Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 Review

Taking the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 for a Spin

For years, I’ve been refining my reloading process, always seeking that extra edge in consistency and reliability. It’s a pursuit that demands precision, and sometimes, the smallest component can make the biggest difference. My journey with reloading ammunition, particularly for my .45 Colt handguns, has been one of continuous improvement. I was seeking a way to achieve a more consistent and robust crimp, specifically to address a subtle but noticeable case-mouth flare that could lead to feeding issues in certain firearms. This quest for perfection led me directly to the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786, a taper crimp die designed for .45 Colt.

What specifically drew me to this particular die was its reputation for delivering a clean, controlled taper crimp, a feature crucial for ensuring reliable ignition and headspace. Unlike roll crimps, a taper crimp gently folds the case mouth inward, providing just enough tension to hold the bullet securely without deforming the casing excessively. I had been experiencing occasional feeding hiccups with some of my handloads, and I suspected that an inconsistent crimp was to blame. I considered a few other brands, but Lee Precision has always been a go-to for affordable yet effective reloading components, and their taper crimp dies are particularly well-regarded for their simplicity and performance.

Upon receiving the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786, my first impression was one of robust simplicity. The die itself felt substantial in my hand, a testament to its heavy-duty construction and metal housing. There was no plastic here; just solid metal built to withstand years of use in a reloading environment. The finish was a classic, no-nonsense gunmetal grey, which perfectly suited its utilitarian purpose. It felt like a tool designed to do a specific job, and do it well, without any unnecessary frills. I was cautiously optimistic, eager to see if this unassuming die could solve my persistent reloading challenge.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 to the Test

My testing grounds for this die were my dedicated reloading bench and my local indoor range, where I could meticulously control variables and observe performance. I loaded up a batch of .45 Colt cartridges, carefully noting the OAL (Overall Length) and the degree of flare I was using on the case mouths before seating the bullets. The die was installed on my progressive press in the final station, replacing my old seating die.

The first few rounds I processed with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 were eye-opening. The die adjusted smoothly, and I was able to dial in the precise amount of taper crimp needed with minimal effort. There was no gritty feeling, no excessive force required; it simply worked as intended. Even after running several dozen rounds through the press in quick succession, the die maintained its setting and delivered a consistent crimp on every single case.

Over the next several weeks, I put this taper crimp die through its paces, reloading over 500 rounds of .45 Colt. I experimented with different bullet types – cast lead, plated, and jacketed – and varied case neck tension slightly. In every instance, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 performed admirably, producing a uniform crimp that held the bullets firmly without causing any visible bulges or distortions. I even intentionally over-flared a few case mouths to see if the die could correct them, and it did so effectively, producing a clean taper that secured the bullet.

When it came to actual range time, the difference was palpable. The cartridges fed smoothly into the chambers of my revolvers, and the ignition felt more positive and consistent. I experienced zero feeding issues or bullet push-back during firing, which had been an occasional concern with my previous handloads. The durability has also been impressive; after hundreds of cycles, the die shows no signs of wear or performance degradation. Maintenance is as simple as wiping it down with a dry cloth after use and perhaps a light application of oil to the threads if stored for extended periods.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 is, at its core, a precisely engineered tool designed for a singular purpose: to apply a taper crimp to pistol cartridges. Its specifications are straightforward but critical to its function. The die is manufactured from high-quality steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear, which is essential for a tool that undergoes repetitive stress.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lee Precision
• Caliber: Designated for .45 Colt, but the principles of taper crimping apply broadly across similar calibers. The specific model reviewed is tailored for .45 Colt.
• Type: Pistol Taper Crimp Die. This means it’s designed to gently reduce the diameter of the case mouth, securing the bullet.
• Material: Heavy-duty construction and metal housing for a lifetime of use. This commitment to robust materials means the die is built to last through countless reloading sessions.
• Gun Type: Pistol. Specifically designed for use in progressive or semi-automatic pistol reloading presses.
• Gun Make: While listed as Colt, this is due to the caliber (.45 Colt), and the die is universally compatible with presses that accept standard reloading dies.

