Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844 Review

Field Test Review of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844

For any reloader, consistency is king. Small variations in case neck tension can lead to significant shifts in accuracy downrange, not to mention potential safety concerns. I’ve spent over a decade wrestling with reloading dies, seeking that perfect crimp that secures a bullet without deforming the case or distorting the projectile. My search recently led me to the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844, a Factory Crimp Rifle Die specifically for the .300 Savage. Lee’s reputation for producing functional, no-frills reloading tools at accessible price points made this particular die a compelling option. Its promise of a firmer crimp than traditional methods piqued my interest, especially for a cartridge like the .300 Savage, which often sees service in older hunting rifles where case integrity is paramount.

The genesis of this acquisition was a particularly frustrating range day. I was shooting some newly reloaded .300 Savage rounds, and noticed inconsistent shot placement. After meticulously checking powder charges, primer seating, and bullet runout, the only variable left was the neck tension. Some bullets felt a bit loose in the case neck, leading me to believe that my standard seating die’s crimp wasn’t quite doing the job. I needed a dedicated crimping die, one that focused solely on applying a consistent, strong mechanical crimp.

Upon receiving the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844, my initial impression was one of typical Lee quality – robust and functional, but not ornate. The die itself is a solid piece of steel, with the characteristic blueing that’s common across their reloading die sets. It feels substantial in the hand, a good weight that suggests it will hold its setting on a press. The prominent “Lee” branding is clearly visible, as is the caliber indication. There wasn’t much else to unbox, just the die itself, a testament to Lee’s minimalist approach to packaging.

In considering alternatives, I briefly looked at higher-end die sets that might incorporate a similar crimping function. However, the price point of the Lee die was significantly lower, making it an easy choice for a targeted solution. Brands like Redding or RCBS offer excellent dies, but for the specific task of a robust factory crimp, Lee’s offering seemed to directly address the need without unnecessary embellishments or a hefty price tag. My excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of “let’s see if it actually works,” a standard sentiment when trying a new tool for critical reloading tasks.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844 to the Test

My primary testing ground for this die was my home reloading bench, specifically set up for my Savage Model 99 in .300 Savage. I began by preparing a batch of spent .300 Savage brass. This involved resizing and priming using my standard Lee dies, then carefully measuring out my chosen powder charge.

I then progressed to seating the bullets, but instead of relying on the seating die’s crimp, I set it to just seat the bullet to the desired depth. The real test came when I loaded the sized and primed case into the press and chambered it into the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844. The die has a unique setup where the bullet is seated and crimped simultaneously, with an internal collet that grips the case mouth. My initial attempts required a bit of adjustment to the press stroke and the die’s depth setting to achieve the perfect balance.

After several test rounds, I found the sweet spot. The die provided a discernible, firm crimp. I could immediately feel the difference compared to my previous seating die’s attempt. There was no bullet pull when I applied significant pressure with my thumb and forefinger, a stark contrast to the slight give I had experienced before. The die consistently applied the same level of tension across multiple rounds, which was incredibly encouraging.

Over several weeks, I reloaded approximately 100 rounds of .300 Savage ammunition using this specific die. I tested these rounds in various conditions, from the relatively stable environment of my indoor range to the more dynamic conditions of a local outdoor range with fluctuating temperatures and a light breeze. The consistency of the crimp translated directly to tighter groups.

In terms of durability, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844 has held up remarkably well. After that initial adjustment period, it has performed flawlessly. There are no signs of wear on the crimping collet, and the die body remains true. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth after use and a light application of oil on the threads keeps it in prime condition. I’ve experienced no galling or stiffness, which can sometimes be an issue with steel dies if not properly cared for. Compared to previous crimping methods I’ve employed, which often involved separate crimping dies or relying solely on seating dies, this dedicated factory crimp die offers a more robust and reliable solution for ensuring bullet security.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844

Specifications

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844 is a Factory Crimp Rifle Die designed specifically for the .300 Savage caliber. It is constructed from durable carbide, which is a significant advantage for reloading dies as it offers excellent wear resistance and is less prone to corrosion than steel. This die utilizes a unique internal collet crimping mechanism, which is different from the roll or taper crimps found on many standard seating dies.

