Elevate Your Precision Reloading: The Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set for 6mm PPC

For dedicated handloaders, competitive shooters, and precision rifle enthusiasts, the pursuit of ultimate accuracy is a relentless journey. Every component, every process, and every tool plays a crucial role in crafting ammunition that performs flawlessly. If you're looking to achieve exceptional consistency and unmatched accuracy with your 6mm PPC rifle, understanding the right tools is paramount. This deep dive focuses on a cornerstone of any serious reloading bench: the Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set designed specifically for 6mm PPC cartridges.

This comprehensive guide is crafted for anyone asking questions like:

• "What are the best reloading dies for my 6mm PPC rifle?"
• "How can I achieve sub-MOA accuracy with my handloads?"
• "What do I need to start reloading 6mm PPC ammunition?"
• "How does a 2-die set compare to other reloading setups?"
• "Where can I find reliable, high-quality reloading tools for precision shooting?"
• "Is handloading 6mm PPC worth the effort for improved performance?"

The Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set isn't just a collection of tools; it's an investment in precision, consistency, and the sheer satisfaction of crafting your own high-performance ammunition. Available at DEGuns.com, this set is engineered to meet the stringent demands of 6mm PPC shooters, whether you're dominating benchrest competitions, pursuing varmints with surgical precision, or simply seeking to extract every ounce of accuracy from your rifle.

Understanding the Heart of Precision: What is a Reloading Die Set?

At its core, a reloading die set is a precision tooling system essential for transforming spent cartridge cases and new components into finished, ready-to-fire ammunition. For bottleneck cartridges like the 6mm PPC, a standard 2-die set typically includes:

1. Full Length Sizing Die: This die reshapes the fired case back to its original factory dimensions, ensuring it fits perfectly into your rifle's chamber. It also decaps the spent primer.
2. Bullet Seating Die: This die seats the new bullet to the precise overall length you require and crimps the case mouth, if desired, to hold the bullet securely in place.

The 6mm PPC (Palmisano & Pindel Cartridge) is renowned in competitive shooting circles, particularly benchrest, for its inherent accuracy. Reloading for this cartridge demands dies that can maintain its critical dimensions and optimize its performance. The Lee Pacesetter series, with its focus on value and performance, provides an excellent foundation for achieving these goals.

The Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set: Features That Elevate Your Reloading

Lee Precision has a long-standing reputation for producing innovative, high-quality reloading equipment that offers exceptional value. The 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set for 6mm PPC embodies this philosophy, providing everything you need to start producing accurate, consistent ammunition.

Full Length Sizing Die: Reshaping for Perfect Chamber Fit

The full length sizing die in this set is meticulously crafted to return your fired 6mm PPC cases to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) specifications. This is crucial for several reasons:

• Reliable Chambering: After firing, a cartridge case expands slightly to fit the rifle's chamber. Sizing restores the case to its original dimensions, ensuring smooth and reliable feeding and extraction in your firearm. Without proper sizing, cartridges might be difficult to chamber, or worse, lead to dangerous pressure issues.
• Decapping: Integrated into the sizing die is a decapping pin, which efficiently pushes out the spent primer from the primer pocket. This prepares the case for a new primer, a critical step in the reloading process. The Lee decapping pin is robust and designed for durability, often featuring a spring-loaded retention system that allows it to retract slightly if it encounters an off-center flash hole, preventing damage to the pin or die.
• Neck Expansion/Mouth Flaring: While sizing, the die also typically incorporates an expander ball that passes through the case neck on the upstroke. This expands the neck to the correct diameter to accept a new bullet without deforming it, while also preparing it for consistent bullet tension.

Bullet Seating Die: Precision Seating for Optimal Performance

The bullet seating die is where the magic of precise bullet placement happens. This die is engineered to:

• Accurate Bullet Seating: It allows you to seat the bullet to your desired overall cartridge length (OAL). This OAL is a critical factor in accuracy, affecting bullet jump, chamber pressure, and how the cartridge fits into your magazine and chamber. The Lee design often features a through-hole for visual inspection and easy adjustment.
• Integrated Crimping (Optional): Many Lee seating dies, including those in the Pacesetter series, offer a built-in crimping feature. This can be adjusted to apply a light crimp to the case mouth, securing the bullet firmly in place. While competitive benchrest shooters often avoid crimping 6mm PPC to maximize neck tension consistency, it can be useful for other applications or for improved feeding reliability in semi-automatic platforms (though 6mm PPC is primarily a bolt-action cartridge). This versatility allows you to fine-tune your loads for different needs.

