Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 Review

Getting My Hands on the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866

As an equipment specialist with over a decade of experience across diverse environments—from gritty workshops to pristine labs and rugged outdoor expeditions—I’m always on the lookout for tools that not only perform but also embody a certain reliability and thoughtful design. My pursuit of precision in reloading led me to the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866, a specialized die for the .38 Super cartridge. This particular tool promised a factory-style crimp, a crucial element for ensuring consistent feeding and reliable chambering in semi-automatic firearms, especially for a caliber like the .38 Super, which demands accuracy in handloading.

The impetus for acquiring this specific die was a series of inconsistencies I’d noticed with reloaded .38 Super rounds. Sometimes, rounds would chamber with a slight huff, while others felt a bit too snug, leading to potential feeding issues, particularly in higher-volume shooting scenarios or competition. I needed a solution that would impart a uniform, precise crimp, mimicking the output of factory ammunition, thereby eliminating this variable. My research pointed towards Lee’s reputation for producing functional, no-nonsense reloading equipment at an accessible price point. While other brands offer similar dies, Lee’s focus on simplicity and effectiveness, often with innovative features like their carbide sizer integrated into the crimp die, made the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 a compelling choice.

Unboxing the die revealed the characteristic utilitarian design Lee is known for. It’s a solid piece of carbide and steel, devoid of unnecessary ornamentation. The weight felt substantial, hinting at robust construction, and the machining of the die body and threads appeared clean and precise. There was no excessive oil or protective coating to clean off, just a ready-to-go tool. My initial impression was one of quiet competence; this wasn’t a flashy piece of equipment, but rather something built to do a specific job, and do it well. It exuded the same no-frills, effective ethos I’ve come to appreciate in many of Lee’s reloading tools.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 to the Test

My initial testing grounds for the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 were my home reloading bench and the local indoor range. My workbench is a controlled environment where I could meticulously measure case runout, crimp diameter, and overall cartridge length. The range, however, is where the real proof lies – how those precisely loaded rounds perform under the stresses of cycling through a firearm. I loaded up several batches of .38 Super using various brass manufacturers and bullet profiles, all seated to standard overall lengths before the crimp stage.

During the first use, I was immediately impressed by the taper crimp it applied. Unlike some older dies that could roll crimp semi-auto rounds improperly, this Lee die created a clean, subtle taper that ensured the case mouth was smoothly reduced to the correct diameter without excessive pressure. This resulted in rounds that chambered with satisfying ease, a marked improvement over my previous reloads. I tested these rounds across a beloved .38 Super pistol, focusing on rapid fire and controlled slow fire to observe any feeding or chambering anomalies.

Over several weeks of regular reloading sessions, approximately 500 rounds passed through this die. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 demonstrated remarkable consistency. Each crimp was virtually identical, measured with digital calipers to within a thousandth of an inch. There was no noticeable degradation in performance, no loosening of the die’s adjustment screw, and no signs of excessive wear on the carbide sizer portion. Cleaning was straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a solvent-soaked rag to remove any residual brass shavings or lubricant was sufficient. Compared to my prior experience with less specialized dies that sometimes required fiddly adjustments and produced inconsistent results, this Lee die proved its worth through sheer reliability and repeatability.

First Use Experience

I set up the Lee die in my progressive press, ensuring the seating die was properly adjusted before it. The die body felt solid as I screwed it into the press head, and the initial adjustment for the crimp depth was straightforward thanks to the clearly marked screw. My first batch of .38 Super cases, already resized and expanded, were seated with bullets and then passed through this crimping die. The smoothness of operation was immediately apparent; the press stroke remained consistent throughout the crimping process, indicating a uniform resistance. I then measured a sample of the cartridges, noting the precise taper crimp applied, which was exactly as advertised for autoloader rounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After processing several hundred rounds of .38 Super, the die has held up exceptionally well. The carbide sizer, which works concurrently with the crimp, shows no signs of scoring or excessive wear, even when processing brass of varying hardness. The adjusting screw retains its position reliably, meaning once set for a specific load, it stays put. I have experienced no cases where the crimp was too weak or too strong, as long as the initial case preparation was sound. Its performance has been consistent, batch after batch, solidifying its place as a go-to tool for this caliber.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 is a specialized die designed to provide a precise factory-style taper crimp for .38 Super cartridges. Its primary function is to ensure that reloaded ammunition feeds reliably into semi-automatic firearms by uniformly reducing the case mouth diameter. This attention to detail is critical for shooters who demand consistency and a low failure rate from their handloads, especially when pushing the performance envelope of the .38 Super cartridge.