This specific design is intended to apply a much firmer and more consistent crimp. The collet grips the case mouth around the bullet, essentially resizing the neck slightly and firmly seating the bullet. The carbide construction means it doesn’t require lubrication when resizing, which simplifies the reloading process. The die is threaded to fit standard reloading presses, accepting common 7/8″-14 die threads.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this die is to provide a strong, consistent factory-style crimp on rifle cartridges. In testing, it excels at this task. The crimp applied is noticeably firmer than what can typically be achieved with a standard seating die. This is particularly beneficial for cartridges that may be used in lever-action rifles or other firearms with strong spring ejectors, where bullet push-back can be an issue.

The uniformity of the crimp is its greatest strength. Each round processed through the die exhibits the same level of neck tension, which directly contributes to more consistent powder burn and reduced velocity variation. This translates to tighter shot groups on the target, a crucial factor for any shooter seeking precision. Its performance directly addresses the problem of loose bullets, ensuring that each projectile remains seated throughout the firing cycle.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844 is purely functional. It’s a solid, no-nonsense piece of tooling. The carbide body is smooth and durable, with clear markings indicating the manufacturer and caliber. The die threads are precisely machined, ensuring a smooth engagement with the reloading press.

Ergonomically, the die is designed to be adjusted via its lock ring. Once set, the lock ring ensures that the crimp depth remains consistent throughout a reloading session. The internal collet mechanism is clever; when the ram is raised, it forces the collet inward, creating the crimp. While not a tool you interact with extensively during the reloading process beyond initial setup, its design prioritizes efficient and repeatable application of force.

Durability & Maintenance

The carbide construction of this die is a major factor in its durability. Unlike steel dies that can rust or wear down faster, carbide is exceptionally hard and resistant to abrasion. After numerous uses, I haven’t observed any degradation in its performance or any signs of wear on the crimping collet or the die body.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use is usually sufficient. For long-term storage, a light application of gun oil on the threads can prevent any potential seizing. There are no complex parts to clean or maintain, making it a very low-hassle tool. Lee products are generally known for their longevity, and this die appears to be no exception.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844 comes as a single die and does not typically include any additional accessories. However, its primary customization option lies in its ability to adjust the crimp strength via its lock ring and by altering the die’s depth setting in the press. This allows the reloader to fine-tune the crimp to their specific needs and bullet types.

While the die itself is caliber-specific, Lee also offers similar factory crimp dies for a wide range of other calibers. It is designed to work with standard reloading presses, so no specialized equipment is needed beyond what most reloaders already possess.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844?

This Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844 die is an absolute must-have for any reloader who shoots .300 Savage, particularly if they utilize lever-action rifles like the Savage 99 or any firearm where bullet setback is a concern. It’s also highly beneficial for those reloading cartridges for hunting applications where reliable feeding and consistent performance are critical. If you’ve experienced issues with bullet pull or inconsistent accuracy stemming from inadequate neck tension, this die is a targeted solution.

Conversely, if you primarily reload for bolt-action rifles where case neck tension is less critical and recoil is manageable, you might not see the full benefit of this specialized crimping die. Those seeking an all-in-one seating and crimping die might find this single-purpose tool less convenient, though its superior crimping ability often justifies its separate function. For optimal use, ensuring your press is securely mounted and that you have a good set of calipers to verify bullet seating depth is recommended.

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90844 Factory Crimp Rifle Die for .300 Savage is a testament to Lee Precision’s philosophy: deliver effective tools at a fair price. It tackles a specific reloading challenge – achieving a secure, consistent crimp – with remarkable efficiency. The carbide construction adds significant value, promising longevity and ease of use without the need for case lubrication. For .300 Savage reloaders, particularly those using lever-action firearms, the enhanced bullet retention and subsequent improvement in accuracy make this die a wise investment. While it requires a small learning curve to dial in the perfect setting, the results in terms of consistency and reliability are undeniable. If you’re looking to elevate the performance and dependability of your .300 Savage reloads, this die is a highly recommended, no-brainer addition to your reloading bench.