Optimizing Your Handloading: The Lee Precision 90038 Bullet Lube & Size Kit

For serious handloaders and ammunition reloaders, especially those who delve into the rewarding practice of casting their own bullets, achieving consistent, high-performance projectiles is paramount. The quality of your cast bullets directly impacts accuracy, bore fouling, and overall shooting enjoyment. This is where the Lee Precision 90038 New Lube & Size Kit becomes an indispensable tool in your reloading arsenal. Designed specifically to streamline the critical steps of bullet sizing and lubrication, this kit ensures your cast bullets meet the precise specifications required for superior performance.

Understanding the intricacies of bullet sizing and lubrication is crucial for anyone looking to produce their own high-quality ammunition. This comprehensive guide will explore why this process is essential, how the Lee Precision 90038 kit facilitates it with remarkable ease and precision, and how it empowers reloaders to craft custom ammunition that excels.

Why Bullet Sizing and Lubrication Are Essential for Cast Bullets

When you cast lead bullets, they often emerge from the mold slightly oversized or with minor inconsistencies in diameter. These variations, though small, can significantly affect the bullet's passage down the bore, leading to decreased accuracy and increased leading in your firearm's barrel. Lubrication, on the other hand, is vital for reducing friction between the bullet and the barrel, preventing leading, and ensuring smoother, more consistent bullet travel.

Here's why these steps are non-negotiable for cast bullets:

• Achieving Optimal Bore Fit: For a cast bullet to perform accurately and safely, its diameter must be perfectly matched to your firearm's bore. Ideally, cast bullets should be sized approximately .001" larger than your firearm's groove diameter. This ensures a tight seal, preventing gas blow-by which can erode the bullet base and cause leading. An undersized bullet will tumble and keyhole, leading to poor accuracy. An excessively oversized bullet can create dangerously high pressures. Sizing ensures the perfect fit every time.
• Preventing Barrel Leading: Lead fouling, or "leading," occurs when microscopic amounts of lead from the bullet rub off and build up in the rifling of your barrel. This not only degrades accuracy but can also be difficult to clean and potentially dangerous if it becomes severe enough to obstruct the bore. Proper lubrication, applied during the sizing process, creates a barrier that drastically reduces lead-to-steel contact.
• Enhancing Accuracy and Consistency: Uniformly sized and lubricated bullets fly truer. By eliminating variations in bullet diameter and ensuring consistent lubrication, you remove variables that contribute to erratic bullet flight. This translates directly to tighter groups on target and more predictable performance.
• Seating Gas Checks: Many high-velocity cast bullet loads utilize gas checks – small copper or aluminum cups placed on the base of the bullet. Gas checks protect the bullet base from the hot propellant gases, preventing deformation and leading, especially at higher velocities. The sizing die in the Lee Precision kit is specifically designed to simultaneously seat and crimp these gas checks securely during the sizing process.
• Extending Barrel Life: Reduced friction and prevention of leading contribute to less wear and tear on your firearm's bore, potentially extending the barrel's effective lifespan.
• Economic Advantage: For reloaders committed to casting their own projectiles, sizing and lubricating them at home provides a significant cost saving compared to purchasing pre-made bullets. This kit makes that process efficient and cost-effective.

Introducing the Lee Precision 90038 New Lube & Size Kit

The Lee Precision 90038 Lube & Size Kit is an intelligently designed, user-friendly system built to integrate seamlessly into your existing reloading setup. It provides all the necessary components (aside from the press and lubricant) to accurately size and lubricate cast bullets, as well as seat gas checks.

What's Included in the Kit:

• Sizer Die: The core of the kit, this precision-machined steel die features standard 7/8" x 14 threads, making it compatible with virtually any single-stage reloading press on the market. Its robust construction ensures longevity and consistent performance.
• Sizer Punch: This specialized push-through punch replaces the shell holder in your press's ram. It's designed to push the bullet nose-first through the sizing die. This unique "push-through" method is one of Lee Precision's signature innovations, eliminating the need for separate nose punches and simplifying the process significantly.
• Sized Bullet Capture Container: A practical addition, this container securely collects your freshly sized and lubricated bullets as they exit the die, keeping your workspace tidy and your bullets protected.
• Instructions: Clear, concise instructions guide you through the setup and operation, ensuring even novice reloaders can quickly master the process.

