Mastering .222 Remington Reloading with the Lee Precision 90995 2-Die Set

For the dedicated handloader focused on the iconic .222 Remington cartridge, achieving unparalleled precision and consistency in ammunition is paramount. Whether you're a competitive shooter chasing tighter groups, a varmint hunter demanding reliable performance, or a hobbyist committed to perfecting every round, the Lee Precision 90995 Kit 2-Die Set is an indispensable tool designed to streamline your reloading process. This comprehensive die set is engineered to work seamlessly with various Lee powder measures, offering a unique solution for efficient powder charging in rifle cases without the common pitfall of over-expanding the case mouth.

Who Is This Die Set For?

This Lee 2-Die set is specifically engineered for:

• Rifle Handloaders: Anyone who reloads rifle cartridges, particularly the .222 Remington.
• Precision Shooters: Individuals who prioritize consistent powder charges for improved accuracy and repeatable ballistic performance.
• Efficiency Seekers: Reloaders who utilize or plan to use Lee's Auto-Disk, Pro Auto-Disk, or Auto-Drum Powder Measures and want a direct, efficient method for powder charging.
• Cost-Conscious Reloaders: Those looking to maximize the lifespan of their brass by avoiding unnecessary case mouth expansion during the powder charging stage.
• New & Experienced Reloaders: Its intuitive design makes it accessible for those new to rifle reloading, while its precision and compatibility offer significant value to seasoned handloaders.

The Challenge of Rifle Powder Charging and How This Set Solves It

One of the distinct differences between reloading pistol and rifle ammunition lies in how powder is introduced into the case. Pistol cases often benefit from a slight flair or expansion of the case mouth during powder charging, which aids in bullet seating and prevents lead shaving. However, for rifle cases, especially those intended for precise long-range shooting, unnecessary expansion of the case mouth can introduce inconsistencies, reduce brass life, and potentially affect bullet concentricity.

The Lee 90995 Kit 2-Die Set brilliantly addresses this challenge. Unlike pistol powder-through expanding dies, these rifle-specific charging dies introduce powder directly into the case without expanding the case mouth. Rifle case expansion, if needed, is typically handled by the sizing die, ensuring that any necessary expansion is uniform and controlled. This design philosophy from Lee Precision maintains the integrity of your rifle brass, contributing to longer case life and more consistent ammunition.

Understanding the Components: Short and Long Charging Dies

The 90995 kit includes both a Short and a Long Charging Die. This thoughtful inclusion ensures versatility and compatibility across a wide range of rifle case lengths, specifically those from .860 to 2.620 inches. This broad compatibility means that while optimized for the .222 Remington, these dies are also capable of handling other calibers within that length range, making them a valuable addition to any comprehensive reloading bench. The dies are designed to accommodate bullets with a diameter of .223 inches and larger, making them perfectly suited for the .222 Remington, which typically uses .224" diameter bullets.

• Short Charging Die: Ideal for shorter rifle cases within the specified range, ensuring efficient powder drops and compatibility with your chosen Lee powder measure.
• Long Charging Die: Designed for longer rifle cases, providing the necessary reach and functionality for efficient powder dispensing.

Both dies facilitate the direct, accurate metering of powder from your Auto-Disk, Pro Auto-Disk, or Auto-Drum Powder Measure into the rifle case. This "powder through" design is a hallmark of Lee's commitment to efficiency, allowing for a single station on your press to perform both the powder drop and the initial stage of bullet seating, or simply the powder drop in a more streamlined manner.

Seamless Integration with Lee Powder Measures

A key advantage of the Lee 90995 Kit is its inherent compatibility with Lee Precision's popular automatic powder measures:

• Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure: Known for its simplicity and consistent volumetric charges, the Auto-Disk integrates effortlessly with these dies for rapid powder drops.
• Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure: An enhanced version offering greater adjustability and precision for a wider range of powders. It seamlessly works with the 90995 dies, allowing reloaders to fine-tune their charges.
• Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure: Offering exceptional versatility for various powder types and charge weights, the Auto-Drum also pairs perfectly, ensuring a smooth and accurate powder dispensing process directly into your .222 Remington cases.

