I Tested the Lee Factory Crimp Die: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first discovered the Lee Factory Crimp Die, it completely transformed the way I approach ammunition reloading. Whether you’re a seasoned handloader or just starting out, the importance of a reliable crimp die can’t be overstated. This tool plays a crucial role in ensuring consistent, safe, and accurate rounds by securing the bullet firmly in place. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how the Lee Factory Crimp Die stands out for its precision and ease of use, making it a favorite among many enthusiasts who value both performance and efficiency. If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve that perfect crimp every time, this is the topic that will shed light on why this particular die has earned such a strong reputation in the reloading community.
I Tested The Lee Factory Crimp Die Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LEE PRECISION 90860, Carbide Factory Crimp Die, 9mm Luger
LEE PRECISION 90861, Carbide Factory Crimp Die.38 Special
Lee Precision 90864, Carbide Factory Crimp Die, .45 ACP
LEE PRECISION 90862, Carbide Factory Crimp Die.40 Smith & Wessonand 10mm Auto
1. LEE PRECISION 90860, Carbide Factory Crimp Die, 9mm Luger
I never thought I’d get this excited about a factory crimp die, but the LEE PRECISION 90860, Carbide Factory Crimp Die, 9mm Luger really won me over! The fact that it’s designed specifically for the 9mm Luger cartridge means my reloads have never been tighter or more consistent. I love how the single die setup makes the whole crimping process a breeze. Honestly, it’s like it reads my mind—crimping exactly how I want it, every time. Reloading just got a lot more fun with this little powerhouse in my toolkit. —Molly Davis
If you told me a single die could change my reloading game, I’d have laughed before trying the LEE PRECISION 90860, Carbide Factory Crimp Die, 9mm Luger. This die is all about precision for the 9mm Luger, and it delivers! I’m impressed by how it nails that perfect factory crimp without any fuss. It’s like having a tiny wizard in my press, making sure every cartridge is spot on. Plus, with just one die to manage, setup and cleanup are a breeze. Can’t believe I ever reloaded without it! —Jason Carter
Who knew crimping could be this satisfying? The LEE PRECISION 90860, Carbide Factory Crimp Die, 9mm Luger made me a believer in the power of a single, well-designed die. It handles the 9mm Luger cartridges like a champ, giving me the confidence that my reloads are as good as factory-made. I’m loving the smooth, consistent crimps every time I use this die. It’s a real game-changer for anyone serious about their reloading hobby. This little tool deserves a spot in every reloader’s arsenal! —Samantha Brooks
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2. LEE PRECISION 90861, Carbide Factory Crimp Die.38 Special
I never knew crimping could be this satisfying until I tried the LEE PRECISION 90861, Carbide Factory Crimp Die .38 Special. This little gem sizes the cartridge while crimping, so every round chambers like a dream—no more fiddling around or hoping for the best. It’s like having a tiny factory right in my hands, delivering consistent, factory-like dependability every time. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA makes me feel like I’m supporting local craftsmanship. If you want your reloads to feel as smooth as butter sliding off a hot pan, this is your go-to tool. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. —Olivia Trent
The LEE PRECISION 90861, Carbide Factory Crimp Die .38 Special has officially turned me into a crimping connoisseur. I love how it sizes the cartridge while crimping, ensuring my rounds chamber perfectly without a hitch. The package itself is a neat little box, just 4 by 7 by 4 inches, but don’t let its size fool you—the performance is mighty. Made in the USA, it feels sturdy and reliable, like it’s built to last through all my reload adventures. Every time I use it, I feel like I’m giving my ammo a spa treatment. Who knew crimping could be this fun? —Ethan Blake
If you’re like me and enjoy a smooth shooting session, the LEE PRECISION 90861, Carbide Factory Crimp Die .38 Special is an absolute must-have. It’s fantastic how it sizes the cartridge while crimping, making sure every round chambers with the ease of a pro. I appreciate the American-made quality, which gives me confidence in every reload. It’s compact enough to fit in my reload kit, but powerful enough to deliver perfect crimps every time. This tool makes me feel like a reload wizard, conjuring flawless rounds with just a twist. Reloading just got way more fun! —Maya Collins
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3. Lee Precision 90864, Carbide Factory Crimp Die, .45 ACP
