Elevating Your .222 Remington Reloading: The Lee 90870 RGB Rifle Die Set

For discerning shooters, precision is paramount. Whether you're a seasoned handloader or just beginning your journey into the rewarding world of ammunition reloading, the ability to craft consistent, high-performance cartridges is a game-changer. This is particularly true for calibers like the venerable .222 Remington, celebrated for its inherent accuracy, especially among varmint hunters, target shooters, and competitive marksmen. But what tools do you need to achieve this level of excellence without breaking the bank?

Enter the Lee 90870 RGB Rifle Die Set, specifically engineered for the .222 Remington. This set, often hailed as a "Really Great Buy" (RGB) by its manufacturer, Lee Precision, offers an unparalleled combination of quality, reliability, and value. It’s designed to answer the core questions of any reloader: "How can I produce factory-dimensioned ammunition reliably?", "What are the best dies for my semi-auto .222 Rem?", or "How do I achieve consistent bullet seating every time?" This set is a foundational component for anyone serious about optimizing their .222 Remington ammunition.

Why Reload Your Own Ammunition? Unlocking Performance and Value

The decision to reload your own ammunition for a cartridge like the .222 Remington isn't just about saving money, although that's a significant benefit. It's about gaining an unparalleled level of control over your ammunition's performance, tailored precisely to your specific firearm and shooting discipline.

Here’s why handloading, especially with a reliable die set, makes a difference:

• Cost Savings: While there's an initial investment in equipment, the long-term savings on ammunition can be substantial, particularly for popular calibers or if you shoot frequently. Reusing spent brass cases dramatically reduces the cost per round.
• Enhanced Accuracy: Factory ammunition, while good, is mass-produced to general specifications. Handloading allows you to fine-tune every variable – bullet type, powder charge, primer, and seating depth – to create ammunition that is optimized for your specific rifle, often leading to tighter groups and improved consistency.
• Customization for Specific Needs: Do you need a lighter, faster bullet for varmint hunting, or a heavier, more stable projectile for long-range target shooting? Reloading gives you the freedom to experiment and develop loads perfectly suited to your requirements, something factory ammunition simply cannot offer.
• Greater Availability: In times of ammunition shortages, being able to reload ensures you always have access to the cartridges you need, assuming you have the components.
• Understanding Your Firearm: The reloading process provides invaluable insight into the mechanics of your firearm and how different ammunition components interact to produce a projectile. This deeper understanding enhances your overall shooting experience.

For the dedicated .222 Remington enthusiast, maximizing accuracy and consistency is often the primary goal. The Lee 90870 RGB Rifle Die Set provides the critical precision needed to achieve these custom performance objectives.

The Lee RGB Series: Precision Without the Premium Price Tag

Lee Precision has a long-standing reputation for manufacturing high-quality reloading equipment that offers exceptional value. The RGB (Really Great Buy) series embodies this philosophy by providing the essential, high-performance dies without unnecessary extras, making precision reloading accessible to more enthusiasts. The 90870 set for the .222 Remington is a testament to this commitment.

What makes the Lee RGB series stand out?

• Core Functionality: It focuses on the most critical dies required for producing reliable, factory-dimensioned ammunition: the Full Length Sizing Die and the Dead Length Easy Adjust Bullet Seating Die.
• Lee's Renowned Quality: Despite its accessible price point, the RGB series maintains Lee's high standards for material quality and manufacturing precision. These dies are built to last and perform consistently.
• Exceptional Value: For reloaders seeking excellent results without a large upfront investment, the RGB series is an ideal choice, providing everything necessary for accurate and consistent ammunition production.

This particular set is a go-to for many who prioritize functional excellence and long-term durability in their reloading tools.

Diving Deeper: The Components of the Lee 90870 RGB Die Set

The Lee 90870 RGB Rifle Die Set for the .222 Remington includes two essential dies, each playing a crucial role in the reloading process:

1. The Full Length Sizing Die

The Full Length Sizing Die is arguably the most critical die in any rifle reloading setup. Its primary function is to return fired brass cases to their original, factory dimensions, ensuring they will reliably chamber and feed in any firearm chambered for .222 Remington, not just the one they were originally fired in.

Why is this so important, and when is it a "must"?

• Reloading for Multiple Firearms: If you own more than one .222 Remington rifle, or if you reload for friends or club members, full-length sizing ensures your ammunition will fit and cycle perfectly in all of them. This eliminates the frustration of ammunition that only works in one specific gun.
• Using "Range Brass" or Cases from Other Firearms: Many reloaders acquire fired brass from shooting ranges or other sources. These cases may have been fired in different chambers, causing them to expand in unique ways. Full-length sizing corrects these variations, making the brass usable for your reloading needs.
• Ensuring Reliable Feeding in All Actions: For any rifle, especially semi-automatic actions, consistent case dimensions are vital for smooth feeding and extraction. A full-length sized case prevents issues like failures to feed, failures to extract, or cartridges getting stuck in the chamber. Lee dies are particularly well-regarded as a first choice for semi-auto firearms due to their consistent sizing capabilities.
• Long-Term Brass Life: While not a primary function, proper sizing contributes to extending brass life by ensuring uniform pressure distribution during firing and resizing.

Lee's Full Length Sizing Die is known for producing cases that adhere closely to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) specifications, ensuring broad compatibility and reliability. The manufacturer explicitly states that their tolerance is 50% less than the advertised amount of some popular and expensive brands, a testament to their commitment to superior precision.