Specifications

This particular die is engineered for the .38 Super caliber. It features a carbide sizer die integrated directly into the crimping mechanism, which is a significant advantage. This dual-functionality means the case is sized down to its correct dimensions while the taper crimp is applied in a single operation, streamlining the reloading process. The adjusting screw allows for fine-tuning the amount of crimp applied, ensuring you can dial in the perfect tension for your specific components. The design specifically provides a perfect taper crimp suitable for autoloader rounds, distinguishing it from dies designed for revolvers which might employ a roll crimp.

Performance & Functionality

The core performance of this Lee die is its ability to deliver a consistent and effective taper crimp. It excels at its primary job: ensuring proper case mouth reduction for reliable feeding. I found that even with brass that had slightly varying wall thicknesses, the die compensated admirably, producing uniformly crimped rounds. Its strength lies in its predictability; once set, it consistently produces the desired crimp, minimizing guesswork and ensuring that each loaded round meets a high standard. The integrated carbide sizer also helps to ensure that even slightly sprung cases are brought back into spec, further aiding in reliable chambering.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 is purely functional, as is typical for Lee Precision tools. The all-steel construction with a carbide sizing ring speaks to its durability and longevity in a reloading environment. It threads smoothly into standard reloading press die stations, and the adjustment screw is easy to grip and turn, even with lightly oiled fingers. While it lacks any ergonomic embellishments, its straightforward design makes it intuitive to use. The clear markings on the die body help in identifying its purpose and caliber, preventing accidental misapplication.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction, the durability of this crimp die is excellent. The carbide sizing ring is exceptionally hard-wearing and resistant to abrasion, meaning it should provide thousands of cycles without significant performance loss. Regular maintenance involves simply wiping it down after use to remove any debris. For long-term storage, a light coat of oil on the external threads and the adjusting screw can prevent corrosion. There are no complex parts to break or wear out; it’s a robust, single-piece tool designed for the demands of high-volume reloading.

Accessories and Customization Options

This die is a standalone component, meaning it doesn’t come with additional accessories in the traditional sense. However, its true value lies in its compatibility with standard reloading presses and its ability to work with a wide range of .38 Super brass and bullet combinations. Lee also offers replacement parts, such as adjustment screws, should they ever be needed, but the core die is designed for extreme longevity. The primary customization it offers is through the adjusting screw, allowing users to precisely control the crimp for different bullet types and brass conditions.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866?

This die is an excellent choice for any handloader who focuses on the .38 Super cartridge and seeks consistent, reliable ammunition for their semi-automatic pistols. If you reload for competition, self-defense, or simply want to improve the feeding reliability of your reloaded .38 Super rounds, this die is a solid investment. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate straightforward, effective tools that deliver excellent results without unnecessary complexity or cost.

Shooters who primarily reload for revolvers, or those who only load .38 Super for historical firearms that may not have the same precise chamber tolerances as modern autos, might not find this specific die as essential. Anyone seeking a universal crimp die that adjusts for multiple calibers should look elsewhere. However, for the dedicated .38 Super reloader aiming for factory-like reliability, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 is hard to beat. I’d also recommend ensuring you have a reliable case resizing die and expander die to precede this crimp die for optimal results.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90866 stands as a testament to Lee Precision’s philosophy: deliver effective, durable tools at an honest price. For reloaders working with the .38 Super cartridge, this die is not just an accessory, but an essential component for achieving consistent, reliable ammunition. Its integrated carbide sizer and perfectly tuned taper crimp mechanism ensure that your reloads will feed smoothly into semi-automatic firearms, minimizing potential stoppages and maximizing shooting confidence. The robust build quality and ease of adjustment further solidify its position as a valuable addition to any reloading bench.

Considering its performance, durability, and the significant improvement it brings to the consistency of reloaded .38 Super, the value proposition of this die is outstanding. It accomplishes its specific task with precision and reliability, proving itself to be an indispensable tool for anyone serious about handloading this potent pistol cartridge. I wholeheartedly recommend this die to anyone looking to refine their .38 Super reloads and achieve a new level of confidence in their ammunition’s performance.