Lee Short Charging Die 90668 Review

The Most Honest Lee Short Charging Die 90668 Review Online

For those immersed in the world of reloading, efficiency and automation are often the holy grail. My own journey through countless hours at the reloading bench has taught me that even small improvements can translate into significant time savings and increased output. It was this pursuit that led me to the Lee Short Charging Die 90668. Manufactured by Lee, this die is designed to integrate seamlessly with their Auto-Disk Pro, Auto-Disk, and Auto-Drum powder measures, aiming to automate the crucial powder charging step in case reloading. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of functional simplicity; it’s a die, after all, a piece of precision-machined brass, and it felt solid enough, though its compact stature hints at its specific role. I had considered a more universal powder-through expanding die, but the Lee Short Charging Die 90668‘s specific design for rifle case lengths, and its distinct separation of expanding from charging, caught my attention. There was a tangible sense of relief and anticipation, a hope that this small component could streamline my workflow.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Short Charging Die 90668 to the Test

My testing ground for the Lee Short Charging Die 90668 was my well-worn reloading bench, specifically set up for high-volume rifle cartridge processing. I paired it with my trusty Lee Turret Press, filling the fourth turret station with this die to automate the powder drop. This setup immediately addressed a key need: filling that otherwise empty station and integrating powder dispensing without manual scooping. The die performed as expected in this controlled environment, reliably activating the powder measure with each downward stroke of the press ram, depositing a consistent charge into the case. It handled cases within its specified range, from .860 to 1.760 inches, without issue, a critical factor for the rifle cartridges I was processing at the time.

Over several weeks of continuous use, processing hundreds of rounds, the Lee Short Charging Die 90668 proved itself to be a workhorse. Its robust brass construction showed no signs of premature wear; there were no observable cracks, stiffness, or performance degradation. Maintenance was virtually non-existent, requiring only the occasional brush to remove powder dust, keeping the internal mechanism clean and free from obstruction. Compared to my previous manual powder charging methods, or even less integrated automatic systems, this die offered a significant improvement in speed and a reduction in manual handling. It maintained consistent powder drops, a testament to its straightforward yet effective design, directly contributing to a more efficient and less fatiguing reloading session.

First Use Experience

The first time I fitted the Lee Short Charging Die 90668 onto my Lee Turret Press, it was a matter of minutes. It threaded in smoothly, requiring no special tools beyond the press itself. I ensured my chosen powder measure was correctly seated and calibrated, then proceeded with a test run. The ram’s movement engaged the die’s mechanism perfectly, triggering the powder drop as designed. My initial test runs were with common rifle calibers, specifically those falling within the die’s stated case length parameters.

The simplicity of the operation was immediately apparent; there was no complex adjustment or learning curve. Once the powder measure was dialed in, the die simply did its job, facilitating the automated drop. I didn’t encounter any immediate surprises or quirks; it performed precisely as the product description suggested. The one minor observation was the difference in operation compared to a powder-through expanding die, as this unit is not designed to expand the case mouth; that step, for rifle cases, is correctly handled by the sizing die prior to this stage.

Extended Use & Reliability

After processing several hundred rounds using the Lee Short Charging Die 90668, its reliability became a cornerstone of my reloading process. The consistent activation of the powder measure remained a constant, crucial for accurate loads. I experienced no binding or sticking, even after extended sessions where the press was cycled hundreds of times in a single sitting. The brass construction, while seemingly simple, proved remarkably durable against the stresses of repeated ram strokes.

Cleaning was as straightforward as expected; a quick blast of compressed air or a gentle wipe down was usually sufficient. I found no need for any specialized lubricants or lubricants, which is a significant plus for a component that interfaces with fine powder. When compared to some early automated powder systems I’ve experimented with, this die offered a level of dependable simplicity that was truly appreciated. It consistently delivered on its promise of automated powder charging for compatible cases and powder measures.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Short Charging Die 90668

Specifications

The Lee Short Charging Die 90668 is designed for specific use with Lee‘s Auto-Disk Pro, Auto-Disk, and Auto-Drum powder measures. Its primary function is to automate the powder drop on reloading presses that utilize a four-station turret, filling that crucial fourth hole. This die is engineered to work with cases ranging from .860 to 1.760 inches in length, a range that comfortably accommodates many common pistol and shorter rifle cartridges. Crucially, it’s intended for bullet diameters of .223 and larger, designed to mitigate issues like powder bridging. Unlike a pistol powder-through expanding die, this unit does not expand the case mouth; rifle case expansion is expected to be handled by the sizing die. For longer rifle cases, from 1.760 to 2.620 inches, Lee offers a corresponding long charging die.

These specifications are not arbitrary; they define the die’s operational envelope and its place in a reloading sequence. The specified case length range is critical for ensuring proper engagement with the press ram and the powder measure. The minimum bullet diameter is also key to preventing powder bridging, a common annoyance that can lead to inconsistent drops or even stuck powder in the die. By not expanding the case mouth, the Lee Short Charging Die 90668 maintains the integrity of the case resizing done in an earlier step, which is standard practice for rifle reloading.

