# Unlock Precision and Performance: The Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set for .358 Winchester

Are you an avid hunter, a dedicated target shooter, or a meticulous reloader seeking to achieve unparalleled accuracy and significant cost savings? Do you find yourself asking, "What are the best tools for crafting custom ammunition?" or "How can I produce highly consistent and reliable rifle rounds right from my workbench?" If so, the Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set for .358 Winchester, specifically product number 90797, is engineered precisely for you. This comprehensive die set provides the essential components needed to transform spent brass into meticulously crafted, high-performance rifle ammunition, tailored to your specific firearm and shooting discipline.

Reloading, often referred to as handloading, is a rewarding pursuit that allows enthusiasts to gain complete control over their ammunition's performance. It’s a process where precision matters, and the tools you choose directly impact the quality and consistency of your finished rounds. For those working with the potent and versatile .358 Winchester cartridge, a reliable and accurate die set is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. This is where the Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set shines, offering both novice and experienced reloaders a straightforward path to producing ammunition that often surpasses factory-loaded alternatives in terms of accuracy and consistency, all while drastically reducing ammunition costs.

Why Choose the .358 Winchester Cartridge for Reloading?

The .358 Winchester is a fantastic cartridge, renowned for its excellent terminal ballistics on medium to large game, especially in brush or dense cover where shots are typically at closer ranges. Its versatility also extends to target shooting, where its moderate recoil and excellent accuracy potential are highly valued. However, factory ammunition for the .358 Winchester can be scarce and expensive. This scarcity and cost make it an ideal candidate for handloading. By reloading, you gain:

• Cost Efficiency: Significantly reduce the per-round cost of shooting, allowing for more practice and range time.
• Tailored Performance: Experiment with different bullet weights, powders, and primers to create loads optimized for your specific rifle's harmonics and your intended use—whether it's maximizing velocity for hunting or achieving the tightest groups for competitive shooting.
• Consistency: Control every variable in the loading process, leading to greater shot-to-shot consistency compared to mass-produced factory ammunition. This translates directly to improved accuracy downrange.
• Availability: Never worry about ammunition shortages for your favorite rifle again.

What Problems Does the Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set Solve for .358 Winchester Reloaders?

When approaching the meticulous task of reloading .358 Winchester cartridges, several challenges can arise. The Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set (90797) is specifically designed to address these common hurdles, ensuring a smooth and successful reloading experience.

• Inconsistent Case Resizing: Factory cases or previously fired brass often need to be resized back to their original dimensions to ensure proper chambering and consistent neck tension. The Full Length Sizing Die in this set precisely resizes the entire case, including the neck, and simultaneously decaps the spent primer. This critical step ensures your reloaded rounds feed reliably and exhibit uniform bullet pull.
• Challenging Bullet Seating Depth: Achieving consistent bullet seating depth is paramount for accuracy. Variations can lead to different pressures and velocities, resulting in flyers. The Bullet Seating Die provides precise control over seating depth, allowing you to fine-tune your loads for optimal performance in your specific rifle. It also features a built-in crimper, which can be adjusted to apply a gentle roll crimp, securing the bullet firmly in the case, particularly important for cartridges used in tubular magazines or under heavy recoil.
• Ensuring Reliable Feeding and Function: After sizing and seating, a final crimp can often improve feeding reliability, especially in semi-automatic rifles or those subject to heavy recoil. The Factory Crimp Die, a hallmark of many Lee Pacesetter rifle sets, applies a uniform factory-like crimp that helps prevent bullet setback and improves ignition consistency. This die is crucial for enhancing the overall reliability and safety of your reloaded ammunition.
• Finding Affordable, High-Quality Dies: Reloading equipment can be a significant investment. Lee Precision is renowned for offering exceptional quality and innovative designs at an accessible price point. The Pacesetter set embodies this philosophy, providing a complete, high-performance solution without breaking the bank.

How Does the Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of reloading with the Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set for .358 Winchester is systematic and highly rewarding. Each die plays a specific, vital role in transforming a fired brass case into a precision-engineered cartridge.

