Mastering Your Ammunition: The Lee Pacesetter 2-Die Set for .264 Winchester Magnum

For discerning shooters and passionate reloaders, achieving optimal performance from your firearms begins with precision-crafted ammunition. The journey to superior accuracy, consistency, and cost savings in shooting often leads to the rewarding practice of handloading. Among the essential tools for this endeavor, die sets stand paramount, and the Lee 90774 Pacesetter 2-Die Set for .264 Winchester Magnum emerges as a top-tier choice for those committed to excellence in their rifle ammunition.

This comprehensive die set is specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of reloading the potent .264 Winchester Magnum cartridge. Whether you're a competitive long-range shooter, a dedicated big-game hunter pursuing elusive quarry, or simply someone who appreciates the art and science of crafting custom ammunition, this Lee Precision set provides the foundational components needed to produce reliable, high-performance rounds tailored precisely to your rifle's chamber and your specific shooting needs.

Who Benefits Most from Reloading with this Lee Pacesetter Set?

• Precision Shooters: Those who demand sub-minute-of-angle (MOA) accuracy from their .264 Win Mag rifles will find the precise control offered by these dies indispensable for developing exceptionally consistent loads.
• Dedicated Hunters: For hunters who rely on their .264 Win Mag for ethical and effective harvesting of game, custom-tailored ammunition ensures optimal bullet performance and terminal ballistics at various ranges.
• Cost-Conscious Shooters: Factory ammunition for cartridges like the .264 Win Mag can be expensive. Handloading significantly reduces the per-round cost, allowing for more practice and experimentation without breaking the bank.
• Experimenters and Ballistics Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy fine-tuning loads with different powders, primers, and bullets to discover the absolute best combination for their specific firearm.
• Reloaders Seeking Durability and Value: Lee Precision is renowned for producing robust, long-lasting reloading equipment that offers exceptional value, making this an excellent long-term investment.

The Core Problem Solved: Achieving Custom Ammunition Perfection

The primary challenge for any serious shooter is inconsistency in factory ammunition and the inability to fine-tune loads for specific rifles. The Lee Pacesetter 2-Die Set addresses this directly by providing the essential tools to:

1. Standardize Case Dimensions: The Full Length Sizing Die precisely reforms fired cases back to SAAMI specifications, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction in any .264 Win Mag rifle chamber. This is crucial for avoiding malfunctions and maintaining consistent chamber pressure.
2. Optimize Bullet Seating Depth: The Bullet Seating Die allows for precise control over the seating depth of the bullet, which is a critical factor in influencing accuracy, pressure, and overall cartridge length.
3. Ensure Concentricity: Proper die design helps in maintaining bullet concentricity within the case, leading to more stable flight and improved accuracy downrange.
4. Prolong Case Life: While full-length sizing is more aggressive than neck sizing, Lee dies are designed to minimize unnecessary brass stretching, contributing to a reasonable number of reloads per case.

Unpacking the Lee Pacesetter 2-Die Set

This specific set (UPC 734307907747) includes two fundamental dies, a universal shell holder, and comprehensive load data, making it a complete package for beginning or upgrading your .264 Win Mag reloading setup. Let's delve into each component:

1. Full Length Sizing Die

The Full Length Sizing Die is the workhorse of any reloading operation. Its primary function is to reshape a fired cartridge case back to its original, unfired dimensions. When a cartridge is fired, the brass case expands to fill the rifle's chamber. This expansion means the case will no longer fit properly in another chamber, or even the same chamber after a few firings, without being resized. The Lee Full Length Sizing Die accomplishes this by:

• Resizing the Case Body: It pushes the expanded brass back to original SAAMI specifications, ensuring smooth chambering and extraction.
• Decapping: Simultaneously, a decapping pin removes the spent primer from the primer pocket, preparing the case for a new primer.
• Resizing the Neck: The die also resizes the case neck, preparing it to firmly hold a new bullet. This critical step ensures proper bullet tension, which is vital for consistent powder ignition and bullet release.

Lee's design ensures a smooth, non-binding resizing process, even with the robust .264 Win Mag brass. The steel construction offers exceptional durability, capable of enduring thousands of resizing operations over many years of active reloading.

