First Impressions of Lee Collet Style Crimp Die
The Lee Collet Style Crimp Die for .350 Legend is a specialized reloading tool designed to apply a consistent and powerful crimp to rifle cartridges. It promises to solve the challenges associated with crimping cartridges, particularly those lacking a traditional crimp groove. This die, manufactured by Lee, aims to enhance bullet seating and improve overall ammunition consistency, ultimately boosting accuracy and reliability.
I’ve always struggled with achieving consistent crimps on my .350 Legend reloads. Factory ammunition often exhibits variations, leading to inconsistent velocities and accuracy issues, something I wanted to mitigate in my own handloads. Other crimping methods, like roll crimps with standard seating dies, can sometimes deform the bullet or damage the case mouth, further influencing performance.
Upon unboxing, the Lee Collet Style Crimp Die feels robust, though not excessively heavy. The steel construction inspires confidence, even though it’s not carbide. The collet design is immediately apparent, and it’s easy to see how it will apply a uniform crimp around the entire bullet circumference.
I’ve used standard seating dies with crimping functions and even a dedicated taper crimp die from another manufacturer in the past. However, the Lee Collet Style Crimp Die stood out due to its collet design, promising a rifle-style crimp even on bullets without a cannelure. This was appealing because it expands bullet choices, rather than restricting me to only crimp groove bullets.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The concept is sound, and the build quality seems adequate. However, the real test would be how it performs in practice and whether it truly delivers the promised consistent crimp.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Collet Style Crimp Die to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Collet Style Crimp Die at my reloading bench, preparing .350 Legend ammunition for an upcoming deer hunt. I used a variety of .350 Legend bullets, including some with and without crimp grooves, to see how the die performed with each type. The die was used in conjunction with my single stage press.
The die performed well in dry conditions, at room temperature. I did not test it in any extreme environment. Set-up was relatively straightforward, requiring adjustment to achieve the desired crimp depth.
After my first few rounds, I was immediately impressed with the consistent crimp it applied. The bullets seated firmly, and the case mouth was uniformly secured around the projectile. I did notice a slight learning curve in adjusting the die to achieve the desired crimp without over-crimping.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of reloading sessions, the Lee Collet Style Crimp Die continues to perform reliably. I have processed hundreds of rounds with it, and the crimps remain consistent. There is no noticeable wear and tear on the die.
The die is easy to maintain. A simple wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use is all that’s required to remove any residue. I haven’t needed to lubricate it or perform any other maintenance tasks.
The Lee Collet Style Crimp Die outperforms my previous crimping methods significantly. The consistency of the crimp is noticeably better than what I could achieve with standard seating dies or taper crimp dies, leading to more uniform velocities and tighter groupings at the range.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Collet Style Crimp Die
Specifications
The Lee Collet Style Crimp Die is specifically designed for the .350 Legend caliber. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal crimping performance for this particular cartridge.
The die is designed for rifle cartridges, providing the necessary crimping force and stability for rifle reloading.
It’s manufactured by Lee, a trusted brand known for producing affordable and reliable reloading equipment.
The die incorporates a collet to apply a rifle-type crimp to the case. This design allows for a uniform crimp around the entire bullet circumference, even on bullets without a cannelure.
It is not carbide. This means the die requires lubrication when resizing cases.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Collet Style Crimp Die performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently applies a uniform and secure crimp to .350 Legend cartridges. This results in improved bullet seating, consistent velocities, and enhanced accuracy.
The main strength of this die is its ability to crimp bullets without a cannelure, opening up a wider range of bullet choices. A potential weakness is the non-carbide construction. This requires users to lubricate cases to avoid sticking, adding an extra step to the reloading process.
The Lee Collet Style Crimp Die meets and exceeds expectations. It provides a level of crimping consistency and control that is difficult to achieve with other methods.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Collet Style Crimp Die is constructed from durable steel. This ensures long-lasting performance. The weight is manageable, and the die is easy to handle.
The die is generally user-friendly. However, it may require some initial adjustment to achieve the optimal crimp depth.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Lee Collet Style Crimp Die suggests good durability. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years.
The die is easy to maintain. It requires only occasional cleaning with a dry cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Collet Style Crimp Die comes as a standalone die. It does not include any additional accessories.
There are no specific customization options for the die itself. However, it is compatible with standard reloading presses and shell holders.
Pros and Cons of Lee Collet Style Crimp Die
Pros
- Applies a consistent and uniform crimp. This improves bullet seating and ammunition performance.
- Works on bullets with or without a crimp groove. This offers greater flexibility in bullet selection.
- Relatively affordable. This makes it a cost-effective addition to any reloading setup.
- Easy to adjust and use. This makes it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced reloaders.
- Durable steel construction. This ensures long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Not carbide. This requires case lubrication, adding an extra step to the reloading process.
- Requires careful adjustment. Over-crimping can damage the case or bullet.
Who Should Buy Lee Collet Style Crimp Die?
The Lee Collet Style Crimp Die is perfect for reloaders seeking consistent and reliable crimps on .350 Legend ammunition. It is especially useful for those who want to use bullets without a cannelure. Hunters and target shooters who demand accuracy and consistency will benefit greatly from this die.
Those who prefer the convenience of carbide dies and don’t mind limiting their bullet choices to those with crimp grooves might want to skip this product. Beginners who are new to reloading might find it a bit challenging to adjust initially.
A must-have accessory for this die is a good quality case lubricant. This will prevent cases from sticking in the die.
Conclusion on Lee Collet Style Crimp Die
The Lee Collet Style Crimp Die is a valuable tool for anyone reloading .350 Legend cartridges. Its ability to apply a consistent and uniform crimp, even on bullets without a cannelure, sets it apart from other crimping methods. While the need for case lubrication due to the non-carbide construction is a minor inconvenience, the benefits in terms of accuracy and consistency far outweigh this drawback.
The price of $19.99 is exceptionally justified. It provides a significant improvement in ammunition quality at a very reasonable cost.
I would personally recommend the Lee Collet Style Crimp Die to anyone reloading .350 Legend. If you’re looking to improve the consistency and accuracy of your handloads, this die is a worthwhile investment. Don’t settle for inconsistent crimps! Grab this die and experience the difference.