Lee Precision 90703 Collet 2-Die Set for .257 Roberts

For serious shooters and precision reloaders aiming to unlock the full accuracy potential of their .257 Roberts rifles, the Lee Precision 90703 Collet 2-Die Set offers an unparalleled solution. This meticulously engineered reloading die set addresses the common challenges faced by handloaders, providing the tools necessary to produce match-grade ammunition with exceptional consistency and extended case life. Whether you're a competitive shooter, an avid hunter, or simply someone who demands the utmost precision from their firearms, this die set is a cornerstone for superior cartridge preparation.

What is the Lee Precision Collet 2-Die Set and Who is it For?

The Lee Precision 90703 Collet 2-Die Set is a specialized reloading tool designed for bottleneck rifle cartridges, specifically the popular .257 Roberts. Unlike conventional full-length sizing dies that resize the entire case, including the body and shoulder, the Collet Die focuses exclusively on the case neck. This makes it an ideal choice for:

• Precision Shooters: Individuals who prioritize achieving the tightest possible groups and consistent ballistic performance.
• Hunters: Those who rely on pinpoint accuracy for ethical and effective game harvesting with their .257 Roberts rifles.
• Cost-Conscious Reloaders: Anyone looking to significantly extend the life of their precious brass, reducing the frequency of purchasing new cases.
• Reloaders Seeking Simplicity: The collet sizing process eliminates the need for case lubrication, streamlining your reloading workflow.
• Ammunition Customizers: Handloaders who want to fine-tune ammunition to their specific rifle's chamber, achieving optimal bullet concentricity and seating depth.

This set is particularly beneficial when reloading for bolt-action rifles where case stretching is minimal, and neck sizing is sufficient for reliable chambering. It's an essential upgrade for anyone looking to step up their reloading game beyond basic full-length sizing.

The Power of Precision: How the Collet Die Works

At the heart of this set is the innovative Collet Die. This component redefines case neck sizing by utilizing a unique collet mechanism that gently squeezes the case neck against a precision-ground mandrel. Here's a breakdown of its operational benefits:

1. Superior Concentricity: The collet design ensures that the case neck is uniformly sized around the mandrel. This creates a perfectly round and concentric case neck, which is crucial for optimal bullet alignment. When a bullet is seated into a concentric case neck, it enters the rifle's bore straighter, leading to significantly improved accuracy and reduced "runout" (the deviation of the bullet's centerline from the case's centerline). Many users report achieving runout figures of less than 0.001 inch with this system, a level of precision typically associated with custom dies.
2. Extended Case Life: Unlike traditional sizing dies that can work-harden and stretch brass by excessively reforming it, the Collet Die only works the case neck. This minimizes stress on the brass, particularly the shoulder and body, preventing premature cracking and stretching. As a result, your valuable .257 Roberts cases can be reloaded many more times – often 5 to 10 times more than with full-length sizing – before showing signs of fatigue. This translates into significant long-term savings on brass.
3. No Lubrication Required: A major convenience of the Collet Die is that it eliminates the need for case lubrication. Because the collet jaws grip and compress the neck rather than pushing the case into a conventional die body, there's no friction build-up that necessitates lube. This speeds up the reloading process and keeps your hands and equipment cleaner.
4. No Case Trimming (Initially): For cases fired in the same rifle, neck sizing usually means less case stretching, reducing the frequency of case trimming. While eventual trimming may still be required, it's far less common than with full-length sizing.

What Problems Does This Die Set Solve for the .257 Roberts Shooter?

• Inconsistent Accuracy: Are your groups opening up? Poor bullet concentricity is a common culprit. The Lee Collet Die directly addresses this by creating perfectly aligned case necks.
• Short Brass Life: Are your .257 Roberts cases splitting after only a few reloads? Excessive work-hardening from full-length sizing could be the issue. The Collet Die extends case life dramatically.
• Tedious Lube Application: Tired of applying messy lubricants to every case? The Collet Die makes this step obsolete for neck sizing.
• High Ammunition Costs: Factory .257 Roberts ammunition can be expensive. Handloading with this die set allows you to produce high-quality rounds at a fraction of the cost, especially when factoring in the extended case life.
• Lack of Control: Want to fine-tune your loads for optimal performance in your specific rifle? This set provides the precision tools to do just that, giving you complete control over your ammunition's consistency.

Beyond the Collet: The Dead Length Bullet Seater Die

The second essential component in the Lee 90703 set is the Dead Length Bullet Seater Die. This isn't just any seating die; its design contributes significantly to consistent ammunition quality.

