the press head, and the adjustment collars felt secure, without any tendency to slip under moderate tension.

The first few cartridges processed felt crisp. The resizing die effectively returned fired brass to the correct dimensions, and the shellholder held the case firmly throughout the operation. When seating bullets, the seating die performed admirably, consistently placing bullets to my desired depth. I noticed no undue resistance or chatter during these operations, which is a good sign of well-matched tolerances between the dies and the press. The real-world conditions here were standard workshop temperature and humidity, with the press operating under controlled, deliberate force.

Ease of use was a significant factor, and these Lee dies proved quite intuitive. The setup process was straightforward, aligning with standard reloading die practices. The inclusion of clear instructions and the manufacturer’s note about load data for this specific caliber simplified the initial learning curve significantly. My primary concern with less common calibers is often the lack of readily available data, but Lee’s inclusion of this information mitigated that risk, making the transition to reloading this cartridge smoother than anticipated.

One slight quirk I encountered early on was ensuring the correct seating depth for my chosen bullets. While the seating die itself is excellent, achieving perfect consistency across multiple rounds requires careful attention to the seating stem adjustment and case neck uniformity. This isn’t a fault of the die itself, but rather a general principle of reloading that the dies faithfully highlight. After processing about fifty cases, I felt completely comfortable with the process, and the initial surprise was the overall smoothness and lack of fuss involved in getting started.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and well over a hundred rounds loaded with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797, these dies continue to perform with remarkable consistency. My reloading bench sees regular use, and these dies have become a go-to for my .358 Winchester needs. They’ve been subjected to repeated cycles of resizing and bullet seating, and there are no discernible signs of degradation in their performance.

Durability has been impressive. Despite the occasional accidental bump against other tools on the bench and exposure to typical workshop dust, the steel construction has held up exceptionally well. The threads remain clean and sharp, and the adjustment collars maintain their position without creeping. There have been no instances of sticking, binding, or any loss of precision, even after extended periods between uses.

Maintenance for these Pacesetter dies is blessedly simple. A quick wipe down with a soft cloth after each reloading session, and an occasional application of a light lubricant on the threads, keeps them in optimal condition. I’ve found no need for specialized cleaning agents or complex procedures. Compared to some more complex or specialized dies I’ve used in the past, the straightforward nature of these Lee dies makes them exceptionally user-friendly in the long run. They simply work, day in and day out, without demanding excessive attention.

Comparison with Previous Experiences

In comparison to some other die sets I’ve used, the Lee Pacesetter series for the .358 Winchester stands out for its sheer value and effectiveness. While higher-end dies might offer micro-adjustments or unique features like interchangeable bushings, these Lee dies provide everything essential for accurate and reliable cartridge reloading. I’ve previously used dies that required more fiddling to achieve consistent seating depths or experienced minor inconsistencies in resizing, but these have been absent with the Lee set. They are a testament to Lee’s philosophy of providing functional, dependable tools at accessible price points.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797 set includes the essential dies for reloading the .358 Winchester cartridge. This Pacesetter series comes with two main dies: a full-length sizing die and a bullet seating die. Crucially, the set also includes the specific shellholder required for the .358 Winchester cartridge, which is often an additional purchase for other manufacturers.

The full-length sizing die is constructed from hardened steel and is designed to return fired brass to its original dimensions, ensuring reliable chambering in your firearm. Its substantial steel construction means it can withstand the forces required for resizing even stubborn cases. The bullet seating die features an adjustable stem, allowing for precise control over bullet depth, a critical factor for consistent ballistic performance and safe headspace. The inclusion of the correct shellholder is a significant specification, as it ensures proper case support during the resizing operation without needing to search for a compatible one separately. This entire package is designed for use with standard 7/8″-14 threaded reloading presses.

The absence of a Lee Factory Crimp Die in this limited production set means the reloading process relies on the seating die to perform the crimp, if desired. While some might prefer a dedicated crimp die for certain applications, for the .358 Winchester, which benefits more from consistent neck tension and bullet seating depth, this configuration is perfectly adequate. The price point of $59.99 for this complete set, including the shellholder and load data, positions it as an exceptionally strong value proposition. Compared to competitor sets that can easily cost twice as much and may omit the shellholder, this Lee offering is remarkably comprehensive.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797 set performs admirably. The full-length sizing die effectively resizes spent brass, ensuring it will reliably chamber in a .358 Winchester rifle. I experienced consistent resizing across a batch of fired cases, with no signs of excessive force being required.

