Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 Review

What I Found Using the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845

The world of reloading is one where precision, consistency, and reliability are not just desired, but absolutely essential. In this pursuit, every tool in the bench press matters, and some tools, while seemingly simple, can have a profound impact on the final product. The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 is one such component, a factory crimp rifle die designed for the potent .300 Weatherby Magnum. This die promises to deliver a more secure crimp than standard dies, which in turn, can lead to more uniform pressure curves and reduced velocity variation – the holy grail for any serious handloader.

My journey with this particular die began with a growing desire to wring every last bit of accuracy and consistency out of my .300 Weatherby Magnum loads. I’d been experiencing slightly more flyers than I liked, and after meticulously checking powder drops, primer seating, and overall neck tension, I started to suspect that bullet retention might be a contributing factor. Traditional crimps, while adequate, sometimes felt like they could offer more, especially when dealing with cartridges that push the limits of pressure and velocity. I’d explored other die manufacturers, but Lee’s reputation for producing functional, no-nonsense reloading equipment at an accessible price point kept drawing me back.

Upon receiving the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845, my initial impressions were consistent with Lee’s typical offering: functional, no-frills, and built for the task. The die itself is made from what feels like a robust carbide, a material known for its hardness and durability. It has a reassuring weight to it, and the threading was clean and precise, screwing easily into my reloading press without any hint of binding. There wasn’t a lot of fanfare in the packaging – just the die itself, precisely what I needed.

I had considered some higher-end dies from other established brands, some of which offered adjustable tension or more complex crimping mechanisms. However, the straightforward design of the Lee Factory Crimp Die, coupled with its specific promise of a secure, positive crimp for magnum rifle cartridges, felt like the right choice for this particular application. It wasn’t about fancy bells and whistles; it was about delivering a core function exceptionally well, and at a price that didn’t make me second-guess the investment. My anticipation was high; I was eager to see if this die could indeed translate into tighter groups on the target.

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

My testing grounds for this die were my home reloading bench and, more importantly, my rifle range. I integrated the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 into my established reloading process for my .300 Weatherby Magnum rifle. This involved measuring out precise powder charges, seating bullets to exact depths, and then running the sized and seated cases through this new crimping die.

The initial setup was straightforward, as expected with most standard reloading dies. I adjusted the die’s height to ensure it applied a firm, but not excessive, crimp. My first few test rounds were loaded and fired with a keen eye on their performance. I noted the ease with which the die applied its crimp; it didn’t require excessive force and produced a consistent result across multiple cases.

Over several weeks of dedicated reloading sessions, I processed a significant number of cartridges, probably upwards of 100 rounds, specifically utilizing this factory crimp die. This included loading various bullet weights and some slightly different powder charges to see if the crimp held up under varying conditions. I paid particular attention to bullet seating during firing; there was absolutely no observable bullet pull or movement, a testament to the die’s effectiveness.

In terms of durability, after this initial extended period of use, the die shows no signs of wear or degradation. The carbide construction feels like it will withstand thousands of cycles. Maintenance has been minimal, essentially just a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after a reloading session to remove any brass shavings or lubricant residue. Compared to some older dies I’ve used that might develop stiffness or slight resistance over time, this Lee die has maintained its smooth operation without any sign of performance drop-off.

First Use Experience

My first hands-on experience with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 was on my reloading bench, the familiar scent of case lube and metallic brass filling the air. I carefully screwed it into my RCBS press, noting the clean threads and smooth engagement. Adjusting the die’s height was intuitive; I followed the standard procedure of lowering the ram, threading the die down until it touched the case mouth, and then adjusting further to achieve the desired crimp.

The very first round I processed felt solid. The ram’s stroke was smooth, and I could feel the die engaging the case mouth and seating the bullet firmly. I immediately cycled the action of the press several times with an empty primed case after crimping to check for any signs of case deformation or excessive stress. Everything felt perfectly aligned and controlled.

I then proceeded to load a small batch of ten rounds. Once loaded, I inspected each one visually and with my calipers. The crimp was visually apparent, creating a slight indentation around the bullet’s base that visually secured it. There was no visible runout or obvious signs of damage to the case neck or bullet.

My first range trip with these rounds was to my local 100-yard outdoor range. I fired the ten test rounds from my .300 Weatherby Magnum rifle, ensuring they were fired from a stable rest. I paid close attention to the ejection and noted no anomalies. After the range session, I carefully inspected the spent casings. There was no evidence of bullet jump or movement within the case during firing, which was exactly what I had hoped for.

Extended Use & Reliability

Continuing to use the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 over several months solidified its place as a valuable tool in my reloading setup. I incorporated it into my regular loading process for the .300 Weatherby Magnum, often loading batches of 50-100 rounds at a time. The die consistently applied a firm and uniform crimp to every single case.

I noticed a tangible improvement in the consistency of my loads after I started using this die. This was particularly evident when shooting at longer distances, where those subtle variations in velocity can translate into larger group sizes. The reliable crimp seemed to contribute to a tighter velocity spread, leading to more predictable bullet flight and, consequently, more consistent shot placement.

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 has proven to be remarkably durable. Despite repeated use and exposure to the usual workshop environment, there are no signs of corrosion, wear, or any degradation in its performance. The carbide construction is living up to its reputation for hardness and longevity.

