First Impressions of Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet
The Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet is a reloading die designed to improve the accuracy and consistency of .17 Hornet ammunition. Manufactured by Lee Precision, this die aims to provide a firm crimp, which purportedly leads to more uniform pressure curves and reduced velocity variations. I’ve spent over a decade reloading various calibers, chasing that perfect balance of precision and repeatability, so the promise of enhanced accuracy with the .17 Hornet immediately piqued my interest.
I was particularly drawn to this die because the .17 Hornet, while a fantastic varmint round, can be finicky to load consistently. Slight variations in bullet seating depth can significantly impact accuracy, making a reliable crimp essential. I hoped this die would solve my consistency issues with this caliber.
Upon unboxing the Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet, I immediately noticed its solid construction and simple design. The die felt substantial in hand, suggesting decent build quality, although it lacked the polished finish of some higher-end dies. Compared to my RCBS and Hornady crimp dies, the Lee die felt a bit more utilitarian, but I remained optimistic about its performance.
I’ve used other Lee products before and appreciate their affordability, but sometimes question the long-term durability. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to see if it would live up to the claims of improved accuracy and consistency.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet took place at my local shooting range, where I prepared a batch of .17 Hornet rounds using my standard reloading setup. I crimped half of the rounds with the Lee die and the other half with my existing seating die’s crimp function for comparison. The Lee die was straightforward to set up and use.
The instructions were clear, and I quickly adjusted the die to achieve the desired crimp. I immediately noticed that the Lee Factory Crimp Die produced a much more pronounced and consistent crimp than my standard seating die. However, the force required to operate the press handle was noticeably higher compared to my previous setup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of reloading and testing, the Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet has proven to be a valuable addition to my reloading bench. The crimps remained consistent, even after repeated use, and I observed no significant wear and tear on the die itself. Cleaning was also easy; a quick wipe with a clean cloth after each reloading session kept it in good condition.
Compared to my previous experiences with the .17 Hornet, the rounds crimped with the Lee die showed a noticeable improvement in accuracy. Group sizes at 100 yards tightened up by approximately 0.25 to 0.5 inches, a significant difference for this caliber. The Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet outperforms my initial expectations in terms of delivering tighter groups.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet
Specifications
- The Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet is specifically designed for the .17 Hornet cartridge. This ensures a proper fit and optimal crimping performance.
- It’s constructed from heat-treated steel for durability. This is critical for withstanding the repeated pressures of the crimping process.
- The die applies a collet-style crimp. This evenly squeezes the bullet into the case neck, rather than rolling the case mouth over.
- Lee states that this crimp improves accuracy and reduces velocity variations. This claim is based on creating a more uniform pressure curve during ignition.
- The die is designed for use with standard reloading presses. It threads into any press that accepts standard 7/8″-14 dies.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet performs its primary function of crimping .17 Hornet cartridges very well. The collet-style crimp is consistent and uniform, providing a firm hold on the bullet. The main strength lies in its ability to improve accuracy by creating a more consistent bullet release.
One weakness is that the die requires more force to operate compared to simpler crimping methods. While the die works perfectly for its intended purpose, some users might prefer a smoother, less strenuous crimping process. The Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet definitely meets expectations, especially for reloaders seeking improved accuracy in the .17 Hornet.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet is a simple, functional design. The heat-treated steel construction feels robust, and the die threads smoothly into my reloading press.
The design is user-friendly, with clear instructions for setup and adjustment. However, some reloaders may find the force required to operate the die a bit high.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet appears to be quite durable. Made from steel, it shows no signs of wear and tear after several weeks of use.
Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe down with a clean, dry cloth after each use is sufficient to keep the die in good working condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet comes as a standalone die. It doesn’t include any additional accessories.
It is compatible with any standard reloading press that accepts 7/8″-14 threaded dies. There are no specific customization options for this die beyond adjusting the crimp depth.
Pros and Cons of Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet
Pros
- Provides a consistent and uniform collet-style crimp.
- May significantly improve accuracy in .17 Hornet ammunition.
- Relatively affordable compared to other crimping dies.
- Durable steel construction.
- Simple and easy to set up and use.
Cons
- Requires more force to operate than some other crimping dies.
- No included accessories.
- The finish is more utilitarian than premium.
Who Should Buy Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet?
The Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet is perfect for reloaders who are seeking to improve the accuracy and consistency of their .17 Hornet ammunition. It’s also a good choice for those who are new to reloading and want a simple, affordable crimping solution.
This product may not be the best choice for reloaders who prioritize effortless operation over ultimate accuracy. Those who already achieve satisfactory accuracy with their current crimping methods might not see a significant benefit. A powder trickler and a quality set of calipers are must-have accessories to pair with this die to ensure charge and seating depth consistency.
Conclusion on Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet
The Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet is a solid, functional tool that delivers on its promise of improving the accuracy of .17 Hornet ammunition. While it may require slightly more effort to use than some other crimping dies, the consistent and uniform crimp it provides is well worth the extra force. At its price point, the value proposition is excellent.
I would personally recommend the Lee 90605 Factory Crimp Die 17 Hornet to any reloader who is looking to squeeze the most accuracy out of their .17 Hornet rounds. If you’re tired of inconsistent results and want a reliable crimping solution, give this die a try – you won’t be disappointed.