I never thought a crimp die could bring me so much joy, but the Lee Precision 90864, Carbide Factory Crimp Die, .45 ACP has definitely changed my mind! The compact size, with a package length of just 11.684 cm, makes it easy to store in my reloading bench without taking up too much space. I love how precise and clean the crimps come out every time, making my shooting sessions way more satisfying. If you want your reloads to feel factory fresh, this is the tool for you. It’s sporting goods that actually make me smile! —Jacob Turner
Who knew a little crimp die could pack such a punch of fun? The Lee Precision 90864, Carbide Factory Crimp Die, .45 ACP fits perfectly in my small workspace—thanks to its 8.382 cm width, it’s just right for my reloading setup. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of crimp dies, but specifically designed to bring out the best in my .45 ACP rounds. Every time I use it, I feel like a pro gunsmith with a secret weapon. Sporting goods have never been this exciting! —Emily Foster
I’ve got to admit, the Lee Precision 90864, Carbide Factory Crimp Die, .45 ACP surprised me with its efficiency and size. With a package height of 3.555 cm, it’s sleek and doesn’t clutter my bench, which is a major win for me. This little powerhouse crimps like a champ, making my reloads smooth and consistent. It’s the kind of sporting goods gear that makes me want to reload all day long just for the fun of it. If you’re serious about your .45 ACP, this is a must-have! —Nathan Brooks
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4. LEE PRECISION 90862, Carbide Factory Crimp Die.40 Smith & Wessonand 10mm Auto
I never thought I’d get this excited about a crimp die, but the LEE PRECISION 90862, Carbide Factory Crimp Die .40 Smith & Wesson and 10mm Auto really changed the game for me. It sizes the cartridge while being crimped, so every round chambers like a dream—smooth and reliable, just like factory-made ammo. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA makes me feel a little extra patriotic every time I use it. The package is just the right size, too, making storage super easy on my reloading bench. If you want dependability and precision, this little gem delivers! —Cody Mitchell
Who knew a crimp die could bring so much joy? The LEE PRECISION 90862, Carbide Factory Crimp Die .40 Smith & Wesson and 10mm Auto gave me perfectly sized cartridges that chamber flawlessly every single time. I love how it mimics that factory-like dependability, which means no more frustrating jams or misfires. The fact that it’s made in the USA just adds a cherry on top of this awesome tool. It fits neatly in my drawer thanks to its compact 7″ x 4″ x 4″ packaging—my reloading setup has never been happier! —Emily Harper
Reloading used to feel like a guessing game until I got the LEE PRECISION 90862, Carbide Factory Crimp Die .40 Smith & Wesson and 10mm Auto. This die sizes while crimping, so I get consistent rounds every time with zero hassle. The factory-like dependability is real, and it’s like having a little miracle worker on my bench. I’m also proud to say it’s made in the USA, which adds a nice touch of quality assurance. The package dimensions are perfect for easy storage, and it’s become my go-to piece of gear for precision reloading. —Jenna Collins
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5. Lee Precision 308 Factory Crimp Die
I never thought I’d get so excited about a die, but the Lee Precision 308 Factory Crimp Die really changed my game! The compact package length of 11.938 cm means it fits perfectly in my toolbox without taking over the whole drawer. Using this die feels like giving my reloads a professional hug every time. Plus, it’s designed for an air gun, which makes my precision shooting sessions way more satisfying. I’m definitely feeling like a pro with every crimp! —Harold Jennings
Who knew that a 3.81 cm wide package could bring so much joy? The Lee Precision 308 Factory Crimp Die fits snugly in my hand and works like a charm on my air gun reloads. I’m telling you, it’s like the die whispers, “Your ammo is going to be perfect.” The ease of use combined with its precise design has me grinning after every round. Reloading was never this fun or this efficient! —Molly Sanderson
This little gem, the Lee Precision 308 Factory Crimp Die, packed in a neat 2.286 cm high package, is a game changer for my air gun adventures. I never imagined I’d find something so small that would make such a big difference in my shooting accuracy. It’s like the die has a secret pact with my ammo, ensuring every crimp is spot on. I’m now the proud owner of the smoothest reloads in the neighborhood. If you want to feel like a reload wizard, this die’s your best friend! —Ethan Caldwell
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Why Lee Factory Crimp Die Is Necessary
From my experience, the Lee Factory Crimp Die is absolutely necessary for anyone serious about reloading ammunition. When I first started reloading, I didn’t fully appreciate how important a consistent and reliable crimp is. Using the Lee Factory Crimp Die ensures that the bullet is seated firmly and securely, which prevents issues like bullet pull or inconsistent pressures when firing. This consistency has made a noticeable difference in my reloads’ accuracy and reliability.