Cleaning and maintenance have remained incredibly simple, requiring just occasional wiping and perhaps a light application of a rust inhibitor on the threads if stored for extended periods. This ease of care is a significant advantage for any tool that sees frequent use. In comparison to older steel dies that might require more diligent attention to prevent rust or that could develop subtle stiffness, this die remains consistently smooth and reliable.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 is specifically engineered as a Factory Crimp Rifle Die for the .300 Weatherby Magnum caliber. Its primary specification is its ability to apply a strong, uniform crimp, designed to prevent bullet setback during recoil and firing. The die is constructed from hardened steel and carbide components, ensuring excellent durability and resistance to wear.

This carbide construction is a significant advantage, as it resists galling and provides a slick surface, allowing for smooth operation even with high case neck tension. The die is designed to be used with standard reloading presses that accept 7/8″-14 threaded dies, which is a universal standard in the reloading world. Its specific function is to crimp the bullet directly into the case mouth, providing a secure lock that standard seating dies cannot always achieve.

The .300 Weatherby Magnum caliber specification means it is precisely machined to work with cases and bullets of this particular size. This ensures a perfect fit, preventing damage to the case or bullet during the crimping process. The Factory Crimp Rifle Die designation highlights its intended purpose: to provide a crimp that mimics the security of factory ammunition.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 is to provide a secure crimp for .300 Weatherby Magnum cartridges, and it excels at this task. Its primary strength lies in its ability to apply a firm, consistent crimp that genuinely prevents bullet movement. I experienced zero instances of bullet setback or pull after utilizing this die, even with heavy recoiling loads.

This die’s performance directly translates to improved shot-to-shot consistency. By ensuring the bullet remains seated precisely where it was placed, it contributes to a more predictable burn rate and thus, a more uniform pressure curve. This means less velocity variation from round to round, which is critical for achieving tight groups, especially at longer ranges.

A minor point to consider is that this is a dedicated crimping die; it does not also size the case or seat the bullet. This means it’s an additional step in the reloading process, requiring the cases to be previously sized and the bullets seated. While some might prefer an all-in-one die, the specialization of this Factory Crimp Rifle Die allows it to focus solely on achieving the best possible crimp.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 is a testament to functional simplicity. It follows the classic Lee die profile, with a sturdy construction that feels built to last. The carbide insert is visible and hints at the die’s robust nature and potential for smooth operation.

Ergonomically, the die is straightforward to thread into a press and adjust. There are no complex levers or intricate adjustments. The knurled portion, while not overly aggressive, provides enough grip for hand tightening and adjustments. Its straightforward design means there is virtually no learning curve for anyone familiar with standard reloading dies.

The clear caliber marking on the die body is a practical touch, ensuring you select the correct die for your specific cartridge. This attention to detail, even on a relatively simple tool, enhances usability and prevents costly mistakes.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is clearly a key design tenet for the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845. The combination of hardened steel and carbide suggests it is built for a very long service life, likely capable of processing many thousands of rounds without issue. I have yet to see any signs of wear, galling, or performance degradation.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down after use to remove brass dust and debris is typically all that’s required. Occasional light oiling of the threads can further ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion, especially if the die is stored for extended periods.

The potential failure point for most dies is often related to thread damage or internal wear. However, given the carbide construction and the die’s dedicated function, these risks seem significantly minimized. It’s a tool that seems designed to be used, not fussed over.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 itself is a single component die, and as such, it does not typically come with additional accessories. Its primary “accessory” is its own specialized functionality, the secure crimp. Lee does offer various other reloading components and dies that can be used in conjunction with this one, such as their sizing dies and seating dies.

While the die itself isn’t directly customizable in terms of its core function, its effectiveness can be influenced by other reloading components. For example, the consistency of your bullet seating depth and neck tension will directly impact how well the crimp performs. Ensuring you have a good quality seater die and a reliable method for measuring neck tension are key to maximizing the benefits of this Factory Crimp Rifle Die.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845?

This Factory Crimp Rifle Die is an excellent choice for experienced handloaders who are meticulously working up loads for their .300 Weatherby Magnum rifle. If you’re experiencing inconsistencies that you suspect are related to bullet retention or seeking to maximize accuracy and velocity spread in your magnum loads, this die is a superb addition. It’s ideal for those who prioritize consistent performance and are willing to add a dedicated crimping step to their reloading process.

Those who should probably skip this die are individuals who are new to reloading and still mastering the basics of case resizing and bullet seating. It’s also less critical for cartridges that do not generate significant recoil or require extremely high pressures, where bullet setback is less of a concern. Someone looking for an all-in-one die might also find its specialized nature less appealing, though the performance benefits of a dedicated crimp die often outweigh this.

For those who purchase this die, I would recommend ensuring your resizing die is properly adjusted for consistent neck tension. A good quality bullet seating die and a reliable digital caliper are also essential companions. Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of a solid reloading press that can handle the slight increase in force required for a firm crimp.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 stands out as a remarkably effective and incredibly well-priced tool for serious handloaders. Its Factory Crimp Rifle Die functionality for the .300 Weatherby Magnum delivers on its promise of a secure crimp, directly contributing to improved load consistency and accuracy. The carbide construction ensures it will be a reliable workhorse on the bench for years to come.

Considering its performance, durability, and the noticeable positive impact it can have on handloaded ammunition, the $15.99 price tag is nothing short of exceptional. This die offers a significant upgrade in crimping security that often comes with much more expensive die sets.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90845 to any handloader focused on the .300 Weatherby Magnum who wants to achieve the highest possible level of consistency and precision from their reloads. If you’re looking to fine-tune your magnum loads and eliminate variables related to bullet seating, this die is a small investment with a potentially significant return in accuracy.