2. Bullet Seating Die

Once the case has been resized, reprimed, and charged with powder, the Bullet Seating Die takes center stage. This die is responsible for precisely inserting the bullet into the case neck and crimping it, if desired. Achieving the correct bullet seating depth is paramount for accuracy and safety. Key features of Lee's Bullet Seating Die include:

• Precision Bullet Seating: The die allows for micro-adjustments to ensure the bullet is seated to the exact desired depth. This control is critical for tuning loads to your rifle's specific leade (the distance a bullet travels before engaging the rifling).
• Built-in Crimp Feature (Optional): Many Lee seating dies incorporate a slight taper crimp or roll crimp feature, which can be engaged if desired. Crimping helps secure the bullet in the case, particularly important for cartridges used in tubular magazines or under heavy recoil, though often less critical for the .264 Win Mag in bolt-action rifles. It adds an extra layer of consistency and prevents bullet setback.
• Smooth Operation: The design ensures a consistent, smooth seating process, minimizing bullet deformation and maintaining bullet concentricity.

The ability to fine-tune seating depth allows reloaders to experiment with different overall cartridge lengths (OAL), which can dramatically impact accuracy by optimizing the bullet's jump to the rifling. This level of control is simply not available with factory ammunition.

3. Universal Shell Holder

A often-overlooked yet critical component, the Universal Shell Holder securely grips the rim of the cartridge case, allowing it to be presented to the dies on your reloading press. The included shell holder is specifically sized for the .264 Win Mag and other cartridges with similar base dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit and consistent alignment with your dies during each reloading stage. Its robust construction guarantees a secure hold, preventing slippage and promoting smooth operation.

4. Instructions and Load Data

Lee Precision sets themselves apart by including comprehensive instructions and a vital piece of information: detailed load data. This data is invaluable, especially for those new to reloading or working with a new cartridge like the .264 Win Mag. It provides starting and maximum powder charges for various bullet weights and types, helping reloaders safely and effectively develop their custom ammunition. This inclusion significantly reduces the need to purchase separate reloading manuals initially, although consulting multiple sources for load data is always recommended for safety and optimization.

Why Choose Lee Precision for Your .264 Win Mag Reloading?

Lee Precision has been a trusted name in reloading for decades, known for its innovative designs, robust construction, and commitment to providing high-quality tools at accessible prices. When you invest in a Lee Pacesetter 2-Die Set, you're investing in:

• Durability: Made from high-quality steel, these dies are built to withstand the rigors of thousands of reloading cycles. They resist wear and tear, ensuring consistent performance over many years.
• Precision Engineering: Lee dies are meticulously machined to tight tolerances, ensuring that your resized cases and seated bullets meet exact specifications for optimal firearm function and accuracy.
• Value: Lee Precision consistently offers exceptional value, providing professional-grade reloading tools without the premium price tag. This allows more shooters to enter the rewarding world of handloading.
• Ease of Use: Lee's designs are often praised for their user-friendly nature, making the reloading process straightforward for both novice and experienced reloaders.
• Comprehensive Support: The inclusion of instructions and load data reflects Lee's commitment to supporting their users, ensuring a safe and successful reloading experience.

The .264 Winchester Magnum: A Cartridge Deserving of Precision Reloading

The .264 Winchester Magnum, introduced in 1959, holds a special place in the hearts of many long-range shooters and hunters. Known for its flat trajectory and excellent ballistic coefficient with 6.5mm bullets, it is a formidable cartridge for varmints, deer, and even larger game when loaded appropriately. Its high velocity capabilities mean that small inconsistencies in factory ammunition can be amplified downrange, leading to significant point-of-impact shifts. This is precisely why precision handloading with a dedicated die set like the Lee Pacesetter is so beneficial for the .264 Win Mag. It allows the reloader to:

• Maximize Velocity Consistency: By controlling every variable, reloaders can minimize velocity extreme spreads (ES) and standard deviations (SD), which directly translates to tighter groups at extended ranges.
• Optimize for Specific Bullet Weights: The .264 Win Mag performs exceptionally well with a range of bullet weights, typically from 120 to 160 grains. Reloading allows you to tailor your ammunition to specific bullet designs (e.g., VLD hunting bullets, match-grade target bullets) and their unique performance characteristics.
• Extend Brass Life: While full-length sizing is performed, proper lubrication and careful press operation with quality dies can help extend the life of your valuable .264 Win Mag brass.

