Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 Review

Let’s Dive into Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845, specifically the Factory Crimp Rifle Die for .300 Weatherby Magnum, is a deceptively simple tool that can significantly impact the precision and consistency of handloaded ammunition. Lee Precision is a name synonymous with affordable, yet reliable, reloading equipment, and this crimp die aims to deliver on that reputation. Its primary function is to apply a firm crimp to the bullet after seating, promising improved bullet retention and more uniform powder ignition.

My own reloading journey started with a quest for ultimate accuracy in my hunting loads. I was chasing that perfect sub-MOA group with my .300 Weatherby Magnum, and velocity variations were a constant source of frustration. I hoped the Lee Factory Crimp Die would be the missing piece, helping to tame those inconsistencies.

Upon unboxing, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 presents itself as a straightforward, no-frills tool. The carbide construction feels robust, and the die’s finish is clean and functional. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be; it’s a tool designed for a specific purpose.

I’ve previously used crimp dies from Redding and Hornady, which offer similar functionality but at a higher price point. I chose this particular Lee die due to its reputation for aggressive crimping and, of course, the attractive price. I was eager to see if it could deliver comparable results to the premium options without the premium cost.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 felt solid, and I was eager to get it set up and start cranking out some rounds. I was both excited by the potential accuracy gains and a little skeptical about whether such an inexpensive die could truly make a noticeable difference.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 at my local shooting range, loading up a batch of .300 Weatherby Magnum rounds with 180-grain Barnes TTSX bullets. The range offered both indoor and outdoor facilities, allowing me to assess performance in varying lighting conditions. The weather was a typical Texas summer day – hot and humid.

The initial setup took a few minutes, but the instructions were clear, and the die was easy to adjust. I quickly learned that a little adjustment goes a long way, as the Lee die applies a very firm crimp. After the first few rounds, I felt confident in the setup and began producing a larger batch of ammunition.

The immediate surprise was the consistency in felt recoil and muzzle velocity. Even with a relatively small sample size, the extreme spread in velocity seemed noticeably reduced compared to my previous loads without a factory crimp. There were no issues during the first use and operation was smooth.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of rounds loaded with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845, it has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. There have been no signs of wear and tear on the carbide die, and the crimping action remains smooth and predictable. This speaks to its overall durability.

Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each reloading session is all that’s needed. I have found that the die holds its settings well, requiring only minor adjustments after prolonged use. This helps with repeatability and efficiency in reloading.

Compared to my previous experiences with other crimp dies, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 offers comparable performance at a significantly lower cost. While the fit and finish may not be quite as refined as the premium options, the results downrange speak for themselves. It outperforms my expectations, particularly given its price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 is a Factory Crimp Rifle Die specifically designed for the .300 Weatherby Magnum cartridge. It’s constructed from carbide, which ensures long-lasting durability and smooth operation. This is particularly important for high-volume reloading.

• Caliber: .300 Weatherby Magnum
• Material: Carbide
• Gun Type: Rifle
• Additional Feature: Factory Crimp Rifle Die

These specifications are crucial for achieving consistent and reliable performance. The carbide construction ensures that the die will withstand the pressures of crimping without premature wear. This leads to more consistent rounds and better accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 excels at its primary function: applying a consistent and firm crimp to rifle bullets. This helps improve bullet retention during recoil, ensures more uniform powder ignition, and contributes to reduced velocity variations. All these factors contribute to enhanced accuracy.

The die’s main strength lies in its ability to deliver a very firm crimp. This is particularly beneficial for cartridges like the .300 Weatherby Magnum, where recoil can be significant. A potential weakness is that the aggressive crimp may not be ideal for all bullet types; some experimentation may be required. It greatly exceeded expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 features a simple, functional design. The carbide construction feels solid and durable, and the die is easy to handle and adjust. There’s no unnecessary ornamentation or complex mechanisms; it’s a tool designed to get the job done.

The die is surprisingly user-friendly, even for novice reloaders. The instructions are clear, and the adjustment process is straightforward. There is a slight learning curve to find the optimal crimp setting for a specific bullet, but this is true for all crimp dies.

Durability & Maintenance

Thanks to its carbide construction, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. The die requires minimal maintenance; a simple wipe down with a clean cloth after each use is sufficient to remove any powder residue or debris.

The die is not designed to be easily repaired, but its robust construction minimizes the likelihood of failure. If a component were to break, replacement would likely be more cost-effective than repair. It is a very affordable product.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 comes as a standalone die and does not include any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for the die itself, but it is compatible with standard reloading presses and shell holders. This helps make it versatile and easy to incorporate into an existing reloading setup.

While there are no direct accessories for the Lee crimp die, the overall process of reloading allows for vast customization. One can adjust powder type, amount, bullet type and bullet seating depth to achieve desired results in conjunction with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845

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Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845?

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 is perfect for reloaders seeking to improve the accuracy and consistency of their rifle ammunition, particularly those loading cartridges with significant recoil, such as the .300 Weatherby Magnum. It’s also an excellent choice for budget-conscious reloaders who want a reliable and effective crimp die without breaking the bank. This tool is well suited for hunters and target shooters.

This product might not be ideal for reloaders who prioritize aesthetics and premium fit and finish over functionality. It may also not be necessary for those loading low-recoil cartridges where bullet setback is less of a concern. Individuals loading cartridges that do not require heavy crimping should skip this die.

A must-have modification to get the most out of any reloading setup is a quality reloading press. The press provides the leverage and stability needed to properly use reloading dies like the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 is a simple but effective tool that delivers on its promise of improved bullet retention and more consistent ammunition. Its carbide construction ensures durability, and its ease of use makes it accessible to reloaders of all skill levels. The price is extremely affordable.

The value proposition is excellent. For a minimal investment, reloaders can potentially unlock significant improvements in accuracy and consistency, especially in high-recoil cartridges. Its overall design and features make it a strong performer.

I would absolutely recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 to anyone looking to enhance their reloading process. If you’re chasing that extra bit of precision and consistency in your rifle loads, this die is a worthwhile addition to your reloading bench. Get yours today and start loading with confidence!