Lee Carbide 3 Die Set for 45 Schofield 90323 Review

The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323: Final Thoughts from Me

The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323 represents a crucial piece of equipment for any serious reloader of the classic .45 Schofield cartridge. Manufactured by Lee Precision, this die set promises precision and longevity thanks to its carbide construction. I was looking for a reliable die set to reload .45 Schofield rounds with consistent results, improving the accuracy and reducing the cost of shooting my vintage revolvers.

Upon unboxing, the dies felt solid and well-made, immediately inspiring confidence. The carbide sizing die gleamed, hinting at smooth operation and reduced case lubrication needs. The included shellholder was a welcome addition, ensuring I could get started reloading right away. Compared to a RCBS steel die set I used previously, this set promised ease of use and reduced wear on my brass, making the Lee set the clear winner for my application. My first impression was one of quiet satisfaction; I was eager to put them to use and see if they lived up to my expectations.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my reloading bench, focusing on producing consistent and accurate rounds. The dies were installed in my single-stage press, and I began processing a batch of once-fired brass. The carbide sizing die made resizing effortless, requiring minimal force and leaving the cases perfectly sized. I noticed the powder-through expanding die created a uniform case mouth flare, greatly aiding in bullet seating.

Using a variety of powders and bullet weights, I produced several batches of .45 Schofield ammunition. Even with temperature fluctuations in my unheated garage, the reloading process remained consistent. The seater die with its built-in crimp allowed me to achieve a uniform crimp on each round, improving bullet retention and accuracy. My first session proved the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set to be accurate and well worth the price.

Extended Use & Reliability

After months of use, the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set continues to deliver outstanding results. The carbide sizing die shows no signs of wear and continues to resize cases with ease. I’ve reloaded hundreds of rounds with this set, and the consistent results have boosted my confidence in the quality of my handloads. Cleaning the dies is straightforward, involving only a quick wipe down with a clean cloth and occasional application of gun oil to prevent rust.

Compared to my previous experiences with steel dies, the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set offers significantly smoother operation and longer lifespan. The consistency and ease of use it provides have made reloading .45 Schofield cartridges a more enjoyable and rewarding experience. It has outperformed all my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323

Specifications

The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323 includes three essential dies for reloading: a carbide sizing die, a powder-through expanding die, and a seater die with a built-in crimp. The carbide sizing die ensures smooth resizing of brass cases with minimal lubrication. It chambers .45 Schofield cartridges. The set includes a shellholder specifically designed for the .45 Schofield cartridge.

The inclusion of a carbide sizing die is significant because it eliminates the need for frequent case lubrication, simplifying the reloading process. The powder-through expanding die is designed to work seamlessly with Lee Auto-Disk powder measures, ensuring precise and consistent powder charges. The seater die’s built-in crimp allows for easy application of a uniform crimp, improving bullet retention and accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323 performs its job flawlessly, producing accurate and reliable ammunition. The carbide sizing die ensures proper case dimensions, preventing feeding issues in firearms. The powder-through expanding die creates a consistent case mouth flare, making bullet seating easier and more consistent. The seater die consistently produces rounds with the correct overall length and bullet seating depth.

The primary strength of this set lies in its ease of use and consistent results. The Lee set perfectly meets the needs of any reloader of .45 Schofield cartridges.

Design & Ergonomics

The dies are constructed from high-quality steel and carbide, ensuring durability and long life. The dies fit securely in standard reloading presses, and the shellholder provides a snug fit for .45 Schofield cases. The design is functional and straightforward, with each die clearly labeled for easy identification. The smooth operation of the carbide sizing die reduces fatigue during long reloading sessions.

The dies are easy to handle and adjust, even for novice reloaders. The set has an intuitive design, with a very minimal learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The carbide sizing die is exceptionally durable and should last for tens of thousands of rounds without significant wear. The steel components are well-machined and resistant to rust and corrosion. Regular cleaning and lubrication will extend the lifespan of the dies even further. The set is made to be used over and over again without breaking down.

Maintaining the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The carbide sizing die is particularly resistant to wear and requires minimal maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323 comes with a shellholder specific to the .45 Schofield cartridge. While this set doesn’t offer extensive customization options, it’s compatible with a wide range of reloading presses and powder measures. Reloaders can adjust the seating depth and crimp strength to fine-tune their ammunition.

The Lee powder-through expanding die is designed to work with Lee‘s Auto-Disk powder measures, which can be purchased separately. This set is a versatile foundation for reloading .45 Schofield cartridges to meet various needs.

Pros and Cons of Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323

Who Should Buy Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323?

The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323 is perfect for reloaders of .45 Schofield cartridges who value accuracy, consistency, and ease of use. It’s ideal for both novice and experienced reloaders looking to produce high-quality ammunition for their revolvers. Shooters of vintage revolvers will also greatly benefit from the reliability.

Those who only reload bottlenecked rifle cartridges or other pistol calibers should skip this product. A case tumbler is a must-have accessory to ensure clean brass and reduce wear on the dies.

Conclusion on Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323

The Lee Carbide 3 Die Set W/Shellholder For 45 Schofield 90323 is an excellent investment for any reloader of .45 Schofield ammunition. The carbide sizing die, powder-through expanding die, and seater die combine to deliver consistent, accurate, and reliable results. The price is justified by the quality of construction and the time-saving benefits of the carbide sizing die.

I would personally recommend this die set to anyone looking to improve their reloading process and produce high-quality .45 Schofield cartridges. If you value accuracy, consistency, and ease of use, the Lee Carbide 3 Die Set is a must-have for your reloading bench. Upgrade your reloading setup today and experience the difference!