Elevate Your .38 Special Reloading Experience with the Lee 90964 Deluxe 4-Die Set

Are you a dedicated shooter constantly battling the rising cost of factory ammunition? Do you yearn for the precision and consistency that only custom-tailored loads can provide for your beloved .38 Special handguns? Whether you're a seasoned reloader seeking to optimize your workflow or a passionate enthusiast ready to embark on the rewarding journey of crafting your own ammunition, the Lee Precision 90964 Deluxe 4-Die Set for .38 Special is an indispensable cornerstone for your reloading bench. This comprehensive set is engineered to simplify the reloading process, enhance bullet consistency, and ultimately help you achieve superior accuracy while significantly reducing your shooting expenses.

Imagine the satisfaction of firing rounds meticulously assembled to your exact specifications, perfectly matched to your firearm's unique characteristics. This isn't just about saving money; it's about gaining unparalleled control over your ammunition's performance, from precise bullet seating to reliable feeding and consistent muzzle velocity. The Lee Deluxe 4-Die Set addresses common reloading challenges, providing solutions for uniform case preparation, accurate powder charging, and a flawless final crimp, making it an ideal choice for anyone serious about the .38 Special cartridge.

Why Reload .38 Special Ammunition? Unlocking Performance and Value

The .38 Special is one of the most popular and versatile revolver cartridges in existence, cherished by target shooters, concealed carriers, and historical firearms enthusiasts alike. While factory ammunition is readily available, reloading this iconic cartridge offers a multitude of compelling advantages:

• Significant Cost Savings: The most immediate and often primary driver for many reloaders is the dramatic reduction in per-round cost. Once you've invested in your initial equipment, the price of primers, powder, and bullets is substantially less than buying complete factory cartridges. For a high-volume shooter, these savings quickly add up, allowing for more trigger time without breaking the bank. Many experienced reloaders report saving 50% or more compared to retail ammunition prices.
• Tailored Performance and Unmatched Accuracy: Factory ammunition is designed to be a "one-size-fits-all" solution. When you reload, you gain the ability to fine-tune every aspect of your cartridge:
  • Powder Selection and Charge Weight: Experiment with different powders and precise charge weights to find the optimal velocity, pressure, and recoil characteristics for your specific firearm. This is crucial for maximizing accuracy in target shooting or achieving desired ballistic performance for personal defense.
  • Bullet Choice: The market offers an astounding array of .38 Special bullets – from lightweight, fast-moving jacketed hollow points for self-defense to heavy, slow-moving lead wadcutters for precision target shooting. Reloading allows you to choose the exact bullet type, weight, and construction that best suits your needs and firearm.
  • Consistent Component Quality: By controlling the components you use, you ensure a higher level of consistency from round to round. This consistency directly translates to tighter groups on target and more predictable performance in the field.
• Extending Brass Life: Properly sized and processed brass can be reloaded multiple times, further reducing your per-round cost. The Lee sizing die, especially the carbide variant in this set, is designed to be gentle on brass while ensuring proper dimensions.
• The Joy of Crafting: For many, reloading is more than just a cost-saving measure; it's a rewarding hobby, a connection to the shooting sports, and an exercise in precision craftsmanship. There's an immense satisfaction in producing your own high-quality ammunition.

A Closer Look at the Lee Deluxe 4-Die Set: Precision at Your Fingertips

The Lee 90964 Deluxe 4-Die Set for .38 Special is a comprehensive package that includes all the essential dies needed for a complete and efficient reloading process, along with crucial accessories to get you started. Each die in this set plays a specific, vital role in transforming spent brass into reliable, high-performance ammunition.

1. Carbide Full Length Sizing Die:

This is the first and arguably most critical die in the reloading sequence. After a cartridge is fired, the brass expands to fit the chamber of the firearm. The sizing die reshapes the spent case back to its original, standardized dimensions, ensuring it will feed reliably into any firearm chambered for .38 Special.

• The Carbide Advantage: What sets this die apart is its carbide ring. Traditional steel sizing dies require lubrication of each case before sizing to prevent the case from sticking inside the die. The smooth, extremely hard surface of the carbide ring significantly reduces friction, allowing you to size straight-wall pistol cases like the .38 Special without the need for messy case lubrication. This saves a considerable amount of time, reduces clean-up, and eliminates a common point of frustration for reloaders. It’s a major convenience feature that enhances efficiency and simplifies the entire process.
• Decapping Function: As the case is sized, a decapping pin simultaneously pushes out the spent primer from the primer pocket, preparing the case for a new primer.

2. Powder Thru Expanding Die (or Universal Case Expanding Die):

After sizing, the case mouth needs to be slightly flared or "belled" to allow for easy and safe bullet seating. If the case mouth isn't expanded, attempting to seat a bullet can lead to crumpled cases or damaged bullets.

• Innovative Powder Charging: Lee's Powder Thru Expanding Die offers a brilliant dual function. Not only does it perfectly expand the case mouth, but it also features a hollow stem that allows powder to be dropped through the die directly into the case. This innovative design streamlines the powder charging process, especially when used with Lee's Auto-Disk or Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measures. By combining two steps into one, it significantly speeds up your reloading pace, reduces handling, and minimizes opportunities for error.
• Consistent Belling: This die ensures a consistent amount of flare on each case, which is crucial for uniform bullet seating and preventing lead shaving on cast bullets.

3. Bullet Seating Die:

This die performs the vital task of seating the bullet into the prepared case to the correct overall length (OAL). The OAL is critical for safe and reliable feeding, as well as for achieving optimal pressure and accuracy.

