Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173

The Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173 is a specialized reloading tool designed to ensure consistent and reliable crimping of .400 Corbon cartridges. Made by Lee, a trusted name in reloading equipment, this die aims to eliminate bullet setback and improve overall ammunition performance, ultimately enhancing safety and accuracy. This die promises a factory-like crimp, something crucial for a high-pressure round like the .400 Corbon, and it does so at a price point that won’t break the bank.

As a long-time reloader, I was drawn to this die by a persistent problem: inconsistent crimps on my .400 Corbon rounds. I found my rounds were suffering from bullet setback in my 1911 pistol’s magazine under recoil. I was specifically looking for a reliable factory crimp die, one that would give me confidence in my handloads and eliminate the dangerous possibility of overpressure from bullet setback.

Upon receiving the Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction. The steel felt robust and durable, and the carbide sizer ring gave me confidence in its longevity. The design appeared simple and straightforward, a hallmark of Lee products.

Before opting for the Lee die, I considered the Redding Profile Crimp Die and the Hornady Custom Grade Pistol Die. Both are reputable brands, but their offerings for the .400 Corbon caliber were significantly more expensive. I chose the Lee die because it offered a balance of affordability and functionality, promising a reliable crimp without the premium price tag.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if the Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173 could live up to its claims and solve my crimping woes. If this die performs, my rounds will be more consistent, and my .400 Corbon will become far more reliable.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173 at my home reloading bench using a single-stage press. I loaded up a batch of 50 rounds with varying powder charges and bullet weights, specifically designed to evaluate the crimp’s impact. The die was easy to set up and adjust, thanks to the simple adjusting screw.

I tested the rounds at an outdoor range in moderate conditions – a sunny day with a slight breeze. I fired the rounds from my 1911 pistol, focusing on observing any bullet setback or feeding issues. After the initial testing, I was pleased to see no signs of bullet movement after repeated chambering and firing.

The Lee die was remarkably easy to use, requiring minimal adjustment to achieve a consistent crimp. The die is very sensitive and easy to adjust, but it did take a bit of practice to get perfect. No initial issues arose; the die functioned flawlessly right out of the box.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173 has proven to be a reliable tool. The die has maintained its performance, consistently producing tight and uniform crimps. There are no signs of wear and tear after hundreds of rounds.

The die requires minimal maintenance, mainly consisting of occasional cleaning to remove any powder residue or lubricant. I use a dry lube every 100 rounds to keep the die running smoothly. Compared to my previous crimping methods, the Lee die is significantly more effective at preventing bullet setback, resulting in more consistent and reliable ammunition.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173

Specifications

• Caliber: .400 Corbon – This die is specifically designed for the .400 Corbon cartridge, ensuring optimal crimping performance.
• Type: Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die – This die applies a unique crimp that sizes the cartridge while crimping, enhancing bullet retention.
• Material: Carbide Sizer Die – The carbide sizer die ensures smooth operation and long-lasting durability, capable of handling high-volume reloading.
• Adjustability: Adjusting Screw – The adjusting screw allows for quick and easy setting of the desired crimp amount, providing precise control over the crimping process.
• Application: Autoloader Rounds – Designed specifically for autoloader rounds, the die applies a perfect taper crimp for reliable feeding and chambering.

These specifications matter because the .400 Corbon is a high-pressure round that demands a secure crimp to prevent bullet setback and ensure consistent ignition. The carbide sizer die provides a durable and smooth crimping action, and the adjustable screw allows for fine-tuning the crimp to achieve optimal performance. All these aspects help to create a reliable and consistent .400 Corbon round.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173 excels at its primary function: applying a consistent and reliable crimp to .400 Corbon cartridges. The die eliminates bullet setback, improves accuracy, and enhances overall ammunition performance. The consistent crimps have led to more consistent velocities and tighter groupings on the range.

The main strength of this die is its ability to provide a factory-like crimp, which is essential for the .400 Corbon. The only potential weakness is that it requires a bit of fine-tuning to achieve the perfect crimp, but once dialed in, it performs flawlessly. The die definitely meets my expectations and has significantly improved the reliability of my .400 Corbon ammunition.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173 features a straightforward and functional design. The steel construction feels robust and durable, ensuring long-lasting performance. The die is relatively lightweight and easy to handle, making it comfortable to use during extended reloading sessions.

The die is user-friendly, with a simple adjusting screw for setting the desired crimp amount. There is a slight learning curve to find the optimal setting, but once you understand how it works, it’s easy to repeat. The die does not require complicated steps and can be used by novice reloaders.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173 is built to last, thanks to its robust steel construction and carbide sizer die. With proper care and maintenance, this die should provide years of reliable service. Maintaining the die is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.

I simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after each reloading session and apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent rust. If properly taken care of, this die should last for many thousands of rounds.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173 does not come with any specific accessories. It is a standalone die designed for a specific purpose: crimping .400 Corbon cartridges. The die is compatible with standard reloading presses and shell holders.

While there are no customization options for the die itself, you can customize your reloading process by adjusting the crimp amount to suit your specific needs and preferences. The die fits into standard reloading presses from RCBS, Hornady, and Redding, making it versatile.

Pros and Cons of Lee Bottle Neck Factory Crimp Pistol Die For 400 Corbon 90173