Performance & Functionality

In its intended role, the Lee Short Charging Die 90668 performs exceptionally well. Its core function of reliably triggering the powder measure with each press stroke is executed flawlessly, provided the accompanying powder measure is properly calibrated. This automation significantly speeds up the reloading process, especially for medium to high-volume runs, and reduces operator fatigue. The die’s design ensures a consistent mechanical linkage, translating the press ram’s motion into the precise activation needed for powder dispensing.

The primary strength of this die lies in its straightforward automation and compatibility with Lee‘s powder dispensing systems. It efficiently fills the often-unused fourth station on a turret press, integrating powder charging directly into the press cycle. Its main limitation, inherent in its design, is that it does not expand the case mouth. This is not a flaw but a functional characteristic, meaning it is not a standalone powder-drop-and-fill station for all cartridge types; it relies on prior case preparation, specifically sizing and flaring done in earlier die stations. For its intended purpose, it meets and often exceeds expectations, especially given its modest price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Short Charging Die 90668 is, by necessity, functional and robust. Constructed from brass, it offers a good balance of durability and resistance to corrosion. The machining is precise, allowing for smooth threading into the press and a snug fit with the powder measure assembly. Its compact size means it doesn’t add undue bulk to the turret press, preserving valuable working space.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the die itself requires no direct manipulation during the reloading process once installed. Its integration is entirely mechanical, meaning there’s no gripping or adjusting required on the fly. The only interaction a reloader has with it is during the initial setup and eventual removal or cleaning. The tactile feedback during use is simply the smooth, consistent operation of the press ram, indicating the die is doing its job. There are no small levers or fiddly parts on the die itself that could cause discomfort or annoyance during a reloading session.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its solid brass construction and simple mechanical design, the Lee Short Charging Die 90668 is built for longevity. Under normal reloading conditions, it is highly unlikely to fail. The stresses of activating a powder measure are minimal compared to the forces experienced by other reloading dies, like sizing dies. I foresee this die lasting for many years, potentially decades, of consistent use.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. The primary concern is keeping it free of residual powder that could interfere with its smooth operation or the operation of the attached powder measure. A blast of compressed air is usually sufficient, or a soft brush can be used to dislodge any stubborn powder kernels. There are no seals or complex internal mechanisms to worry about; it’s a solid piece of brass with a precisely machined aperture. Its simplicity is its greatest asset when it comes to long-term durability and ease of upkeep.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Short Charging Die 90668 is designed to work as part of a system, primarily with Lee‘s Auto-Disk, Auto-Disk Pro, and Auto-Drum powder measures. Therefore, its main “accessory” is the powder measure it attaches to. These powder measures themselves have interchangeable drum sizes and sometimes different rotors, which effectively act as customization options for powder charge weight. The die itself, however, is not designed for further physical customization; its form factor is fixed to facilitate its specific function.

There are no additional components typically sold with this die, nor are there common aftermarket upgrades for it. Its value lies in its direct integration into the Lee reloading ecosystem. Compatibility with other brands’ powder measures is generally not feasible due to proprietary attachment methods. For those using Lee‘s turret presses and powder measures, it’s a plug-and-play solution.

Pros and Cons of Lee Short Charging Die 90668

Who Should Buy Lee Short Charging Die 90668?

This die is an excellent addition for any reloader who is already invested in Lee‘s turret press system and uses their Auto-Disk, Auto-Disk Pro, or Auto-Drum powder measures. If you are processing a significant volume of rifle cartridges that fall within the .860 to 1.760 inches case length range, this die will streamline your workflow considerably. It’s particularly beneficial for those who want to maximize the efficiency of their reloading press by filling that fourth turret station and automating the powder drop.

Reloaders who are exclusively focused on pistol cartridges (which are often processed using powder-through expanding dies that do expand the case mouth) might not find as much utility in this specific die, unless they have a dedicated station for powder dispensing separate from case expansion. Similarly, those using other brands of reloading presses or powder measures will need to look elsewhere for compatible solutions. For optimal use, you’ll also want to ensure your sizing die is properly set up to handle case expansion for rifle cartridges before this charging die stage.

Conclusion on Lee Short Charging Die 90668

The Lee Short Charging Die 90668 is a well-executed component that effectively automates a key step in the reloading process for compatible setups. Its robust brass construction, straightforward design, and reliable performance make it a valuable addition for Lee turret press users looking to enhance their reloading efficiency. While its limitation of not expanding case mouths is a critical distinction for rifle reloading, it performs its intended function of automating powder dispensing with precision and consistency.

Considering its modest price point and the significant time-saving benefits it offers, the value proposition is very strong. For reloaders who prioritize speed and a streamlined process, especially when working with shorter rifle cartridges and Lee powder measures, this die is an easy recommendation. It’s not a revolutionary product, but rather a smart, incremental improvement that contributes meaningfully to a more enjoyable and productive reloading experience.