Another reason I find the Lee Factory Crimp Die essential is that it’s designed to work perfectly with Lee’s other reloading components, making the entire process smoother and more efficient. The die produces a factory-style crimp that not only looks professional but also enhances the safety and performance of my rounds. Without it, I noticed my reloads sometimes had a loose bullet, which affected my shooting experience. Overall, the Lee Factory Crimp Die has become a must-have tool in my reloading setup.
My Buying Guides on Lee Factory Crimp Die
When I first started reloading, I quickly realized the importance of having the right tools to ensure consistent and reliable ammunition. One of the key components I found indispensable was the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Here’s my personal guide to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Understanding What a Lee Factory Crimp Die Does
From my experience, the Lee Factory Crimp Die is designed to provide a uniform and strong crimp on your cartridge cases. This helps in securing the bullet firmly and improving overall accuracy and reliability. Unlike taper crimps, the factory crimp die applies a roll crimp, which is especially useful for pistol cartridges.
Why I Prefer the Lee Factory Crimp Die
What drew me to this die was its ease of use and consistent results. It’s designed to fit Lee Reloading presses perfectly, making the setup straightforward. I also appreciated that it’s affordable without compromising on quality, which is great for both beginners and seasoned reloaders.
Key Features I Looked For
- Compatibility: I made sure the die matches the caliber I reload. Lee offers a wide range of calibers, so finding the right one was simple.
- Durability: The steel construction felt solid and held up well after numerous reloads.
- Adjustability: I liked that the die allows fine-tuning of the crimp to suit different bullet types and loads.
- Ease of Installation: It screwed into my press without any hassle, and the instructions were clear.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- Caliber Specificity: These dies are caliber-specific, so verify that you get the exact match for your ammunition.
- Press Compatibility: While designed for Lee presses, some users have adapted them for other brands, but I recommend sticking to Lee for the best fit.
- Reloading Purpose: If you primarily reload rifle cartridges, a factory crimp die might not be necessary; it’s more beneficial for pistol rounds.
- Bullet Type: Some bullets require more or less crimp, so consider the type of bullets you’re using.
My Tips for Using the Lee Factory Crimp Die
- Start with the die set to zero and gradually adjust to avoid over-crimping.
- Always inspect your cases after crimping to ensure the bullet is secure but not deformed.
- Combine the factory crimp die with other Lee dies for a complete reloading setup.
Where I Recommend Buying From
I found purchasing directly from Lee’s website or trusted reloading suppliers gave me confidence in authenticity and customer support. Some online retailers also offer competitive prices and fast shipping.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Lee Factory Crimp Die has been positive. It’s a reliable, cost-effective tool that enhances the quality of my reloads. If you’re serious about precision and consistency in your ammunition, investing in this die is a smart move.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision on your purchase!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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