The bullet seating die is equally proficient. It allows for precise adjustment of bullet seating depth, a critical factor for achieving consistent overall cartridge length and proper headspace. I was able to achieve very consistent results, which translated directly into predictable performance at the range. The absence of the dedicated factory crimp die means that any crimp is achieved by the seating die itself. While it works, it’s a more basic approach than a dedicated crimp die, which might offer finer control for some users.

Overall, this set meets and often exceeds expectations for its price. The functionality is sound, delivering reliable sizing and accurate bullet seating necessary for producing accurate ammunition. It does exactly what it promises: provides the essential tools for reloading the .358 Winchester at a fraction of the cost of many alternatives, without significant compromise on core functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797 is entirely utilitarian, reflecting Lee Precision’s focus on function over form. The dies are made of robust steel, with clearly machined threads and adjustment collars. The knurled sections on the dies provide adequate grip for making adjustments on the press, though the overall finish is a utilitarian matte.

Ergonomically, they are designed to fit standard reloading presses and are easy to handle and adjust. There’s no significant learning curve if you’re familiar with standard reloading dies. The simple, robust design means they are unlikely to cause frustration during use. The markings on the dies are clear and legible, indicating their purpose (sizing or seating) and caliber.

While they lack the refined aesthetics or ergonomic niceties of some higher-priced dies, their simplicity is also a strength. They are comfortable enough to use for extended reloading sessions. The focus is on the practical application, and the design effectively supports that goal, making them easy to integrate into any reloading setup.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and the build quality, these Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797 dies are built for longevity. The hardened steel construction suggests they will resist wear and tear effectively, even with frequent use. I haven’t observed any premature wear on the internal resizing surfaces or the seating stem mechanism.

Maintenance is minimal. A light wipe-down after use and occasional lubrication of the threads will keep them in prime condition. They are not prone to rust if kept in a moderately dry environment. I would expect these dies to last for many thousands of rounds, easily surpassing their initial cost in terms of ammunition produced.

Potential failure points, while rare for well-maintained dies, would typically involve thread damage if forced incorrectly into a press or excessive wear on the resizing die’s internal dimensions over extreme use. However, given the robust construction, these are unlikely issues for the average reloader. These dies are designed for durability and require little more than basic care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory included with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797 is the corresponding shellholder. This is a critical piece that often comes as a separate purchase with other brands, adding to the overall value of this set. Beyond the included shellholder, these are standard reloading dies, meaning they are compatible with almost any 7/8″-14 threaded reloading press on the market.

There are no inherent “customization options” for the dies themselves in the traditional sense. However, the bullet seating die allows for significant customization in terms of cartridge overall length (COL), which directly impacts your reloads. You can adjust the seating stem to accommodate a wide range of bullet types and profiles for the .358 Winchester. While some premium dies offer interchangeable seating stems for different bullet ogives, the Lee die’s single adjustable stem is highly effective for most common bullet configurations.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797?

This Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797 set is ideally suited for handloaders who are looking to reload for the .358 Winchester cartridge without incurring significant expense. It’s perfect for the reloader who values practicality and affordability over luxury features. This includes individuals who might be new to reloading this specific caliber or those who only intend to reload it occasionally but want proper tooling.

Anyone with a dedicated reloading press and a .358 Winchester rifle would benefit from this set. It provides all the fundamental tooling needed to produce accurate and safe ammunition. If you are on a tight budget, or simply appreciate excellent value, this set is a strong contender.

However, those who absolutely require a dedicated factory crimp die for their specific loading process, or who prefer the aesthetics and advanced adjustability of premium die sets, might want to look elsewhere. For users who need to maintain extremely precise neck tension across a wide variety of brass conditions or prefer the feel of higher-end dies, this set might be considered too basic. For most common reloading needs with the .358 Winchester, though, this set is more than adequate.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90797 is a testament to Lee Precision’s commitment to providing functional, accessible reloading tools. For the .358 Winchester caliber, this Pacesetter die set delivers exceptional performance and value. It successfully combines the essential functions of resizing and bullet seating with the crucial inclusion of the correct shellholder, all at a price point that is almost unbelievable.

The build quality is robust, promising durability for years of reliable use. While it omits a dedicated factory crimp die and sports a utilitarian finish, these are minor trade-offs when considering the overall package and its cost. The inclusion of load data further enhances its appeal, particularly for less common cartridges.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this die set to anyone looking to reload the .358 Winchester. It represents a smart, economical choice that doesn’t compromise on the core requirements for producing quality ammunition. If you’re seeking to get started with this cartridge or simply need a dependable set of dies, this Lee offering is a clear winner that provides outstanding bang for your buck.