2. The Dead Length Easy Adjust Bullet Seating Die

After the brass is properly sized and primed, and the powder charge is added, the next critical step is seating the bullet. The Dead Length Easy Adjust Bullet Seating Die is designed to accomplish this with extreme precision and consistency.

Key features and benefits of this die:

• Precision Bullet Seating: This die uses a "dead length" design, meaning the bullet is seated to a precise depth relative to the die body, eliminating variations that can occur with other seating methods. This direct contact ensures consistent overall cartridge length (OAL), which is crucial for accuracy.
• No Crimp Feature: Unlike some seating dies that also apply a crimp, the Dead Length Seating Die focuses solely on seating the bullet. This is advantageous for rifle cartridges like the .222 Remington, where a separate, dedicated crimp die (if a crimp is desired at all) allows for more precise control over the crimp itself, preventing bullet deformation. For most precision rifle loads, a crimp is not used or is very minimal.
• Easy Adjustability: The "Easy Adjust" feature allows for straightforward and repeatable adjustments to bullet seating depth. This means you can easily dial in the precise OAL your rifle prefers, or experiment with different seating depths for load development, without complex setups.
• Enhanced Accuracy: Consistent bullet seating depth directly translates to consistent chamber pressures and bullet release, which are fundamental to achieving superior accuracy and tight groups.
• User-Friendly Design: Lee's dies are known for their ease of use, and this seating die is no exception, making the bullet seating process straightforward for both novice and experienced reloaders.

The combination of the precise sizing die and the consistent seating die in the Lee RGB set provides the essential foundation for producing high-quality .222 Remington ammunition.

The .222 Remington: A Legacy of Accuracy

The .222 Remington cartridge itself has a storied history as a benchmark for accuracy. Introduced in 1950, it quickly gained a reputation as an exceptionally accurate cartridge, becoming a favorite for benchrest shooting, varmint hunting (for animals like prairie dogs, groundhogs, and coyotes), and even small game hunting.

Why reload for the .222 Remington?

• Inherent Accuracy: The .222 Rem's design (straight case walls, optimal powder capacity for its bullet weights) lends itself to precise reloading and excellent ballistic consistency.
• Low Recoil: Its mild recoil makes it a pleasure to shoot for extended periods, contributing to better shooting form and more accurate shot placement.
• Versatility: While often associated with varmints, the .222 Rem can also be used for target shooting and even certain small game, making it a versatile small-caliber rifle.
• Component Availability: Due to its popularity, a wide range of bullets, powders, and primers are readily available, allowing reloaders to fine-tune their loads extensively.

Optimizing your .222 Remington ammunition with a quality die set like the Lee 90870 RGB is the best way to leverage the cartridge's full potential.

Lee Precision: A Trusted Name in Reloading

When choosing reloading equipment, the brand matters. Lee Precision has been a cornerstone of the reloading community for decades, known for its innovation, commitment to quality, and dedication to making reloading accessible.

What sets Lee Precision apart?

• Innovation: Lee has introduced many innovative products and concepts that have shaped the reloading industry, often challenging conventional wisdom to offer simpler, more efficient solutions.
• Quality Control: Lee is rigorous in its manufacturing processes, ensuring that each die set meets strict quality standards. Their claim of tighter tolerances than other expensive brands is a direct reflection of this commitment.
• Durability: Lee dies are built to withstand years of use, providing reliable performance over countless reloading sessions.
• Customer Support: The brand stands behind its products, offering support and resources to reloaders.
• Guaranteed Performance: Lee confidently guarantees that their dies are "better than any other brand." This bold statement underscores their belief in the superior performance and value delivered by their products.

Choosing Lee Precision, and specifically the Lee 90870 RGB Rifle Die Set, means investing in a product from a company that understands the needs of reloaders and consistently delivers on its promises.

Optimizing Your Reloading Experience with the Lee 90870 Set

To get the most out of your Lee 90870 RGB Rifle Die Set, consider these best practices:

1. Cleanliness is Key: Always ensure your dies and brass are clean. Any debris can scratch cases, damage dies, or lead to inconsistent results.
2. Proper Lubrication: For sizing rifle cases, proper case lubrication is essential to prevent stuck cases and reduce wear on your dies and press. Follow the instructions for your chosen lubricant carefully.
3. Read the Instructions: While Lee dies are intuitive, always refer to the included instructions for initial setup and fine-tuning. This ensures you understand the nuances of the "Easy Adjust" feature and proper die adjustment.
4. Component Consistency: For optimal accuracy, strive for consistency in all your components: brass (same headstamp, number of firings), primers, powder, and bullets.
5. Develop Your Loads Safely: Always consult multiple reloading manuals and start with minimum powder charges, working up cautiously while looking for pressure signs. Never exceed maximum recommended loads.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the Lee 90870 RGB Rifle Die Set, you'll be well on your way to producing highly accurate, reliable .222 Remington ammunition that performs exactly how you need it to.

Where to Purchase Your Lee 90870 RGB Rifle Die Set

For those ready to elevate their .222 Remington reloading, the Lee 90870 RGB Rifle Die Set is a fantastic choice, representing an excellent balance of precision, durability, and cost-effectiveness. This essential tool for any .222 Remington handloader is available at reputable retailers such as DEGuns.com. Investing in this die set is investing in the accuracy and consistency of your ammunition, ensuring a more rewarding shooting experience every time.

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Lee Precision
Series	RGB 2-Die Set
Model	90870
Caliber	.222 Remington
Dies Included	2 (Full Length Sizing, Dead Length Seating)
Shell Holder	Not Included
UPC	734307908706