After the Test: My Review of Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543
The world of reloading can often feel like an intricate dance between tradition and innovation, especially when dealing with older or less common calibers. The Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543 enters this arena not with a bang, but with a quiet confidence that belies its budget-friendly price point. These dies offer a direct route to handloading for the venerable .35 Remington cartridge, a round with a rich history in lever-action rifles. This set promises the essential tools for the job, including a crucial shellholder, and importantly, forgoes the additional factory crimp die to keep costs down. It’s a pragmatic approach that appeals to those who understand the nuances of reloading and are looking for functional, no-frills equipment.
My journey to this particular set of dies was born out of a growing scarcity of readily available .35 Remington ammunition. As factory loads became harder to find at my local sporting goods stores, the siren song of handloading grew louder. The allure wasn’t just about availability; it was about control and the potential for customization, especially for a beloved lever-action rifle that deserved more than just sporadic, expensive plinking. I needed a reliable way to bring this caliber back into regular use, and frankly, the price of some other manufacturers’ offerings for specialized calibers felt exorbitant.
Upon receiving the Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543, my initial impression was one of pleasant surprise. The dies themselves felt solid, eschewing any unnecessary ornamentation for pure functionality. The inclusion of the shellholder, often a separate purchase, was a welcome bonus that immediately added to the perceived value. Compared to some pricier sets I’ve encountered from brands like RCBS or Redding, these Lee dies felt robust, though perhaps with a slightly less refined finish. Still, for a set designed for limited production and a specific caliber, the build quality seemed more than adequate for the task at hand.
I had briefly considered other options, including more premium die sets that might have included a factory crimp die. However, the significantly higher price point for those was a non-starter, especially for a caliber I primarily use for casual shooting and plinking. The description of these Lee dies as “Pacesetter” and their “half the price of competitive dies” rang true, and the user feedback mentioning their similarity in performance to more expensive brands cemented my decision. My excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of experienced skepticism, but overall, I was cautiously optimistic, eager to see if these budget-friendly tools could deliver on their promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my reloading bench, a familiar sanctuary of precision and patience. The process of setting up the Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543 was straightforward, as expected for standard reloading dies. I began by resizing and de-priming spent brass from factory ammunition, a crucial first step in preparing cases for reloading. The dies performed their function flawlessly, resizing the brass to proper dimensions without excessive force.
The decapping pin worked cleanly, removing primers without bending or breaking, a common frustration with lesser dies. I then moved on to the seating die, carefully adjusting it to achieve the correct overall cartridge length. The seating process was smooth, with no signs of buckling or misalignment of the bullet. The included shellholder fit snugly into my press, providing a stable base for the entire operation.
There were no significant issues or surprises during this initial run. The dies operated as intended, and the process felt intuitive, thanks to years of experience with similar equipment. The absence of a factory crimp die meant that a separate crimping step would be necessary if desired, but for this test, I focused solely on the resizing and bullet seating functions provided by this set.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several loading sessions, spanning a few hundred rounds of .35 Remington, these Lee dies have held up remarkably well. The critical dimensions of the resized brass remain consistent, and bullet seating depth is uniform from one cartridge to the next. I haven’t observed any discernible wear or tear on the die bodies or their internal components, which speaks to their inherent durability.
Maintenance has been minimal; a light wipe-down with a soft cloth and occasional application of a quality dry lube has kept them functioning smoothly. The threads on the dies remain clean, and adjustment collars turn with satisfying precision. Compared to some older, worn-out dies I’ve encountered, these Lee dies feel remarkably robust, maintaining their performance without any degradation.
While they might not possess the heirloom quality of some ultra-premium brands, their reliability for their intended purpose is undeniable. For anyone who understands that a factory crimp can often be achieved with a separate tool or by adjusting the seating die slightly, these limited production dies prove to be a steadfast workhorse for the .35 Remington caliber. Their consistent performance over time has solidified them as a valuable addition to my reloading toolkit.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543
Specifications
The Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543 are designed to equip handloaders for the .35 Remington cartridge. This set typically includes a full-length resizing die and a bullet seating die, along with the essential shellholder. The resizing die is crucial for restoring fired brass to its original dimensions, ensuring proper chambering and extraction. The bullet seating die allows for precise control over the depth at which the bullet is seated in the case, directly impacting overall cartridge length and, consequently, chamber fit and performance. The included shellholder is vital for aligning the case properly within the press and die during the resizing and priming operations.
These specifications are fundamental to the reloading process, translating directly into the quality and reliability of your handloaded ammunition. A well-functioning resizing die guarantees that your brass will chamber reliably in your firearm, preventing dangerous misfires or jams. Precise bullet seating, controlled by the seating die, is paramount for maintaining consistent ballistic performance and ensuring that your cartridges headspace correctly. The shellholder acts as the foundation for these operations, ensuring that the brass is held securely and accurately.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of these dies is to resize fired brass and seat bullets accurately, and in this regard, they excel. The resizing die effectively brings spent .35 Remington cases back to their original specifications, ensuring they will chamber reliably in my Marlin rifle. The bullet seating die allows for fine adjustments to achieve the desired cartridge overall length, which is critical for proper feeding and accuracy.