Common Questions About Reloading Dies and the .264 Win Mag Set

Here are some frequently asked questions that this product helps answer:

"What are the essential tools for starting to reload rifle ammunition?"

Beyond a reloading press, a quality die set is absolutely essential. The Lee Pacesetter 2-Die Set for .264 Win Mag provides the two most critical dies (Full Length Sizing and Bullet Seating) needed to begin producing your own rifle cartridges. You'll also need a shell holder (included), powder measure, scale, primers, powder, bullets, and cases.

"How do I achieve better accuracy with my .264 Win Mag rifle?"

One of the most effective ways to improve rifle accuracy is through handloading. By using a precise die set like the Lee Pacesetter, you can control critical variables such as bullet seating depth and case dimensions, leading to more consistent ammunition that is tuned to your specific rifle, often resulting in tighter groups than factory ammunition.

"Is reloading .264 Win Mag difficult or dangerous?"

Reloading, while requiring attention to detail, is a safe and rewarding hobby when proper procedures and quality equipment are used. The Lee Pacesetter set comes with instructions and load data to guide you. Always follow recommended safety practices, start with conservative loads, and consult multiple reputable reloading manuals. The tools simplify the process, making it accessible even for those new to the hobby.

"What is the difference between a 2-die set and a 3-die set for rifles?"

A 2-die set, like this Pacesetter, typically includes a Full Length Sizing Die and a Bullet Seating Die. A 3-die rifle set might add a separate crimp die (often a factory crimp die from Lee) or a neck sizing die. For most rifle applications, especially with bottleneck cartridges like the .264 Win Mag, a 2-die set is perfectly sufficient for producing highly accurate and reliable ammunition. The included seating die often has a crimp feature if desired.

"Can I save money by reloading .264 Win Mag?"

Absolutely. While there is an initial investment in equipment, the long-term savings on ammunition for a powerful cartridge like the .264 Win Mag are significant. The cost of components (primers, powder, bullets) is considerably less than buying factory-loaded cartridges, especially for premium hunting or match-grade ammunition. This allows you to shoot more for less, improving your skills.

Maintenance and Care for Your Lee Dies

To ensure the longevity and continued precision of your Lee Pacesetter .264 Win Mag die set, proper maintenance is key:

• Cleanliness: Regularly clean your dies, especially after use. Use a non-residue solvent or a dedicated die cleaner to remove powder residue, carbon, and brass shavings. A soft brush or cloth can be used.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin coat of rust preventative oil to the exterior of the dies when storing them, particularly in humid environments. Ensure no lubricant gets inside the sizing die unless it's specifically a case sizing lubricant for the interior.
• Proper Storage: Store your dies in their original box or a dedicated die storage case to protect them from dust, moisture, and accidental damage.
• Case Lubrication: Always use a high-quality case lubricant when full-length sizing bottleneck rifle cases like the .264 Win Mag to prevent cases from sticking in the die and to reduce wear on the die itself.

By following these simple care instructions, your Lee Pacesetter 2-Die Set will continue to deliver consistent, high-quality results for many years, helping you craft ammunition that truly performs.

Where to Purchase Your Lee Pacesetter 2-Die Set

The Lee 90774 Pacesetter 2-Die Set for .264 Win Mag, identified by UPC 734307907747, is available from trusted retailers specializing in firearms and reloading equipment. For a reliable source with a wide selection of reloading components and excellent customer service, this essential die set is available at DEGuns.

Investing in this Lee Precision die set is not just buying a tool; it's investing in the ability to precisely control your ammunition, unlock your rifle's true potential, and enhance your overall shooting experience. Embrace the world of handloading and elevate your .264 Winchester Magnum performance to new heights.

Product Specifications Overview

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Lee Precision
Series	Pacesetter 2-Die Set
Model Number	90774
Caliber	.264 Winchester Magnum
Gun Type	Rifle
Die Count	2 (Full Length Sizing Die, Bullet Seating Die)
Included Accessories	Universal Shell Holder, Instructions, Load Data
Construction Material	Steel
Weight	1.07 lbs
SKU (Internal)	40766
UPC	734307907747