Key Features and Benefits of the Lee Precision 90038 Kit:

• Standard 7/8" x 14 Threads: This universal threading ensures broad compatibility with a wide range of single-stage reloading presses, meaning you likely won't need to invest in additional equipment beyond your existing press.
• Push-Through Sizing Design: This is a hallmark feature of Lee sizing dies. By pushing bullets nose-first through the die, the bullet's base is optimally sized, and any burrs or inconsistencies are cleaned up effectively. Crucially, it negates the need for multiple nose punches for different bullet profiles – one punch fits all bullets of that specific diameter. This streamlines the process and reduces complexity.
• Integrated Gas Check Seating and Crimping: For cast bullets designed for higher velocities, gas checks are essential. The Lee Precision sizing die is engineered to simultaneously seat and crimp gas checks onto the bullet base as the bullet passes through the die, ensuring they are firmly attached and protect the bullet during firing.
• Precision Sizing for Consistency: The die is machined to exacting tolerances, providing consistent bullet diameters essential for accuracy. Selecting a sizing kit that is .001" larger than your firearm's groove diameter is a critical rule to follow for optimal performance and to prevent leading.
• Durable Steel Construction: Crafted from robust steel, the components of this kit are built to withstand the rigors of repeated use, offering years of reliable service to the dedicated reloader. The silver finish indicates quality and durability.
• User-Friendly Operation: From setup to actual sizing, the kit is designed for intuitive use. The simplicity of the push-through method and the included instructions make it accessible for reloaders of all experience levels.

How to Use the Lee Precision 90038 Lube & Size Kit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using the Lee Precision 90038 kit is a straightforward process that becomes second nature after a few uses. This guide assumes you have a single-stage reloading press and Lee Liquid Alox or a similar compatible bullet lubricant (sold separately).

1. Preparation is Key:
   • Clean Your Cast Bullets: Ensure your cast bullets are clean and free of any debris, mold release agents, or casting flaws that could interfere with the sizing process or mar the die.
   • Measure Your Firearm's Groove Diameter: This is paramount. While some standard dimensions exist, it's best to slug your barrel to determine its exact groove diameter. This measurement will inform the specific sizing die diameter you need. Remember, aim for .001" larger than your groove diameter for optimal fit and reduced leading.
   • Set Up Your Press: Secure your single-stage press to a sturdy workbench.
2. Installing the Sizer Die:
   • Thread the Lee Precision sizer die into the top of your reloading press, just like you would any other reloading die. Screw it in until it touches the ram when the ram is fully raised, then back it off about a half turn. This allows the bullet to be fully pushed through and fall into the capture container. Tighten the lock ring.
3. Inserting the Sizer Punch:
   • Raise your press's ram to its highest point.
   • Insert the sizer punch into the shell holder slot on the ram. It fits securely and replaces your typical shell holder for this operation.
4. Applying Lubricant (Lee Liquid Alox Recommended):
   • Place a batch of cast bullets (e.g., 50-100) into a shallow plastic container or a sturdy resealable bag.
   • Apply a small amount of Lee Liquid Alox (or your chosen lubricant) to the bullets. The recommended method for Alox is the "shake and bake" or "tumble lube" method:
     • Add a capful or two of Liquid Alox to the bullets.
     • Gently tumble or shake the container, rolling the bullets over each other until each bullet has a thin, even coat of lubricant. You don't need a thick layer; a light film is sufficient.
   • Allow the bullets to dry for several hours, or overnight, as per the lubricant's instructions. This ensures the lubricant has set and will not be wiped off during sizing.
5. The Sizing and Gas Check Seating Process:
   • Take a lubricated cast bullet. If using gas checks, place a gas check onto the base of the bullet. It will rest loosely for now.
   • Place the bullet, nose-first (with gas check if applicable on the base), onto the top of the sizer punch.
   • Slowly raise the press ram. The bullet will enter the sizing die. As the ram continues to rise, the sizer punch will push the bullet through the die. You will feel some resistance as the bullet is resized.
   • If using a gas check, it will be firmly seated and crimped onto the bullet's base as the bullet passes through the final section of the die.
   • As the bullet exits the bottom of the die, it will fall into the convenient capture container positioned beneath.
   • Lower the ram, retrieve the next bullet, and repeat the process.
6. Inspection:
   • Periodically inspect your sized bullets to ensure consistent diameter, proper lubrication coverage, and securely seated gas checks (if applicable). This attention to detail ensures the highest quality ammunition.