The main strength of this set lies in its straightforward effectiveness. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do without fuss or unnecessary complexity. For those familiar with reloading, the functionality is intuitive and highly predictable. The only noted limitation, inherent to this specific “limited production” configuration, is the absence of a dedicated Lee Factory Crimp Die. While this is by design to keep costs down, it means an additional crimping step, if desired for heavy recoil applications or specific bullet types, would require a separate tool. However, for most standard loads and lever-action use, the seating die can often provide sufficient crimp.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of these Lee dies is classic utilitarianism. They are crafted from robust steel, giving them a satisfying heft and the impression of durability. The knurled bands for adjusting the dies offer a decent grip, though they could be a bit more aggressive for gloved hands.
The overall feel in hand is solid and purposeful, indicative of tools built for consistent work. Markings on the dies are clear, identifying their function (e.g., “RESZIE” and “SEAT”) and caliber. The threading is smooth, allowing for easy adjustment and removal from the reloading press. There’s a definite absence of aesthetic frills, which, in my experience, often correlates with a focus on core functionality and reliability.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience and the materials used, these dies are built to last for many years, likely thousands of rounds, with proper care. The steel construction is inherently resistant to wear. Potential failure points would typically involve the decapping pin, which is a consumable part in any resizing die, or damage from cross-threading or improper adjustment.
Maintenance is exceptionally simple. A periodic wipe-down with a silicone cloth or a light application of a dry lubricant on the threads is all that’s needed to keep them functioning smoothly. It’s important to keep the dies clean and free of debris, especially within the resizing shoulder and the seating stem. For their category, they represent a very durable and low-maintenance option.
Accessories and Customization Options
The most significant “accessory” included with the Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543 is the shellholder itself, which is a vital component often sold separately. This integration is a key part of their value proposition. The dies are designed to work with standard 7/8″-14 threaded reloading presses, making them compatible with virtually all common reloading equipment on the market.
Beyond the included shellholder, there are no other specific accessories bundled with this set. Customization options are limited to adjusting the seating depth and crimp of the bullet via the seating die itself. While some users might consider purchasing a separate Lee Factory Crimp Die for added insurance against bullet setback in high-recoil situations, it’s not a necessity for many .35 Remington applications.
Pros and Cons of Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543
Pros
- Exceptional Value: Offers essential die functions and a shellholder at a fraction of the cost of competitive sets, especially for specialized calibers.
- Solid Construction: Made from durable steel, these dies feel robust and are built to withstand regular use over many years.
- Includes Shellholder: A critical and often overlooked component is conveniently packaged with the dies, saving an additional purchase.
- Accurate Resizing and Seating: Performs its core functions reliably, producing consistent brass dimensions and precise bullet seating.
- Simplicity and Ease of Use: Straightforward design makes them very user-friendly, even for those newer to reloading, provided they understand basic die adjustments.
Cons
- No Factory Crimp Die: This limited production set omits the factory crimp die, which might be desired by some for specific applications.
- Basic Finish: While functional, the finish is less refined than on higher-priced dies.
Who Should Buy Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543?
This set is an ideal choice for the reloader who specifically needs dies for the .35 Remington caliber and is budget-conscious. It’s perfect for the casual shooter or hunter who wants to handload for their .35 Remington lever-action rifle and doesn’t require the absolute premium features found in much more expensive sets. Anyone looking to cast their own bullets for reduced loads, as hinted at in user feedback, will also find these dies perfectly suited.
Those who prioritize function over fancy finishes and understand that a factory crimp can be achieved with other means will be very happy. However, users who demand a factory crimp die integrated into their primary die set or those looking for dies for extremely common, high-volume calibers where more comprehensive sets are readily available might want to consider alternatives. For optimal use, ensure you have a reliable reloading press with a standard 7/8″-14 thread, and consider pairing these with a quality powder measure and scale for consistent results.
Conclusion on Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543
The Lee Limited Production 35 Remington Dies W/Shellholder 90543 represent a smart, no-nonsense solution for anyone needing to reload for this classic cartridge. They deliver reliable resizing and bullet seating performance that rivals more expensive options, all while including the essential shellholder. The value proposition here is undeniable; you get fundamental, well-made reloading tools at a price that makes handloading the .35 Remington accessible and economical.
While the deliberate exclusion of a factory crimp die might be a minor consideration for a select few, for the vast majority of .35 Remington shooters, these dies will perform admirably. They are a testament to Lee Precision’s philosophy of providing functional, affordable equipment that gets the job done. I would absolutely recommend this set to any reloader looking for an economical and effective way to produce ammunition for their .35 Remington firearms. If you’re in the market for these specific dies, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal that doesn’t compromise on core functionality.