1. The Full Length Sizing Die (with Decapper)

This is typically the first die used in the reloading sequence.

• Purpose: To restore the fired brass case to its original, unfired dimensions. When a cartridge is fired, the brass expands to fit the rifle's chamber. This die pushes the brass back to specification, ensuring that the reloaded round will chamber correctly in your firearm. It also sizes the case neck, preparing it for consistent bullet retention.
• Operation: As the case is pressed into the die, a decapping pin simultaneously pushes out the spent primer.
• Why it Matters: Consistent sizing is foundational to accurate and reliable ammunition. Without proper sizing, rounds may not chamber, or neck tension may be erratic, leading to inconsistent bullet pull and varying pressures.

2. The Bullet Seating Die

Once the case is sized, deprimed, trimmed (if necessary), chamfered, deburred, and primed, and powder has been charged, the next step is seating the bullet.

• Purpose: To precisely press the bullet into the case neck to a predetermined depth. This die also often incorporates a crimping feature.
• Operation: A seating stem presses down on the bullet's tip, guiding it straight into the case mouth. The die body can be adjusted to control the overall length (OAL) of the cartridge. Many Lee seating dies also feature a roll crimp shoulder that can be adjusted to apply a crimp simultaneously with bullet seating.
• Why it Matters: Consistent bullet seating depth is crucial for accuracy. Variations in OAL can significantly affect chamber pressure, velocity, and group size. The integrated crimp, when desired, helps secure the bullet against recoil or rough handling, particularly important for hunting rounds.

3. The Factory Crimp Die

While some seating dies offer a crimp, the dedicated Factory Crimp Die is a standout feature of Lee Pacesetter sets for rifle cartridges.

• Purpose: To apply a unique, collet-style crimp that uniformly squeezes the case mouth onto the bullet, independent of bullet seating depth. This provides a very strong and consistent crimp, mimicking factory ammunition.
• Operation: A collet inside the die uniformly compresses the case mouth around the bullet, without distorting the bullet itself. This crimp is concentric and won't buckle the case shoulder.
• Why it Matters: This die eliminates issues often associated with traditional roll or taper crimps, such as case buckling or inadequate bullet retention. For .358 Winchester, a strong, consistent crimp is invaluable for:
  • Preventing Bullet Setback: Especially vital in rifles with tubular magazines or under heavy recoil, where bullets can be pushed deeper into the case, leading to dangerous pressure spikes.
  • Improving Powder Ignition: A consistent crimp ensures consistent neck tension, which contributes to more uniform powder burn and thus more consistent velocities and pressures, leading to better accuracy.
  • Enhanced Reliability: Factory-like crimps contribute to smoother feeding and extraction.

Enhancing Your Reloading Process with Lee Pacesetter Dies

When you invest in the Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set, you're not just buying tools; you're investing in a system designed for success. Here’s how these dies contribute to exceptional outcomes:

• Precision Engineering: Lee dies are known for their tight tolerances and smooth internal finishes. This precision minimizes case damage, reduces friction during sizing, and ensures consistent results shot after shot.
• Durable Construction: Crafted from high-quality steel, these dies are built to withstand tens of thousands of reloading cycles, providing years of reliable service. Their robust design ensures they maintain their integrity even under the strenuous forces of full-length sizing rifle brass.
• Ease of Use: Lee designs prioritize simplicity and efficiency. The Pacesetter dies are straightforward to set up and adjust, making the reloading process accessible even for those new to the hobby. Clear instructions accompany the set, guiding you through each step.
• Unmatched Value: For the quality and features offered, the Lee Pacesetter set provides exceptional value, making high-precision reloading accessible to a wider audience. This value proposition is a key reason why countless reloaders trust Lee products.