• Adjustable Seating Depth: The seating stem is adjustable, allowing you to precisely control how deep the bullet is pressed into the case. This precision is essential for matching your specific firearm's chamber and achieving your desired ballistic performance.
• Initial Taper Crimp: While the dedicated Factory Crimp Die provides the final, perfect crimp, the Bullet Seating Die also applies an initial, light taper crimp during the seating process, helping to hold the bullet in place temporarily.

4. Carbide Factory Crimp Die:

This is one of Lee Precision's signature innovations and a standout feature of this Deluxe set, particularly beneficial for pistol cartridges. After the bullet is seated, a proper crimp is essential for several reasons:

• Bullet Retention: It secures the bullet firmly in place, preventing it from moving either deeper into or out of the case due to recoil, which can lead to dangerous pressure issues or feeding problems.
• Consistent Ignition: A consistent crimp ensures uniform bullet pull (the force required to start the bullet moving), which is critical for consistent powder ignition and, consequently, consistent velocity and accuracy.
• Carbide Advantage for Crimp: Similar to the sizing die, the carbide ring within this die ensures a smooth, uniform crimp without marring the case or bullet.
• Troubleshooting Aid: The Factory Crimp Die acts as a final sizing stage. It slightly sizes the outside diameter of the loaded cartridge, ensuring that even if your brass wall thickness varies or your bullets are slightly oversized, the finished round will reliably chamber in any firearm. This can be a lifesaver for troubleshooting rounds that might otherwise fail a chamber gauge test. It truly makes a perfectly finished cartridge every time.

Additional Components Included:

Beyond the four core dies, the Lee Deluxe Set includes:

• Universal Shell Holder: This component is necessary to hold the case securely in your reloading press during each operation. The "universal" designation indicates its compatibility with a wide range of .38 Special family cartridges.
• Powder Dipper: A handy tool for initial powder charge experiments or for precise small-batch loading. While a powder scale is recommended for accuracy, the dipper provides a convenient starting point.
• Instructions and Load Data: Lee Precision provides comprehensive instructions and valuable load data, offering tested recipes for various powders and bullets, which is invaluable for both beginners and experienced reloaders seeking new combinations.

Lee Precision: Innovation, Value, and Reliability

Lee Precision has earned its reputation as a leader in reloading equipment by consistently delivering innovative, high-quality, and affordable products. Their philosophy centers on making reloading accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The use of carbide in their dies is a testament to their commitment to user-friendly design and long-lasting performance. When you choose Lee, you're investing in tools designed to stand the test of time, provide exceptional value, and simplify the intricate process of ammunition manufacturing. Their products are renowned for their rugged durability and their ability to produce highly consistent ammunition.

Who Benefits Most from This Lee Deluxe 4-Die Set?

This die set is perfectly suited for a wide range of shooters and reloaders:

• Beginner Reloaders: The inclusion of the Carbide Sizing Die (no lube needed!) and the Powder Thru Expanding Die simplifies initial learning curves, making the process less intimidating and more enjoyable from the start. The comprehensive instructions also serve as an excellent guide.
• Experienced Handgun Reloaders: Even seasoned reloaders will appreciate the efficiency gains offered by the carbide dies and the consistent, reliable crimp provided by the Factory Crimp Die. This set enhances workflow for high-volume loading.
• Dedicated .38 Special Shooters: If the .38 Special is your primary handgun caliber for target shooting, plinking, or even self-defense, this set provides the precision tools necessary to optimize your ammunition for peak performance in your specific firearms.
• Cost-Conscious Shooters: By enabling the production of your own ammunition, this set directly contributes to significant savings, allowing you to enjoy your shooting hobby more frequently.

Getting Started: Beyond the Dies

While the Lee Deluxe 4-Die Set is central to reloading .38 Special, remember that it's part of a larger system. To begin reloading, you will also need:

• A reloading press (Lee offers a variety, from single-stage to progressive models).
• A reliable powder scale for precise charge measurement.
• A method for priming cases (either on-press or a separate priming tool).
• Cleaning tools for brass preparation (case tumbler, media).
• And, of course, the components themselves: empty .38 Special brass, primers, smokeless powder, and .38 Special bullets.

Always consult multiple reliable load data sources, follow safety guidelines meticulously, and start with minimum loads to ensure safety and optimal performance.

Maintaining Your Lee Die Set

Proper care ensures the longevity and performance of your Lee dies. After each reloading session, especially if using corrosive primers or dirty powder, it's wise to:

• Wipe down the dies with a clean cloth.
• For thorough cleaning, disassemble the dies and use a non-corrosive solvent or gun cleaner, then wipe dry and apply a light coat of rust preventative oil.
• Store your dies in their original box or a dedicated die storage box in a dry environment to prevent rust and damage.

Purchase Your Lee 90964 Deluxe 4-Die Set from DEGuns.com

When you're ready to invest in your reloading future, choose a trusted retailer with a commitment to customer service and an extensive selection of reloading components and equipment. DEGuns.com is your premier destination for all Lee Precision products, including this essential Lee 90964 Deluxe 4-Die Set for .38 Special. We understand the needs of reloaders and shooters, offering competitive pricing, expert advice, and a seamless shopping experience. Trust DEGuns to supply you with the tools you need to craft superior ammunition and achieve your shooting goals.

With the Lee 90964 Deluxe 4-Die Set, you're not just buying tools; you're investing in precision, efficiency, and the unparalleled satisfaction of crafting your own, high-performance .38 Special ammunition. Elevate your shooting experience and discover the true potential of your handgun with this indispensable set from Lee Precision, available now at DEGuns.com.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Lee Precision
Series	4-Die Set
Model	Deluxe
Caliber	38 Special
Gun Type	Handgun
Metal Type	Carbide
Weight	1.38 lbs
UPC	734307909642
MPN	90964