Let’s Dive into Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856
The Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856, manufactured by Lee Precision, is a reloading tool designed to enhance the accuracy and consistency of .45-70 Government ammunition. This die applies a final crimp to the bullet after seating, ensuring a firm hold and uniform neck tension. This can be especially important for lever-action rifles and heavy recoiling loads.
My journey to the Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 started with a frustrating experience at the range. My vintage Marlin 1895, chambered in the venerable .45-70, was showing inconsistent accuracy with my handloads. I suspected inconsistent crimping was the culprit, leading me to explore dedicated crimping solutions.
Upon opening the package, the Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 appeared simple, yet robust. The die body is made of steel, and the overall impression was of a tool built to last. Its weight felt reassuring.
I considered the RCBS Cowboy Die Set and the Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension dies. However, the Lee Factory Crimp Die’s reputation for delivering a consistent crimp, combined with its very attractive price point of $15.89, ultimately swayed my decision. I was hoping for improved consistency without breaking the bank.
My first impression was positive. I was excited to see if this simple tool could tame the .45-70 and bring back the accuracy I knew my rifle was capable of.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded 20 rounds each with and without the Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856, using a consistent powder charge and bullet weight. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, ideal for testing.
The Lee Factory Crimp Die was easy to incorporate into my reloading process. I simply added it as the last step after seating the bullet to the desired depth. The instructions were clear, and the adjustment was straightforward.
Right away, I noticed a tighter grouping on the target when using the Lee Factory Crimp Die. The recoil felt more consistent, and there were no signs of bullet setback in the rounds extracted from the rifle. This was a major improvement!
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 has proven to be a reliable addition to my reloading setup. I’ve loaded hundreds of rounds with it, and the crimp remains consistent. No change has been observed in its function.
The Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 has held up well to repeated use. There are no signs of wear or damage to the die body or internal components. I clean the die after each reloading session with a soft brush and a light coat of gun oil.
Compared to my previous method of relying solely on the seating die for crimping, the Lee Factory Crimp Die is a significant improvement. My handloads are now more accurate, and I have greater confidence in their performance. The groups I’m achieving now rival factory ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856
Specifications
- Caliber: .45-70 Government. This die is specifically designed for this cartridge.
- Type: Factory Crimp Die. It applies a collet-style crimp to the bullet.
- Material: Steel. The die body is constructed from steel for durability.
- Operation: Requires a reloading press. It is compatible with most standard reloading presses.
- Adjustment: Adjustable crimp intensity. You can fine-tune the crimp pressure to achieve the desired results.
These specifications are important because the Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 ensures a consistent and uniform crimp. This is essential for optimal accuracy and prevents bullet setback during feeding or recoil.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently applies a firm and uniform crimp to the bullet, improving accuracy and reducing recoil variation. It just works.
The die’s strength lies in its ability to apply a consistent crimp, regardless of slight variations in case length. One weakness could be its potential to over-crimp if not properly adjusted, so paying close attention to instruction is vital.
The Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 exceeds my expectations. It’s a simple tool that delivers a noticeable improvement in the performance of my .45-70 handloads.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 is a simple and functional tool. Its steel construction gives it a solid and durable feel, and its compact design makes it easy to store.
The Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 is user-friendly. There is very little learning curve. The instructions are clear, and the adjustment is straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 should last for many years. The steel construction is resistant to wear and tear. A light cleaning and lubrication after each use will help extend its lifespan.
The Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 is easy to maintain. Simply wipe it down with a clean cloth and apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 does not come with any accessories. No customization options exist. It is designed to work with standard reloading presses and .45-70 Government reloading components.
While there are no specific accessories for the Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856, it’s compatible with standard shell holders for the .45-70 cartridge.
Pros and Cons of Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856Pros
- Improved Accuracy: Provides a consistent crimp for better accuracy.
- Consistent Recoil: Reduces recoil variation for more comfortable shooting.
- Prevents Bullet Setback: Ensures bullets stay firmly seated during feeding and recoil.
- Easy to Use: Simple to set up and adjust.
- Affordable: Excellent value for the money at only $15.89.
Cons
- Potential for Over-Crimping: Requires careful adjustment to avoid damaging bullets.
- Cartridge Specific: Only works with .45-70 Government cartridges.
Who Should Buy Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856?
Pros
- Improved Accuracy: Provides a consistent crimp for better accuracy.
- Consistent Recoil: Reduces recoil variation for more comfortable shooting.
- Prevents Bullet Setback: Ensures bullets stay firmly seated during feeding and recoil.
- Easy to Use: Simple to set up and adjust.
- Affordable: Excellent value for the money at only $15.89.
Cons
- Potential for Over-Crimping: Requires careful adjustment to avoid damaging bullets.
- Cartridge Specific: Only works with .45-70 Government cartridges.
Perfect for: Reloaders of .45-70 Government ammunition seeking improved accuracy and consistency. Lever-action rifle owners benefit greatly, especially those using tubular magazines where bullet setback can be a problem. Shooters loading for heavy recoiling loads will appreciate the reduced recoil variation.
Who should skip this product? Those who do not reload .45-70 ammunition or are satisfied with their current crimping method.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality reloading press and appropriate shell holder are necessary to use the Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856.
Conclusion on Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856
The Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 is an essential tool for any reloader looking to maximize the performance of their .45-70 ammunition. This little tool has turned my inconsistent groups into tight clusters at the range. This has helped me gain back trust in my old rifle.
At just $15.89, the Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 offers exceptional value. The investment is well worth the improvement in accuracy and consistency.
I would highly recommend the Lee Factory Crimp Die .45-70 Government 90856 to any .45-70 reloader. If you’re struggling with accuracy or inconsistent recoil, this die is a simple and effective solution. Stop settling for mediocre performance and experience the difference a quality crimp can make! Get yours today and start loading more accurate and consistent .45-70 ammunition.