Breaking Down My Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752 Experience
Reloading ammunition is a passion and a necessity for serious shooters. The Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752 offer an accessible entry point into reloading this potent caliber. Lee, a trusted name in reloading, provides a comprehensive set for those looking to craft their own .35 Whelen cartridges. This kit includes the necessary dies and a shellholder. It promises consistent results without breaking the bank.
I ventured into reloading .35 Whelen to achieve better accuracy and tailor loads for my hunting rifle. Factory ammunition can be expensive and sometimes lacks the precision I demand. This die set seemed like the perfect solution to create custom rounds optimized for my specific rifle and hunting conditions.
Upon unboxing, the Lee dies felt solid and well-machined. The included shellholder fit my .35 Whelen cases perfectly. While the kit lacks a factory crimp die, the overall impression was of a practical and functional tool set ready for use. It was a straightforward, no-frills package, exuding a sense of reliability.
Compared to RCBS or Hornady die sets, the Lee offering is significantly more affordable. While those brands may offer more features or a finer finish, the Lee set provides the essentials for accurate reloading. I chose the Lee set because of its reputation for value and its positive user reviews. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness outweighed the perceived benefits of more expensive options.
My initial reaction was excitement. I was eager to start experimenting with different powder charges and bullet combinations to find the ideal load for my rifle. The Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752 promised the ability to fine-tune my ammunition. It also offered the chance to improve my shooting performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752 was at my home reloading bench. I carefully followed the instructions and started resizing some once-fired .35 Whelen brass. The dies worked smoothly, and the cases were easily resized to the correct dimensions.
The dies performed well, even when resizing cases that had been fired multiple times. I did notice that the sizing die required a firm tightening of the primer punch. Using Lee sizing paste made the resizing process even easier.
The dies were simple to use, even for a relative reloading novice like myself. The instructions were clear and concise, and I quickly got into a rhythm. There were no major issues. The reloading process was efficient, and the resulting cartridges looked and felt professionally made.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752 have proven to be reliable and durable. The dies show no signs of wear and tear, and the shellholder remains a perfect fit for my .35 Whelen cases. They have stood up to repeated use without any degradation in performance.
The dies require minimal maintenance. A quick cleaning with a solvent after each reloading session keeps them in good working order. The overall durability has exceeded my expectations, making them a worthwhile investment.
Compared to my previous experience with a less expensive die set (of a different caliber), the Lee dies are significantly better. The Lee dies provide more consistent results and require less effort to use. They outperform my previous experience in both accuracy and ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752
Specifications
The Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752 are specifically designed for reloading .35 Whelen cartridges. The set includes a sizing die, a bullet seating die, and a shellholder. It does not include a Lee factory crimp die.
The caliber is, of course, .35 Whelen. The dies are made from high-quality steel. The shellholder is specific to the .35 Whelen case head. These specifications ensure that the dies function correctly and produce accurate, consistent reloads.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance of the reloaded ammunition. Correct sizing ensures proper chambering. Accurate bullet seating contributes to consistent velocities and improved accuracy. The absence of a crimp die means that a separate crimping solution might be desired for optimal bullet retention.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752 perform their job effectively. They accurately resize cases, seat bullets to the correct depth, and hold cases securely during the reloading process. The dies are reliable and produce consistent results.
The strength of this die set is its simplicity and value. The weakness is the lack of a factory crimp die. A crimp die can be helpful for improving bullet retention, especially in hunting loads.
The dies meet my expectations for a basic reloading die set. They are not the most advanced or feature-rich dies on the market. However, they provide the essential functions needed to reload accurate .35 Whelen ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The dies are well-built and feel solid in hand. The materials used appear to be of good quality. The weight is appropriate for their size and function.
The dies are user-friendly and require minimal setup. There is no significant learning curve. Anyone with basic reloading experience should be able to use these dies effectively.
Durability & Maintenance
The dies are expected to last for many years with proper care. The steel construction is durable and resistant to wear and tear. They are designed to withstand the rigors of repeated use.
The dies are easy to maintain and repair. A quick cleaning with a solvent after each use is usually sufficient. Replacement parts are readily available from Lee if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The set includes only the sizing die, bullet seating die, and shellholder. No other accessories are included in the package. The main customization is bullet selection and powder charge.
The dies are compatible with most standard reloading presses and accessories. However, the lack of a crimp die means that a separate crimping tool or die from another manufacturer may be desired for certain loads. These dies will work with any standard reloading press.
Pros and Cons of Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752
Pros
- Excellent value for the money. These dies provide a cost-effective way to reload .35 Whelen ammunition.
- Simple and easy to use, even for beginners. The dies require minimal setup and are straightforward to operate.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance. The steel dies are built to withstand repeated use.
- Accurate resizing and bullet seating contribute to consistent reloads. This provides better control over the ammo’s performance.
- Includes a shellholder, making it a complete set for reloading .35 Whelen. This makes it easy to get started reloading right out of the box.
Cons
- Does not include a Lee factory crimp die, which may be desired for optimal bullet retention. A separate crimp die will need to be purchased.
- Limited features compared to more expensive die sets. These dies lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end die sets.
Who Should Buy Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752?
The Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752 are perfect for budget-conscious reloaders and hunters. These people want to create their own .35 Whelen ammunition without breaking the bank. They are also well-suited for reloaders who are new to the .35 Whelen caliber. These simple dies offer an easy entry point into reloading this potent round.
Those who require advanced features or prefer to use a factory crimp die should skip this product. These reloaders would be better served by a more comprehensive and expensive die set. A higher-end die set from a different manufacturer could suit them better.
A must-have accessory is a Lee factory crimp die or a similar crimping tool from another manufacturer. This will improve bullet retention and enhance the accuracy of the reloaded ammunition. Using Lee sizing paste when reforming brass is also a good idea.
Conclusion on Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752
The Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752 are a solid and reliable choice for reloaders seeking value and simplicity. These dies provide the essential functions needed to reload accurate .35 Whelen ammunition at an affordable price. The omission of a factory crimp die is a minor drawback.
The price is certainly justified. The Lee dies offer excellent performance for the money. They provide a cost-effective way to reload .35 Whelen ammunition.
I would personally recommend these dies to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and reliable option for reloading .35 Whelen. The Lee Limited Production 35 Whelen Dies W/Shellholder 90752 are a great choice. Start reloading today and experience the satisfaction of crafting your own custom ammunition.
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