• Consistent Seating Depth: The "dead length" design means that the bullet is seated to a precise depth, independent of any potential variations in case length or rim thickness. The bullet and the case are captured within the die, and the seating stem directly pushes the bullet into the case without engaging in a crimping action. This ensures that every bullet is seated to the exact desired depth, which is critical for maintaining uniform pressure, velocity, and ultimately, accuracy.
• No Accidental Crimping: Unlike some seating dies that can inadvertently apply a crimp while seating, the Dead Length Seater Die focuses solely on seating the bullet. This is vital for rifle cartridges where a separate crimping step, if desired, is best performed with a dedicated crimp die. Avoiding an unintentional crimp helps prevent bullet deformation and ensures consistent neck tension.
• Bullet Protection: The smooth, precise seating action minimizes damage to the bullet, preserving its integrity and aerodynamic properties.

Comprehensive Set Inclusions: Everything You Need to Start Reloading .257 Roberts

Beyond the two primary dies, the Lee Precision 90703 Collet 2-Die Set also includes crucial accessories to get you started:

• Shell Holder: A robust shell holder specifically designed for the .257 Roberts case, ensuring proper alignment and function with your reloading press.
• Powder Dipper: A convenient pre-calibrated powder dipper. While many reloaders eventually graduate to electronic scales and powder measures for ultimate precision, the powder dipper provides a simple, accurate-enough method for initial load development or for field reloading. It's a testament to Lee's commitment to providing a complete, ready-to-use solution.
• Instructions and Load Data: A comprehensive guide that walks you through the setup and operation of the dies, along with valuable load data for the .257 Roberts. This information is invaluable for both novice and experienced reloaders, providing a safe starting point for developing accurate and reliable ammunition. Always cross-reference with multiple reputable reloading manuals, but Lee's included data is a solid foundation.

Why Choose Lee Precision for Your Reloading Needs?

Lee Precision has a long-standing reputation in the reloading community for producing innovative, high-quality, and affordably priced equipment. They are known for their commitment to making precision reloading accessible to everyone. The Collet Die is a prime example of their ingenuity, offering a unique and effective solution to achieving superior accuracy without breaking the bank. Their products are designed with the user in mind, emphasizing ease of use, durability, and consistent performance. When you invest in Lee Precision, you're choosing a brand trusted by generations of reloaders to deliver reliable results.

Optimizing Your .257 Roberts Ammunition

The .257 Roberts, often simply called the ".257 Bob," is a classic American cartridge known for its mild recoil, flat trajectory, and excellent performance on medium-sized game like deer, pronghorn, and even some varmints. Developed by Ned Roberts in the 1920s, it's a versatile cartridge that truly shines when fed with carefully handloaded ammunition.

By using the Lee Precision Collet 2-Die Set, you can:

• Tailor Loads to Your Rifle: Every rifle has its preferences. With this die set, you can experiment with different bullet weights (from lightweight varmint bullets to heavier hunting projectiles), powders, and seating depths to find the "sweet spot" that maximizes accuracy in your specific .257 Roberts rifle.
• Achieve Sub-MOA Accuracy: Many experienced reloaders report being able to consistently achieve sub-minute-of-angle (MOA) groups with ammunition prepared using Lee Collet Dies, provided other reloading variables (e.g., powder charge consistency, bullet quality, primer consistency) are also controlled.
• Experience Reloading Efficiency: The no-lube neck sizing process significantly speeds up brass preparation, allowing you to produce more high-quality ammunition in less time.

Getting Started: Tips for Using Your Lee Collet Die Set

1. Clean Cases: Begin with clean, de-primed cases. While the Collet Die doesn't require lube, clean cases ensure smooth operation and prevent grit from scratching your brass or the die.
2. Adjust the Die Properly: Follow the included instructions meticulously for adjusting the Collet Die. Proper adjustment ensures the collet jaws fully engage and size the case neck correctly.
3. Mandrel Care: The mandrel is critical for precise sizing. Keep it clean and inspect it for any burrs or imperfections.
4. Seating Depth is Key: Once your cases are sized, experiment with seating depths using the Dead Length Seater Die. For rifle ammunition, starting with bullets seated just off the lands (the rifling in your barrel) is a common practice for maximizing accuracy, but always consult reliable load data and test for pressure signs.
5. Primer Seating: While not part of the die set itself, consistent primer seating is vital. Ensure primers are seated firmly to the bottom of the primer pocket, without crushing them.

Where to Purchase the Lee Precision 90703 Collet 2-Die Set .257 Roberts

For a complete selection of Lee Precision reloading equipment, including the 90703 Collet 2-Die Set for .257 Roberts, look no further than DEGuns. As a trusted retailer, DEGuns offers a wide range of reloading supplies and is an excellent source for all your handloading needs. You can find this specific die set and many other essential tools to enhance your reloading bench and achieve superior ammunition performance.

In conclusion, the Lee Precision 90703 Collet 2-Die Set for .257 Roberts is more than just a set of dies; it's an investment in precision, efficiency, and the longevity of your reloading components. It empowers handloaders to produce highly accurate, reliable, and cost-effective ammunition, making every shot count.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Lee Precision
Series	2-Die Set
Model	Collet
Caliber	.257 Roberts
Gun Type	Rifle
Dies In Set	2
Weight	1.09 lbs
SKU	90703
UPC	734307907037