Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800 Review

My Verdict on the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800 Pacesetter Die Set is a significant offering for those venturing into handloading for the potent .458 Winchester Magnum cartridge. As an experienced gear specialist, I’ve always appreciated Lee‘s approach to making reloading accessible and functional, and this set aims to deliver just that for a truly magnum cartridge. This Pacesetter die set promises to equip the reloader with essential tools, including the distinctive Lee factory crimp die, a bullet seater, and a roll crimper, all packaged with a shellholder, powder dipper, and load data in a robust storage box.

My journey to this particular die set was driven by a persistent need to achieve consistent, reliable ammunition for a robust .458 Winchester Magnum rifle. The idea of handloading for such a powerful caliber was initially intimidating, but the availability of comprehensive die sets like this one from Lee offered a clear path forward. I was looking for a set that provided all the core functionalities without overwhelming complexity, and this particular model seemed to hit that sweet spot for a powerful rifle caliber.

Upon receiving the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800, my initial impression was one of pragmatic utility. The dies themselves felt solid, with the familiar reassuring heft of machined steel that Lee is known for. The inclusion of the shellholder, powder dipper, and comprehensive load data within the dedicated storage box immediately struck me as excellent value, signaling that Lee understood the beginner’s needs. While other manufacturers offer premium die sets, the allure of this Pacesetter was its comprehensive nature at a very accessible price point, aiming to equip the reloader with everything needed to get started for the .458 Winchester Magnum. My excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of professional caution, eager to see if its performance matched its promising initial presentation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800 took place on my dedicated reloading bench, a space that has seen countless calibers and projectile combinations. The .458 Winchester Magnum presents unique challenges due to its case capacity and the typically heavier bullets associated with it, so I was keen to see how these dies would handle the resizing and seating operations for this magnum cartridge. The process of setting up the dies was straightforward, following the included instructions which, as is typical with Lee, were clear and concise.

I began by resizing spent brass from a reputable manufacturer, ensuring proper die height adjustment. The resizing die performed admirably, restoring the fired cases to a precise dimension suitable for reloading. Subsequently, I proceeded to the bullet seating die. This is often where subtle differences in die design become apparent, and the Lee seater worked smoothly, guiding the bullet true without imparting any undue stress or runout. The inclusion of the factory crimp die was a particular point of interest; its ability to apply a substantial crimp, essential for magnum cartridges prone to bullet set-back under recoil, proved to be highly effective.

No significant issues or surprises arose during this initial use. The dies functioned as expected, and the included powder dipper, while basic, provided a starting point for charge weights as detailed in the load data. The entire operation felt intuitive, largely due to the well-designed nature of each component within the set.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several reloading sessions, I’ve processed a substantial quantity of .458 Winchester Magnum brass using this Pacesetter die set. The dies continue to perform consistently, with no noticeable degradation in their ability to resize cases accurately or seat bullets without runout. The factory crimp die remains a standout feature, reliably imparting a firm crimp that ensures the bullets stay put, even when handling heavy recoil.

Durability has been excellent. The machined steel construction of the dies has shown no signs of premature wear, despite repeated cycles of resizing and seating. There have been no instances of sticking, galling, or any loss of precision. Maintenance has been minimal; a simple wipe-down with a dry cloth after use and a light application of oil to the threads has kept them in pristine condition. Compared to some higher-end, more expensive die sets I’ve used in the past, this Lee offering stands up remarkably well in terms of sheer functionality and longevity for its intended purpose. While it might lack some of the finer aesthetic touches or elaborate adjustments of premium sets, its core performance and reliability for the .458 Winchester Magnum are undeniable.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800 Pacesetter Die Set is specifically designed for the .458 Winchester Magnum rifle cartridge. This set includes three critical dies: a resizing die, a seater die, and the distinctive Lee factory crimp die. It also comes equipped with a corresponding #2 shellholder, a powder dipper, and comprehensive load data, all housed within a durable plastic storage box.

The material used for the dies is high-quality machined steel, providing the necessary strength and durability for working with the robust .458 Winchester Magnum cartridge. The inclusion of the factory crimp die is a significant specification, as it offers a taper or roll crimp option that is crucial for stabilizing heavy bullets in large-capacity rifle cases, preventing bullet jump under recoil. The powder dipper, while basic, offers a convenient, albeit approximate, method for dispensing powder charges, suitable for users who are carefully cross-referencing with published load data. The #2 shellholder ensures proper case support during the resizing and priming operations, and the included load data is invaluable for those new to this powerful caliber.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800 is to accurately resize spent brass and precisely seat bullets, then apply a functional crimp. In this regard, the die set performs exceptionally well. The resizing die effectively brings fired cases back to their original dimensions, ensuring reliable chambering.

