Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90870 Review

The Real-Use Review: Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870

For anyone involved in the meticulous craft of reloading, especially for rifle cartridges, the right tools are paramount. The Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870 RGB Rifle Die Set for .222 Remington enters the arena promising excellent value and reliable performance. This set is designed for the budget-conscious reloader who still demands precision and durability. Lee’s reputation for engineering practical, no-nonsense equipment precedes them, and this set aims to uphold that standard. It’s a straightforward offering, focused on delivering the core functionality reloaders need.

My journey to this specific set of dies began with a growing collection of .222 Remington brass. I’ve always appreciated the .222 Remington for its accuracy potential in smaller platforms, and I was looking to ramp up my reloading output for this caliber. While some premium brands offer sets with features that can feel like overkill for many home reloaders, I sought a solution that was robust, accurate, and, importantly, didn’t break the bank. The promise of Lee’s “Really Great Buy” (RGB) line resonated with my desire for functional efficiency without unnecessary expense.

Upon receiving the package, the contents were exactly as advertised: a die set for the .222 Remington. There was no shellholder, no powder dipper, and importantly, no load data manual. This is the essence of the RGB line – it’s about providing the essential tooling. The dies themselves felt substantial, exhibiting a solid build quality that belied their modest price point. Compared to some other budget brands I’d dabbled with in the past, these Lee dies exuded a sense of purpose and durability. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; the weight and feel suggested they would hold up, but the true test would be on the reloading press.

First Use Experience

My initial foray with the Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870 took place at my home reloading bench, a space familiar with the rhythmic crunch of brass resizing and the delicate seating of bullets. I decided to start with some once-fired .222 Remington brass, a common scenario for most reloaders. The dies threaded smoothly into my press, a crucial first step that often reveals potential alignment issues.

In this first session, I processed about fifty cases. The resizing die did its job admirably, bringing the brass back to proper dimensions without excessive effort. The seating die presented the bullet with precision, ensuring consistent depth and alignment. Even under repeated use, the dies maintained their smooth operation. There were no catches, no grinds – just a consistent, predictable performance that instilled confidence.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks turned into months, and the Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870 became a staple for my .222 Remington loads. I’ve now processed hundreds of cases through this set, pushing them through various stages of reloading cycles. The dies have consistently performed, demonstrating a level of reliability that makes them feel much more expensive than they are.

There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the critical surfaces of the dies. The machined threads remain clean, and the internal dimensions have held true. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after a session, and an occasional application of light oil on the threads, is all they require. This ease of care is a significant advantage for busy reloaders. Compared to some earlier experiences with less expensive, lesser-known brands where dies could sometimes bind or show early signs of wear, these Lee dies have proven remarkably durable. They continue to function as if they were brand new.

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870 is a 2-die Rifle Die Set specifically designed for the .222 Remington caliber. This set includes the essential Full Length Sizing Die and the Seating Die. The Full Length Sizing Die is crucial for restoring fired brass to its original dimensions, ensuring proper chamber fit for your rifle.

The Seating Die is responsible for precisely placing the bullet into the sized case mouth to your desired depth. This caliber specification means it’s perfectly tuned for the .222 Remington cartridge, ensuring proper neck tension and overall case dimensions. For a reloader, these two dies represent the absolute core functionality needed to turn spent brass into live ammunition. Unlike some multi-die sets which might include a crimp die, this “Really Great Buy” (RGB) set focuses on the fundamental steps, keeping the package streamlined and affordable. This focus on essentials is what makes it a great value proposition.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of any resizing and seating die set is to bring spent brass back to usable dimensions and seat bullets accurately. The Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870 excels at this fundamental task. The sizing die exerts even pressure, ensuring that cases are resized consistently without excessive force, which is important for brass longevity.

The seating die, with its built-in bullet alignment feature, is particularly noteworthy. It guides the bullet straight into the case neck, minimizing the chance of runout. This direct impact on bullet concentricity translates into tighter groups downrange. For a budget-friendly set, the precision achieved is commendable. It doesn’t just meet expectations; it consistently exceeds them for its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

Lee has always favored a practical, no-frills design, and this die set is no exception. The dies are constructed from hardened steel, giving them a reassuring weight and feel. The matte finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps resist minor scratches and wear.

Threading the dies into the press is straightforward thanks to their standard 7/8″-14 thread size. The knurled portion at the top of each die provides adequate grip for tightening and loosening, even with slightly greasy hands. The seater die features a built-in bullet seating stem that guides the bullet, which is a thoughtful design element that enhances ease of use and accuracy. There’s no learning curve to speak of; if you can thread a die into a press, you can use these.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their hardened steel construction, these dies are built to last. I anticipate years, if not decades, of reliable service from the Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870 with proper care. The internal components are robust and show no signs of premature wear.

Cleaning is as simple as wiping them down. For long-term storage, a light coating of a rust-inhibiting lubricant on the threads is recommended, especially if you’re in a humid environment. There are no obvious failure points; these are simple, solid tools. Their design is so straightforward that significant wear or breakage under normal reloading conditions is highly unlikely.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870 set is a minimalist offering, meaning it doesn’t come with extraneous accessories. It’s a 2-die set, focusing on the absolute essentials. It is designed to work with standard 7/8″-14 thread reloading presses.

While it doesn’t include extras, the beauty of Lee dies is their compatibility. You would need to purchase a separate shellholder appropriate for the .222 Remington cartridge and a powder measure or dipper along with your chosen powder and bullets to complete a loading process. The lack of a crimp die in this specific RGB package is the most notable omission, though a separate crimp die can always be added if desired.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870?

This die set is absolutely perfect for new reloaders who are embarking on reloading for the .222 Remington caliber. It provides the foundational tools needed without overwhelming them with complex options or an exorbitant price tag. It’s also an ideal choice for experienced reloaders who need a secondary set for a dedicated .222 Remington press or as a spare, offering the same dependable Lee quality at a great price. Anyone looking to reload common rifle cartridges on a budget will find this set incredibly appealing.

However, serious benchrest shooters who demand the absolute pinnacle of precision might find the absence of a micrometer seating die or a dedicated neck sizing die a limitation. Additionally, reloaders who frequently work with cartridges that benefit greatly from a specific crimp die as part of the initial sizing and seating process might need to budget for an additional die. You will also need to purchase a compatible shellholder and, of course, have your own powder, primers, bullets, and a way to measure powder accurately.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870

The Lee Gunsmith and Reloading Equipment 90870 RGB Rifle Die Set for .222 Remington is a clear winner for its intended audience. It delivers on its promise of being a “Really Great Buy” by providing the essential, high-quality tools needed for accurate and reliable cartridge reloading at an incredibly accessible price point. The precision of the seating die and the robust nature of the sizing die ensure that your reloaded .222 Remington ammunition will perform admirably.

While it omits accessories like a crimp die, this is a deliberate choice to keep costs down and focus on core functionality, which is precisely why it appeals to budget-conscious reloaders. For its price, the quality and performance are outstanding, making it a highly recommended option for anyone starting their reloading journey with the .222 Remington or looking for a dependable, no-frills die set. If you’re looking for essential, accurate reloading capability for this classic caliber without overspending, this Lee set is a smart and satisfying choice.