These specifications are more than just technical data; they translate directly into user experience. The heavy-duty construction means you don’t have to worry about the die breaking or deforming under normal operating pressures. The specific caliber designation ensures the internal dimensions are perfectly matched to the case and bullet dimensions for optimal crimping.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 is to apply a consistent taper crimp, and it excels at this. The crimp it produces is clean and uniform, effectively securing the bullet in the case without overworking the brass. This level of consistency is paramount for accurate shooting and reliable firearm function.

Strengths:

• Exceptional crimp consistency: Each round receives the same degree of taper crimp, leading to predictable headspace and ignition.
• Effective at eliminating case mouth flare: It smoothly reduces any outward flare from the seating operation, ensuring a clean profile for chambering.
• Positive ignition support: The secure hold on the bullet aids in reliable ignition, particularly crucial in faster-burning pistol powders.

Weaknesses:

• Specific to taper crimping only: This die does not seat the bullet; it is typically used in the final station of a progressive press after bullet seating.
• Requires proper adjustment: Like any reloading die, incorrect setup can lead to over-crimping or under-crimping, but this is a user-error, not a die flaw.

Considering its price point, the performance of this taper crimp die is outstanding. It performs on par with much more expensive dies I’ve used in the past, delivering reliable results consistently.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 is a perfect example of form following function. It’s a straightforward, cylindrical die with precisely machined internal dimensions and knurled gripping surfaces on the exterior for easy adjustment and removal. The metal housing feels secure and well-balanced when threading it into the press.

The ergonomic aspect comes into play during setup and adjustment. The knurled section provides a good grip, even with slightly sweaty hands, which is a common occurrence during extended reloading sessions. Adjusting the die is intuitive; turning it down reduces the crimp, while backing it out increases it. There’s no complex mechanism to learn, just a simple, direct relationship between physical adjustment and crimp applied.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and the heavy-duty construction, this die is built to last for a very long time. The steel construction resists corrosion and wear, and the precise machining means moving parts (internal crimping surfaces) are unlikely to develop play or looseness. I haven’t noticed any degradation in its performance even after processing hundreds of rounds.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe-down after each session to remove any brass shavings or lubricant is usually sufficient. For long-term storage, a light coating of gun oil on the threads can prevent seizing. There are no intricate parts to clean or lubricate, making it exceptionally low-maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 is a standalone die and typically does not come with accessories, nor does it require them to function. Its “customization” comes from the user’s ability to precisely adjust the amount of taper crimp applied. This adjustment is done via the die’s threading mechanism, allowing for fine-tuning to suit specific bullet types, case conditions, and firearm tolerances. It is designed to be compatible with virtually any standard reloading press that accepts 7/8″-14 threaded dies, which is the universal standard in reloading.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786?

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 is an ideal purchase for any reloader who works with .45 Colt cartridges and is experiencing issues with bullet pull, case mouth flare, or inconsistent feeding in their firearms. This includes pistol shooters, particularly those who reload for revolvers that might be sensitive to bullet setback, or semi-automatic handguns where a consistent cartridge profile is vital for reliable cycling. Reloaders who prioritize consistency and precision in their ammunition will find this die to be an invaluable addition to their bench.

Those who should consider skipping this die are reloaders who do not load .45 Colt or who are perfectly satisfied with their current crimping methods and don’t require the specific benefits of a taper crimp. Additionally, if you are looking for a die that also seats bullets, this particular model is not what you need; a combination seating/crimping die would be more appropriate for that purpose. For those who do buy it, I’d recommend using it in the final station of your progressive press, after the bullet has been seated, to ensure the best possible results. A good quality caliper for verifying cartridge overall length (OAL) is also a wise companion for any reloader.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 is a testament to Lee Precision’s ability to deliver high-quality, effective reloading tools at an accessible price. My experience with this taper crimp die has been overwhelmingly positive; it consistently produces a superior crimp that has noticeably improved the reliability of my handloaded .45 Colt ammunition. The heavy-duty construction and metal housing assure me that this die will be a staple on my reloading bench for many years to come.

For the modest price of $13.98, the performance and durability offered by this die are nothing short of remarkable. It solves a common reloading problem with elegant simplicity and effectiveness. If you load .45 Colt and want to ensure your cartridges feed reliably and ignite consistently, I wholeheartedly recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786. It’s a small investment that yields significant improvements in the quality and reliability of your handloads.