What's Included in the Box? Beyond the Dies

The Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set is renowned for its comprehensive nature, typically including more than just the two primary dies:

• Shell Holder: A crucial component that holds the case securely on your reloading press. Lee often includes the correct shell holder (e.g., #19 for 6mm PPC) right in the die set, saving you an extra purchase and ensuring compatibility.
• Powder Dipper: A convenient tool for quickly measuring powder charges. While not as precise as a powder measure, it's excellent for developing starting loads or for bulk reloading where extreme precision isn't paramount. The specific volume of the dipper is chosen to provide a good starting point for common 6mm PPC propellants.
• Load Data: Often included are comprehensive loading data sheets specific to the 6mm PPC cartridge, featuring various bullet weights and powder types. This is invaluable for new reloaders and provides a safe starting point for developing your own optimized loads. This emphasis on user-friendliness makes the set accessible even if you're just starting your handloading journey.
• Storage Case: A durable, high-quality storage case keeps your dies organized, protected from dust and damage, and easily identifiable.

The 6mm PPC Cartridge: A Legacy of Accuracy

The 6mm PPC is not just any cartridge; it's a legend in the world of precision shooting. Developed in the 1970s by Louis Palmisano and Ferris Pindel, it quickly became the undisputed king of benchrest competition, a title it largely holds to this day. Its success stems from several key design features:

• Short, Fat Case Design: This design promotes efficient powder burn and consistent pressure, leading to excellent uniformity shot-to-shot.
• Optimal Shoulder Angle: The 30-degree shoulder contributes to efficient gas flow and consistent bullet release.
• Small Rifle Primer Pocket: Ensures very consistent ignition, crucial for extreme accuracy.
• Excellent Internal Ballistics: The cartridge geometry and powder capacity are perfectly matched for medium-burning rifle powders and 6mm bullets typically weighing between 60 and 80 grains, resulting in very low standard deviations (SD) and extreme spreads (ES) in velocity.

Reloading for the 6mm PPC with a high-quality die set like the Lee Pacesetter allows you to fully harness this cartridge's legendary potential. It's about more than just making ammunition; it's about crafting cartridges that consistently deliver tiny groups.

Why Choose the Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set for Your 6mm PPC Reloading?

When evaluating reloading dies, several factors come into play: precision, durability, ease of use, and value. The Lee 90796 Pacesetter set excels in all these areas, making it a highly recommended choice for 6mm PPC enthusiasts.

1. Unmatched Precision and Consistency

Lee dies are known for their tight tolerances and smooth operation. For a cartridge as inherently accurate as the 6mm PPC, consistency is everything. These dies ensure:

• Uniform Case Sizing: Cases are returned to consistent dimensions, promoting reliable feeding and consistent neck tension for optimal bullet grip.
• Precise Bullet Seating: You can achieve exact overall cartridge lengths (OAL), which is critical for tuning your loads to your specific rifle and maximizing accuracy.
• Reduced Runout: Proper die alignment and design minimize bullet runout (wobble), ensuring the bullet enters the rifling perfectly straight.

2. Durability and Longevity

Constructed from high-quality steel and finished to resist corrosion, the Lee Pacesetter dies are built to last. With proper care and cleaning, this set will serve your reloading needs for thousands of rounds, providing reliable performance for years to come. The robust decapping pin system, a common point of failure in lesser dies, is particularly durable in Lee sets.

3. Ease of Use and Setup

Lee Precision designs its products with the end-user in mind. The Pacesetter dies are straightforward to set up and adjust, even for those relatively new to handloading.

• Threaded for standard presses: Compatible with nearly all major reloading presses on the market (e.g., Lee, RCBS, Hornady, Dillon).
• Clear Instructions: Lee provides clear, concise instructions that guide you through the setup and operation process.
• No Fumbling: The integrated components like the included shell holder and powder dipper mean you're ready to start reloading almost immediately after unboxing.

4. Exceptional Value

Compared to many other die sets on the market, the Lee Pacesetter series offers outstanding performance at a more accessible price point. This makes it an ideal choice for both seasoned reloaders looking for a dedicated 6mm PPC set and those just embarking on their precision reloading journey. You get a complete, high-quality system without breaking the bank.

5. Trusted Brand Reputation

Lee Precision has been a leader in the reloading industry for decades. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction has earned them a loyal following worldwide. When you choose Lee, you're choosing a brand with a proven track record of helping shooters achieve their accuracy goals.

Who Benefits Most from the Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set?

