Let’s Dive into Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863
The Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 from Lee is a single-stage reloading die designed to apply a consistent and secure crimp to .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .44 Russian cartridges. This die stands out due to its carbide sizer ring which resizes the cartridge after crimping, ensuring proper chambering. It’s a small investment that can significantly improve the performance and reliability of your reloads, particularly for revolvers.
I was consistently experiencing inconsistent crimps with my .44 Magnum reloads, leading to variations in velocity and accuracy. This was a real problem when I was developing loads for hunting and target shooting. I needed a reliable crimping solution to ensure consistent performance.
Upon unboxing, the Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 appears to be a robust, well-machined piece of equipment. The steel body feels solid, and the carbide sizer ring is cleanly integrated. While simple in design, it exudes a sense of quality and durability.
I’ve previously used standard roll crimp dies from other manufacturers, but the Lee die’s factory crimp design, combined with the post-sizing feature, seemed like a better approach. The Lee die promised a more uniform crimp and improved bullet seating consistency. This die offered an improved process over traditional crimping methods.
My first impression was positive. The Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 looked like it could solve my crimping issues and improve the consistency of my .44 Magnum reloads. I was eager to get it set up and start testing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 at my home reloading bench. This included developing hunting loads and target rounds, using both .44 Special and .44 Magnum brass. The conditions were generally dry, but I did simulate some humid conditions by spraying a light mist of water on a few cases to see if it affected the crimp.
The Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 proved simple to set up and use. Adjusting the crimp depth with the top screw was straightforward, allowing for precise control. Within minutes, I was producing consistently crimped rounds.
The only issue I encountered initially was over-crimping some rounds. It was easily remedied with a minor adjustment to the die setting, highlighting the need for careful setup. This emphasized the importance of proper adjustment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 has held up remarkably well. The carbide sizer ring shows no signs of wear, and the die body remains free from rust or corrosion. It continues to produce consistent crimps, improving the accuracy and reliability of my reloads.
There are no signs of wear and tear on the die. I clean it periodically with a dry cloth to remove any powder residue or lubricant. This die requires minimal maintenance.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard roll crimp dies, the Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 is a significant improvement. The factory crimp design and post-sizing feature result in more uniform and consistent ammunition. This ultimately leads to better accuracy and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lee.
- Caliber: .44 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 Russian. This versatility allows reloaders to use a single die for multiple cartridges.
- Additional Features: Factory Crimp Pistol Die. This die is specifically designed to apply a factory-style crimp to pistol cartridges.
- Gun Type: Revolver. The die is optimized for revolver cartridges, ensuring proper bullet seating and preventing bullet jump under recoil.
- Carbide Sizer: Includes a carbide sizer ring. This resizes the cartridge after crimping, ensuring proper chambering and consistent dimensions.
- Automatic Crimp-Assisted Feature: Features an automatic crimp-assisted mechanism. This ensures a more efficient and consistent crimp compared to traditional roll crimp dies.
- Large Eye Relief: Offers a large eye relief for setting the crimp. This allows for more leverage and easier adjustment of the crimp depth.
These specifications are crucial for reloading accurate and reliable ammunition. The carbide sizer ensures proper chambering, while the factory crimp design enhances bullet retention and improves powder ignition consistency. This ensures consistent performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 excels at applying a consistent and secure crimp. This dramatically reduces bullet jump in revolvers and improves the consistency of powder ignition. The result is improved accuracy and reliability, especially with heavy recoiling loads.
The die’s strengths lie in its ease of use and consistent performance. Its primary weakness is the potential for over-crimping if not properly adjusted, requiring a bit of practice to master the setup. With proper adjustments, performance is flawless.
This die meets and exceeds my expectations for a crimping die. It has significantly improved the consistency and accuracy of my .44 Magnum and .44 Special reloads, making it a valuable addition to my reloading bench. The result has been exceptional accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 is constructed from high-quality steel with a carbide sizer ring. The weight is appropriate for a reloading die, providing stability during use. The die is comfortable to handle and easy to adjust.
The die is user-friendly with a straightforward design and clear instructions. There’s a slight learning curve to avoid over-crimping, but it’s easily overcome with practice. This will reduce any frustration.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and carbide sizer ring, the Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 should last for many years of use. The carbide sizer should provide a long service life.
The die requires minimal maintenance. Periodic cleaning with a dry cloth to remove powder residue is all that’s needed to keep it in good working order. This ensures smooth and consistent operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 does not come with any additional accessories beyond the die itself. There are no customization options available for this specific die.
It’s compatible with all standard reloading presses that accept 7/8″-14 threaded dies. Also, it works with a variety of shell holders designed for .44 Special/.44 Magnum cartridges. This makes integration with existing setups seamless.
Pros and Cons of Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863
Pros
- Produces a consistent and secure crimp, improving accuracy and reliability.
- Includes a carbide sizer ring that resizes the cartridge after crimping.
- Easy to set up and use, even for novice reloaders.
- Dramatically reduces bullet jump, especially important for revolvers.
- Affordable price point, making it accessible to most reloaders.
Cons
- Potential for over-crimping if not properly adjusted.
- No included shell holder; must be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863?
This die is perfect for reloaders who:
- Shoot .44 Special, .44 Magnum, or .44 Russian cartridges, particularly in revolvers.
- Seek improved accuracy and reliability in their reloads.
- Want a consistent and secure crimp to prevent bullet jump.
Those who should skip this product:
- Reloaders who only load low-pressure rounds where crimping isn’t critical.
- Those who prefer to use a progressive press exclusively.
Must-have accessories:
- A compatible shell holder for your reloading press.
- A reliable reloading press.
Conclusion on Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863
The Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 is an excellent tool for reloaders seeking to improve the accuracy and reliability of their .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .44 Russian ammunition. Its factory crimp design, combined with the carbide sizer ring, ensures consistent performance.
The price of $36.58 is more than justified by the improved consistency and accuracy it provides. It’s an investment that will pay off in tighter groups and more reliable ammunition.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Lee Carbide Factory Crimp Die .44 Special/Magnum 90863 to any reloader looking to optimize their .44 caliber loads. It is a must-have for anyone serious about reloading.
Upgrade your reloading setup and experience the difference a consistent crimp can make!