This compatibility means you can leverage your existing Lee powder measuring equipment, or invest in one of these reliable systems, to achieve consistent and accurate powder charges without additional fuss or special adapters.

Why Precision Matters for .222 Remington

The .222 Remington cartridge holds a special place in the shooting world. Introduced in 1950, it quickly gained a reputation for its inherent accuracy, mild recoil, and effectiveness on small game and varmints. It became a favorite for benchrest competition due to its consistency and ease of developing accurate loads. For a cartridge where precision is its defining characteristic, every step of the reloading process must be executed with meticulous attention to detail.

Consistent powder charges are foundational to consistent ballistic performance. Variations in powder weight, even slight ones, can lead to differences in muzzle velocity, which in turn affects bullet trajectory and group size. By utilizing a dedicated charging die set like the Lee 90995, handloaders can ensure that each .222 Remington case receives an identical, precise powder charge, contributing directly to tighter groups downrange and reliable performance in the field.

The Benefits of Handloading Your Own Ammunition

Handloading offers a multitude of advantages that go beyond mere cost savings:

• Customized Performance: Tailor loads precisely to your firearm's unique characteristics, optimizing for accuracy, velocity, and specific applications (e.g., target shooting, hunting small game).
• Superior Accuracy: Factory ammunition, by necessity, is loaded to general specifications. Handloaders can achieve much tighter tolerances, selecting components and charge weights that yield sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups.
• Cost Efficiency: While there's an initial investment in equipment, reloading significantly reduces the per-round cost of ammunition, especially for popular calibers like the .222 Remington. This allows for more practice and development without breaking the bank.
• Component Flexibility: Choose specific bullet types, powders, and primers that best suit your needs, exploring combinations not available in factory loads.
• Brass Life Extension: By controlling the sizing and seating process, handloaders can often extend the life of their brass cases through careful attention to detail and avoiding overworking the brass.
• Deep Understanding: The process of handloading provides a profound understanding of internal and external ballistics, enhancing your overall shooting knowledge.

Investing in Quality: Lee Precision's Legacy

Lee Precision has a long-standing reputation for producing innovative, durable, and affordable reloading equipment. The 90995 Kit 2-Die Set for .222 Remington is a testament to this legacy, offering precision engineering at a value-driven price point. When you choose Lee Precision products, you're investing in tools that are designed to last and to deliver consistent, reliable results for years to come. This commitment to quality ensures that your reloading endeavors are efficient and rewarding.

Safety First in Reloading

While optimizing for precision and consistency, always remember that reloading involves handling propellants and primers. It is crucial to adhere to strict safety protocols:

• Always consult multiple reliable reloading manuals for load data. Never deviate from published minimum or maximum loads.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Store components safely and separately.
• Maintain a clean and organized reloading bench.
• Never consume food or beverages while reloading.
• Pay full attention to the task at hand.

The Lee 90995 Kit 2-Die Set is a safe and effective tool when used correctly and responsibly within a comprehensive reloading safety framework.

Where to Find the Lee 90995 Kit 2-Die Set

For those ready to elevate their .222 Remington reloading, the Lee Precision 90995 Kit 2-Die Set is available through reputable suppliers like DEGuns. As a leading provider of shooting sports equipment, DEGuns offers a wide selection of reloading tools, ensuring you have access to the components necessary to achieve your reloading goals.

In summary, for any reloader seeking to produce high-quality, consistent .222 Remington ammunition with efficiency and precision, the Lee Precision 90995 Kit 2-Die Set offers an ideal solution. Its unique design for rifle cases, seamless integration with Lee's advanced powder measures, and Lee's commitment to quality make it an essential component for any serious handloader's bench.

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Lee Precision
Series	Kit
Model	Charging Die Set
Caliber Compatibility	.222 Remington
Die Type	Short & Long Charging Dies
Number of Dies in Set	2
Shell Holder Included	No
SKU	6882
UPC	734307909956
MPN	90995
Case Length Compatibility	0.860 - 2.620 inches
Bullet Diameter Compatibility	0.223 inches and larger
Powder Measure Compatibility	Auto-Disk, Pro Auto-Disk, Auto-Drum