Answering Common Questions About Bullet Sizing and the Lee Precision 90038 Kit

Reloaders often have specific questions when approaching bullet sizing. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers, providing further insight into the utility of the Lee Precision 90038 kit:

• "Do I really need to size my cast bullets?"
  Yes, for optimal accuracy, safety, and reduced barrel leading, sizing cast bullets is highly recommended. Cast bullets from a mold, even high-quality ones, rarely come out perfectly concentric or exactly to your bore's ideal dimensions. Sizing corrects these minor imperfections.
• "What type of lubricant should I use with this kit?"
  The Lee Precision 90038 kit is designed to work seamlessly with liquid-based tumble lubricants like Lee Liquid Alox. While other lubricants exist, Lee Liquid Alox is specifically formulated for this method and provides excellent results for preventing leading and promoting accuracy.
• "Can I size jacketed bullets with this kit?"
  No, this kit is specifically designed for sizing and lubricating cast lead bullets. Jacketed bullets are already manufactured to precise dimensions and do not require sizing or external lubrication in the same manner as cast bullets. Using this kit on jacketed bullets could damage them or the die.
• "How do I know what size die I need?"
  As mentioned, you should ideally select a sizing die that is .001" larger than your firearm's groove diameter. The most accurate way to determine your groove diameter is to "slug" your barrel with a soft lead slug. If slugging isn't an option, consult reliable reloading manuals or online resources for common groove diameters for your specific caliber and firearm. For example, for a .30 caliber rifle with a .308" groove diameter, a .309" sizing die is typically recommended.
• "What if my bullets don't drop freely into the container?"
  Ensure the die is threaded in correctly and that the ram is fully raised, allowing the bullet to exit the die completely. Also, check that you are not applying too much lubricant, which can create excess friction or residue. A light, even coat is all that's needed.
• "Is this kit hard to use for a beginner?"
  Not at all. Lee Precision is renowned for its user-friendly designs. The push-through method eliminates complexity, and the included instructions are very clear. Many beginners start their cast bullet journey with a Lee sizing kit due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
• "What presses are compatible with this kit?"
  Any single-stage reloading press that accepts standard 7/8" x 14 threaded dies will work with the Lee Precision 90038 kit. This includes presses from Lee, RCBS, Hornady, Redding, and many other manufacturers.

The Lee Precision Advantage: Quality and Innovation for Reloaders

Lee Precision has been a trusted name in reloading equipment for decades, earning a reputation for innovative, practical, and affordable solutions. The 90038 Lube & Size Kit is a testament to their commitment to empowering reloaders. The company's focus on designs that simplify complex processes, like their push-through sizing system, sets them apart.

By investing in a Lee Precision 90038 kit, reloaders gain:

• Unwavering Consistency: Every bullet processed through this kit will emerge with a precise diameter and consistent lubrication, leading to predictable and accurate shooting.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Maximizing the efficiency of your cast bullet production significantly reduces the per-round cost of your ammunition.
• Enhanced Shooting Experience: Fewer flyers, less barrel leading, and improved accuracy translate directly to a more satisfying and enjoyable time at the range or in the field.
• Durability and Reliability: Built to last, this kit provides long-term value, standing up to the demands of frequent reloading sessions.

The Lee Precision 90038 New Lube & Size Kit is more than just a set of tools; it's an investment in the quality, consistency, and performance of your handloaded ammunition. It solves the common challenges associated with cast bullets, transforming them into reliable, accurate projectiles ready for the firing line. For the discerning reloader who values precision and efficiency in their craft, this kit is an essential component for achieving optimal results.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Lee Precision
Model Name	Classic Bullet Sizing
Function	Size Bullet, Lubricate, Seat Gas Checks
Material	Steel
Finish	Silver
Compatibility	Single Stage Presses, Standard 7/8" x 14 threads
Includes	Sizer Die, Sizer Punch, Sized Bullet Capture Container, Instructions
Media Type	Cast Bullets
Quantity	1 Kit
Weight	0.99 lbs
SKU	40605
UPC	734307900380
MPN	90038