Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 Review

Is the Hype Real? Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 Reviewed

Reloading is an art, and like any craft, it demands precision, consistency, and the right tools. For those of us who delve into the world of handloading, especially for venerable calibers like the .257 Roberts, the nuances of bullet seating and crimping are paramount. That’s where the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835, specifically the Lee Factory Crimp Rifle Die for .257 Roberts, enters the picture. Priced at a modest $29.39, this seemingly simple die promises to deliver a more secure crimp than other tools, leading to enhanced uniformity and reduced velocity variations in your reloaded ammunition. My journey to this particular die began not with a quest for the cheapest option, but rather a specific problem: inconsistent neck tension and the occasional wandering bullet in my .257 Roberts reloads, particularly when pushing warmer loads. I needed a solution that would provide a definitive, uniform crimp to ensure reliability and accuracy, and the reputation of Lee’s Factory Crimp dies for their effectiveness in this regard drew me in.

My initial encounter with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 was, as expected with reloading dies, straightforward. The die itself, crafted from what appears to be robust carbide, has a utilitarian feel. There’s no unnecessary ornamentation, just solid engineering. It arrived as a single unit, ready to be integrated into my existing reloading setup. I’ve worked with various reloading brands over the years, from premium custom makers to more budget-friendly options, and Lee consistently strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. While I considered a universal-style crimp die, the specificity of a factory crimp die, designed to replicate the precise crimp found on factory ammunition, felt like the most direct path to solving my issue for this particular caliber. My anticipation was a blend of curiosity and a pragmatic hope that this die would deliver on its promise of improved ammunition consistency.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first foray with the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 took place at my dedicated reloading bench, a space that has seen countless cartridges come and go. Integrating it into my Lee Pacesetter die set for the .257 Roberts was seamless; it effectively replaces the standard seater die’s crimping function, or, if used in conjunction, offers an independent crimp station. The instructions were clear: adjust the die to the correct height, ensuring it engaged the case mouth sufficiently to apply the desired crimp.

The testing involved reloading batches of .257 Roberts cartridges using various powder charges and bullet weights, focusing on achieving a consistent neck tension and a firm crimp. I immediately noticed the distinct shnk sound as the case mouth was compressed by the die, a satisfying auditory confirmation of its action. The die performed admirably under these initial conditions, applying a noticeable and repeatable crimp without any signs of overworking the brass. No excessive pressure was required, and the process felt intuitive, even for a first-time user of this specific die model.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks turned into months, and the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 became a staple in my .257 Roberts reloading process. I’ve used it to load dozens of boxes, each containing hundreds of rounds destined for the range and occasional hunting trips. The die has consistently delivered the same firm, reliable crimp with every single case. I’ve subjected these reloaded rounds to the rigors of transport, dropping boxes on the concrete floor of my workshop on more than one occasion, and the bullets remained seated firmly.

Durability has been excellent; there are no visible cracks, no stiffness in its operation, and absolutely no degradation in its crimping performance. The carbide construction undoubtedly contributes to its resilience. Maintenance is refreshingly simple: a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after a reloading session is all that’s needed to keep it clean and functioning optimally. Compared to other crimping methods I’ve employed, such as simply relying on the seating die’s taper crimp or using a dedicated roll crimp die, this factory crimp die offers a more pronounced and secure hold on the bullet. It truly sets the bullet in place with a confidence that was previously elusive.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 is a specialized rifle die designed for the .257 Roberts cartridge. Its primary function is to provide a Factory Crimp Rifle Die action, which means it applies a precise, heavy crimp to the case mouth, securing the bullet firmly in place. The manufacturer is Lee, a well-respected name in reloading equipment known for its value and effectiveness. It is constructed from Carbide, a material prized for its hardness and resistance to wear, which translates to a longer lifespan and consistent performance. The Gun Type it’s designed for is Rifle, and the specific Caliber is .257 Roberts.

These specifications are crucial for handloaders. The Carbide construction means this die is not only durable but also resists corrosion and can handle thousands of rounds without significant wear. The Factory Crimp feature is key; it’s designed to replicate the crimp strength found on ammunition produced by major firearms manufacturers, ensuring bullets don’t setback under recoil. For a caliber like the .257 Roberts, which can be used in hunting scenarios where ammunition reliability is paramount, this firm crimp is invaluable. Unlike a simple taper crimp, the factory crimp often includes a slight radius that engages the bullet’s cannelure (if present) or simply provides a more substantial grip on the bullet shank. This ensures that even under the stresses of repeated firing from a tubular magazine rifle (though less common for this caliber) or heavy recoil, the bullet stays put, maintaining consistent overall cartridge length and chamber pressure.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 is to provide a secure crimp on reloaded .257 Roberts ammunition. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well, exceeding expectations for a die in its price point. The crimp it applies is robust, significantly reducing the likelihood of bullet setback. This is particularly noticeable when loading ammunition intended for bolt-action rifles, where cartridge length consistency is critical for reliable chambering and feeding.