The seater die is a strong performer, allowing for precise depth adjustment and consistent seating without introducing noticeable runout, which is critical for accuracy with a large-caliber rifle. The standout functionality, however, is the Lee factory crimp die. It applies a substantial and effective crimp, which is absolutely vital for .458 Winchester Magnum loads that will be subjected to significant recoil. This feature alone makes the set a compelling choice for this particular caliber.

The main strength of this die set is its comprehensive nature and the effectiveness of its factory crimp die. Its only real weakness, if one can call it that, is that it is a set of functional dies rather than highly specialized match-grade components, which is to be expected at this price point. Nevertheless, it more than meets expectations for safe and accurate handloading for this powerful cartridge.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800 is all about straightforward functionality. The dies are constructed from robust, machined steel, giving them a solid and dependable feel. The knurled adjustment rings on the seater and factory crimp dies are functional and provide adequate grip for making precise adjustments.

Ergonomically, the dies are designed to be threaded into a standard reloading press with ease. The weight of the steel construction provides a good tactile sense of what is happening during the resizing and seating process. The markings on the dies are clear and easy to read, indicating their specific function. The inclusion of a powder dipper, while basic, fits the utilitarian design ethos. The storage box is well-designed, keeping all the components organized and protected, which is a significant plus for longevity and ease of access.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800 is built for durability. The solid steel construction suggests it is designed to last for many years, even with frequent use in reloading .458 Winchester Magnum cartridges. Under normal reloading conditions, it’s unlikely to see any significant wear or failure points.

Maintenance is commendably simple. After each reloading session, I recommend wiping down the dies with a clean cloth to remove any residual sizing lubricant or debris. A light application of a quality gun oil or lubricant to the threads will prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation for years to come. There are no complex parts to maintain, making it an ideal choice for reloaders who prefer straightforward, low-fuss equipment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800 comes with a thoughtfully curated set of accessories that make it a complete package for the .458 Winchester Magnum reloader. The included #2 shellholder is essential for properly supporting the cartridge case during resizing and priming operations. A powder dipper is provided as a convenient tool for dispensing powder, although it’s important to note that for optimal accuracy and safety, using a calibrated powder measure is always recommended.

Crucially, the set includes comprehensive load data specifically for the .458 Winchester Magnum, offering starting points for various bullet weights and powder types. This is an invaluable resource, particularly for those new to reloading this powerful caliber. All these items are neatly organized in a hard plastic storage box, which is a practical accessory in itself, keeping everything together and protected from dust and damage. While the dies themselves are not designed for user modification in terms of replacing components (like carbide sizing rings found on some other Lee dies), the set is designed to work universally with standard reloading presses that accept 7/8″-14 thread dies.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800?

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800 Pacesetter Die Set is an ideal choice for the home reloader who is looking to handload for the potent .458 Winchester Magnum cartridge. This set is particularly well-suited for shooters who are either new to reloading this specific caliber or those who are looking for a cost-effective yet highly functional die set. It’s perfect for individuals who prioritize reliability and the ability to produce safe, effective ammunition for hunting or specialized shooting applications where the .458 Winchester Magnum is employed.

Those who should probably skip this set are advanced reloaders who exclusively seek out premium, match-grade dies with carbide sizing rings for extremely high-volume reloading or those who require absolute minimal lube application. However, for the vast majority of .458 Winchester Magnum enthusiasts, this set provides all the necessary functionality. A must-have complementary item would be a quality powder measure and accurate scale for precise powder charging, along with a dial caliper for verifying overall cartridge length and bullet runout, which are standard tools for any serious handloader.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90800 Pacesetter Die Set for the .458 Winchester Magnum is a testament to Lee‘s commitment to providing accessible, functional, and reliable reloading tools. For its price, the value proposition is exceptional, offering a complete suite of essential dies along with crucial accessories and data to get a reloader started safely and effectively. The performance, particularly from the essential factory crimp die, is robust and inspires confidence for this powerful cartridge.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this die set to anyone looking to handload for the .458 Winchester Magnum, especially if they are new to the caliber or seeking an economical yet entirely capable reloading solution. It delivers on its promise of enabling accurate and reliable ammunition production, making the powerful .458 Winchester Magnum cartridge more manageable and cost-effective to shoot. It’s a solid, no-nonsense set that performs its duty admirably.