Real-World Applications and Expected Outcomes

Imagine you're preparing for deer season, and you want to ensure every .358 Winchester round performs flawlessly from your rifle. With the Lee Pacesetter dies, you can:

• Create Your Signature Load: Experiment with different 180-grain or 200-grain bullets, paired with various powders, to find the load that shoots sub-MOA groups from your specific rifle. You’ll answer the question, "How do I make my .358 Win rifle shoot its absolute best?" by achieving unprecedented consistency.
• Save Hundreds of Dollars: Instead of buying expensive factory ammunition, you can produce several hundred rounds for the cost of just a few boxes of commercial ammo. This allows for more practice, which directly translates to improved shooting skills.
• Ensure Reliable Function in the Field: The Factory Crimp Die ensures your hunting rounds won't experience bullet setback due to recoil in the magazine, providing peace of mind when that critical shot opportunity arises. You’ll no longer wonder, "Will my reloads be as reliable as factory ammo?"
• Extend Brass Life: Properly sized cases, free from undue stress, can be reloaded multiple times, further enhancing your cost savings and reducing waste.

Beyond the Dies: Maximizing Your Reloading Potential

While the Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set is the heart of your .358 Winchester reloading operation, remember that a complete reloading setup at home, available from DEGuns, involves other essential components and best practices:

• Reloading Press: The dies are designed to work seamlessly with any standard reloading press.
• Case Preparation Tools: A case trimmer, chamfer/deburr tool, and case lube are crucial for optimal brass preparation.
• Powder Measure: For accurate and consistent powder charges.
• Scale: To verify powder charges and weigh components.
• Primers and Powder: Select high-quality components suited for the .358 Winchester.
• Bullets: Choose bullets appropriate for your intended use (hunting, target, etc.).
• Reloading Manual: An indispensable resource for load data and safe reloading practices.

By combining the precision of the Lee Pacesetter dies with careful attention to detail in every step of the reloading process, you are well on your way to crafting high-performance, cost-effective .358 Winchester ammunition that consistently delivers superior results downrange.

This product, like a vast array of high-quality reloading tools and shooting sports equipment, is available for purchase at DEGuns. We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive selection of products to support your shooting and reloading endeavors, always prioritizing quality and customer satisfaction.

Key Features of the Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set .358 Win (90797)

• Full Length Sizing Die: Resizes cases to factory dimensions and removes spent primers.
• Bullet Seating Die: Precisely seats bullets to desired depth and applies a gentle roll crimp.
• Factory Crimp Die: Applies a collet-style crimp that improves accuracy, prevents bullet setback, and enhances ignition consistency.
• Shell Holder: Included for immediate use with your press.
• Powder Dipper: A convenient tool for quickly dispensing consistent powder charges (users should always verify charges with a scale).
• Instructions: Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions to guide setup and use.
• Durability: Constructed from high-quality steel for long-lasting performance.
• Value: Delivers premium features and reliability at an accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, absolutely. Lee dies are renowned for their user-friendliness and come with clear instructions, making them an excellent choice for those new to reloading. The straightforward design helps beginners achieve success quickly.

Q: Can I use these dies with any brand of reloading press?
A: Yes, Lee Pacesetter dies feature standard 7/8-14 threads and are compatible with virtually all major brands of single-stage, turret, and progressive reloading presses.

Q: What is the benefit of the Factory Crimp Die compared to a crimp on the seating die?
A: The Factory Crimp Die (FCD) crimps the case around the bullet using a collet, ensuring a uniform, concentric crimp that is independent of bullet seating depth. This prevents bullet deformation and avoids issues like case buckling that can sometimes occur with integrated crimps on seating dies, leading to more consistent ignition and preventing bullet setback.

Q: Do I need to lubricate my cases before using the Full Length Sizing Die?
A: Yes, for rifle cases like the .358 Winchester, lubrication is essential before full-length sizing. It prevents cases from sticking in the die and reduces stress on both the case and your reloading press.

Q: Where can I purchase this Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set for .358 Winchester?
A: The Lee 90797 Pacesetter 3-Die Set for .358 Winchester, along with a wide range of other reloading supplies and firearms accessories, is readily available from DEGuns.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Detail
Product Name	Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set
Cartridge	.358 Winchester
Product Number	90797
Die Types Included	Full Length Sizing Die, Bullet Seating Die, Factory Crimp Die
Material	Steel
Thread Size	7/8"-14 (Standard)
Included Extras	Shell Holder, Powder Dipper, Instructions
UPC	762180907970