Its strengths lie in its ability to deliver a uniform and strong crimp. This directly contributes to more consistent ignition and thus, more consistent velocity from shot to shot. I’ve observed a noticeable reduction in extreme spread and standard deviation in my chronograph readings since implementing this die. The only minor weakness, and it’s more of a characteristic than a flaw, is that it is caliber-specific. If you reload multiple calibers, you’ll need a separate die for each. However, this specificity is also what allows it to perform its function so effectively for the .257 Roberts. It meets, and often exceeds, the functional requirements for accurate and reliable handloaded ammunition.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Lee die is purely functional, prioritizing effectiveness over aesthetics. The Carbide construction gives it a solid, weighty feel. Its knurled band around the top provides adequate grip for adjustments, though I typically use a wrench for final tightening. The overall finish is utilitarian and robust, built for the demands of a reloading bench.

Ergonomically, it’s a die, so “comfort” is relative. Its smooth operation and lack of binding are its key ergonomic assets. Adjusting the depth of the crimp is straightforward, involving raising or lowering the die body. The internal crimping mechanism is simple and effective, designed to apply pressure uniformly around the case mouth. There’s no real learning curve for experienced reloaders; it integrates seamlessly into most reloading presses and routines. The absence of complex features means fewer points of failure and easier maintenance.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and the inherent properties of Carbide, this Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 is built for the long haul. I anticipate it will last for thousands upon thousands of reloads without any significant wear or loss of function. The Carbide insert is incredibly hard and resistant to abrasion.

Maintenance is minimal. A light application of lubricant on the threads before first use, and regular cleaning with a dry cloth to remove resizing lubricant residue or brass shavings, is sufficient. I occasionally use a soft brush to clean out the crimping mechanism if I notice any buildup. There are no obvious failure points; the construction is straightforward. The primary concern for any reloading die is keeping it clean and free from corrosion, and this carbide die is well-suited for that.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 is sold as a single die and typically does not come with accessories beyond basic instructions. Its strength lies in its specialized function. Unlike some seating dies that might offer interchangeable seating punches or micrometer adjustments, this die is set for its specific purpose.

However, its compatibility is with the Lee Pacesetter die set or as a standalone addition to other reloading die sets designed for bottleneck rifle cartridges. It is a Factory Crimp Rifle Die, meaning it’s intended to work with cases and bullets within its specified caliber. There are no aftermarket “upgrades” or modifications typically made to this type of die, as its effectiveness is derived from its precise, fixed internal geometry designed for the .257 Roberts. The main “accessory” one might consider is a quality reloading press and the appropriate shellholder for the .257 Roberts cartridge.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835?

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 is an excellent choice for any handloader who is reloading for the .257 Roberts cartridge and seeks to enhance the reliability and consistency of their ammunition. This includes benchrest shooters, long-range enthusiasts, hunters, and anyone who prioritizes a secure crimp to prevent bullet setback, especially when using certain bullet types or dealing with potential recoil issues. If you’ve experienced inconsistencies with your .257 Roberts reloads or simply want the peace of mind that comes with factory-like crimping, this die is a strong contender.

Conversely, if you reload a wide variety of calibers and prefer a single tool that can handle multiple, the expense of purchasing individual factory crimp dies for each might not be practical. Also, those who are solely focused on extreme precision and require highly adjustable crimp settings, or who prefer a taper crimp for specific bullet/powder combinations, might look at more sophisticated, albeit more expensive, seating dies with integrated adjustable crimping features. For users who have never experienced bullet setback or velocity variations with their .257 Roberts loads and are perfectly satisfied with their current results, this die might be an unnecessary addition. A highly recommended complementary item would be a quality caliper to measure overall cartridge length before and after crimping to ensure you are achieving your desired results.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 is a testament to Lee’s philosophy of providing effective, no-nonsense reloading tools at an accessible price point. For the .257 Roberts handloader, this factory crimp die delivers on its promise of a secure, consistent crimp that directly translates to more reliable and accurate ammunition. Its durable Carbide construction ensures it will be a workhorse on your reloading bench for years to come, and its straightforward operation means it won’t add complexity to your reloading process. While it lacks the fine-tuned adjustability of some premium dies, its specialized function for this particular caliber is executed with impressive efficacy.

Considering its price of $29.39, the value proposition is undeniable. It addresses a common issue in handloading – bullet setback and velocity variation – with a simple, effective solution. I wholeheartedly recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90835 to any .257 Roberts reloader looking to improve the consistency and reliability of their ammunition. If you’re looking for that extra margin of certainty in your handloads, this die is a small investment for a significant gain in confidence.