This die set is an indispensable tool for a variety of shooting enthusiasts:

• Competitive Benchrest Shooters: For those aiming for the tightest groups possible, the precision offered by these dies for the 6mm PPC is invaluable. Consistency in every step of the reloading process is critical, and these dies deliver.
• Precision Varmint Hunters: When a clean, humane shot at long range is paramount, factory ammunition often falls short. Handloaded 6mm PPC rounds, optimized with this die set, provide the surgical accuracy needed.
• Dedicated Handloaders Seeking Cost Savings: While precision is a primary driver, handloading also significantly reduces the cost per round compared to buying factory ammunition, especially for specialized cartridges like the 6mm PPC.
• Shooters Looking to Maximize Rifle Performance: Every rifle has a preferred load. With this die set, you can experiment with different bullets, powders, and seating depths to find the "sweet spot" that unlocks your rifle's true accuracy potential.
• New Reloaders Interested in High-Precision Cartridges: The comprehensive nature of the Pacesetter set, with included accessories and data, makes it a user-friendly entry point into reloading for a highly accurate cartridge.

Getting Started with Your 6mm PPC Reloading

Once you acquire your Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set from DEGuns, here's a simplified overview of the reloading process for 6mm PPC:

1. Case Preparation:
   • Inspect and Clean: Check cases for damage (cracks, dents). Clean cases to remove firing residue.
   • Lube: Apply a thin layer of case lube to bottleneck cases like the 6mm PPC to prevent them from sticking in the sizing die.
   • Decap and Size: Use the full length sizing die to remove the spent primer and resize the case.
   • Trim (if necessary): Cases stretch with firing. Measure case length and trim back to spec if they exceed the maximum length.
   • Chamfer/Deburr: Prepare the case mouth for easy bullet seating.
   • Clean Primer Pocket: Remove any carbon residue.
2. Priming: Insert a new, correct small rifle primer into the primer pocket.
3. Powder Charging: Carefully measure the correct powder charge using a precise scale. The included powder dipper can be a starting point, but a scale is essential for accuracy.
4. Bullet Seating:
   • Place a bullet on the case mouth.
   • Use the bullet seating die to push the bullet into the case to your desired overall length (OAL).
   • Adjust the seating depth incrementally and test for optimal accuracy in your rifle.
5. Final Inspection: Visually inspect each loaded round for any defects, correct OAL, and primer seating.

Remember, safety is paramount in reloading. Always consult multiple reputable load data sources, start with minimum recommended loads, and increase powder charges gradually while watching for pressure signs.

Essential Maintenance for Your Lee Pacesetter Dies

To ensure your Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set continues to perform at its peak for years to come, follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Keep Them Clean: After each reloading session, wipe down the dies to remove any lube residue, powder flakes, or carbon. A light coat of rust-preventative oil (like Renaissance Wax or gun oil) on the exterior will protect them during storage.
• Inspect Regularly: Periodically check the decapping pin for straightness or wear. Ensure the seating stem is clean and free of lead or copper fouling.
• Proper Storage: Always store your dies in their original protective case when not in use. This prevents dust accumulation and accidental damage.
• Lubrication: The internal parts of the dies (like the expander ball) benefit from a very light application of dry lubricant or specialized die lube, but avoid over-lubricating, which can attract debris.

By adhering to these simple practices, you'll ensure your Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set remains a reliable and accurate partner in your reloading endeavors.

Conclusion: The Path to Precision Starts Here

The Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set for 6mm PPC represents an outstanding value proposition for anyone serious about handloading for this incredibly accurate cartridge. Its robust construction, thoughtful design, and comprehensive inclusions make it an ideal choice for achieving unparalleled consistency and precision in your ammunition. Whether you're chasing national records on the benchrest range or meticulously crafting loads for precise varmint elimination, this die set provides the foundation you need.

Invest in the tools that empower your pursuit of perfection. The Lee 90796 Pacesetter 2-Die Set is readily available at DEGuns.com, your trusted source for high-quality reloading equipment and accessories. Elevate your shooting experience and unlock the full potential of your 6mm PPC rifle today by bringing this essential set to your reloading bench.

Product Specifications & Details

Feature	Detail
Manufacturer	Lee Precision
Product Type	Pacesetter 2-Die Set
Caliber	6mm PPC
Number of Dies	2
Dies Included	Full Length Sizing Die, Bullet Seating Die
Additional Items	Shell Holder, Powder Dipper, Load Data
Construction Material	Steel
Optimized For	Precision, Consistency, Value
UPC	734307907967
Availability	DEGuns.com