Master Your 6.8mm Remington SPC Reloads: The Lee Factory Crimp Die Advantage

Are you a dedicated handloader seeking to produce the most consistent, accurate, and reliable ammunition for your 6.8mm Remington SPC firearms? Do you frequently struggle with bullet setback, inconsistent chambering, or the quest for uniform crimps in your rifle cartridges? If you’re pushing the boundaries of precision, whether for hunting, competitive shooting, or simply refining your reloading craft, the Lee 90735 Factory Crimp Rifle Die for 6.8mm Remington SPC is an indispensable tool designed to elevate your ammunition to new levels of performance and dependability.

This innovative die tackles one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of rifle cartridge reloading: the crimp. For rifle cartridges, especially those subjected to the rigorous cycling of semi-automatic platforms like the popular AR-15, a consistent and robust crimp is paramount. It ensures optimal bullet retention, prevents dangerous bullet setback, and contributes significantly to overall ammunition reliability and accuracy.

Why is a Superior Crimp Essential for 6.8mm Remington SPC Ammunition?

The 6.8mm Remington SPC is a potent, intermediate rifle cartridge renowned for its balanced ballistics, making it a favorite for hunters and tactical shooters alike. However, achieving peak performance from handloaded 6.8mm SPC rounds requires meticulous attention to detail, and crimping is no exception. Here’s why a high-quality crimp is non-negotiable:

• Preventing Bullet Setback: In semi-automatic rifles, the cartridge is subjected to considerable force as it’s stripped from the magazine and slammed into the chamber. Without an adequate crimp, the bullet can be pushed deeper into the case (bullet setback), which dramatically reduces the internal case volume. This reduction leads to a sudden and dangerous spike in chamber pressure upon firing, potentially causing catastrophic firearm failure or injury. For a cartridge like the 6.8mm SPC, often used in AR-15 platforms, bullet setback prevention is a top safety concern.
• Ensuring Consistent Ignition and Pressure: A uniform crimp ensures that the bullet requires a consistent amount of force to release from the case mouth. This uniformity in bullet release resistance translates directly to more consistent powder burn, more consistent muzzle velocities, and ultimately, tighter groups on target. Without a proper crimp, variations in bullet release can lead to significant shot-to-shot velocity differences, resulting in unpredictable point of impact.
• Enhancing Feeding Reliability: A well-crimped cartridge maintains its overall length and bullet seating depth, which is crucial for smooth feeding from magazines and reliable chambering. An inconsistent or poorly applied crimp can cause bullets to become misaligned or even dislodged, leading to feeding malfunctions and jams, especially in firearms with tighter chambers or specific feeding ramps.
• Maximizing Component Longevity: Proper crimping reduces stress on the case mouth, preventing unnecessary wear and tear. This can prolong the lifespan of your valuable brass, allowing for more reloads before the brass needs to be discarded.

How the Lee Factory Crimp Die Revolutionizes Your Reloading Process

The Lee 90735 Factory Crimp Die distinguishes itself from conventional crimping methods through its unique collet design. Unlike roll crimps that can deform case mouths or taper crimps that offer minimal retention for rifle bullets, the Lee Factory Crimp Die employs a multi-segment collet that uniformly squeezes the case mouth around the bullet. This innovative approach offers several profound advantages:

• The Power of the Collet: The core of this die's effectiveness lies in its collet. When the die is lowered onto the cartridge, the collet fingers are forced inward, applying an even, concentric pressure around the entire circumference of the case neck. This precise application of force ensures a uniform crimp that truly grips the bullet, eliminating the common issues of uneven crimps or case distortion often seen with other methods.
• Creating Its Own Crimp Groove: One of the most remarkable features of this die is its ability to apply a rifle-type crimp even to bullets that do not possess a traditional crimp groove. The powerful collet is so effective that it will actually form a slight crimp groove in the bullet itself. This is an unparalleled advantage for handloaders, opening up a wider selection of bullets that might otherwise be unsuitable for crimping, allowing for greater versatility in load development without compromising on bullet retention. This also allows you to optimize bullet seating depth for accuracy, rather than being limited by crimp groove location.
• Eliminating Case Mouth Deformation: Because the collet applies uniform pressure from all sides, it avoids the common problem of bulged case shoulders or distorted case mouths that can occur with improper roll or taper crimps. This results in perfectly concentric ammunition that feeds smoothly and chambers reliably every time.
• Simplified and Consistent Application: The design makes crimping incredibly straightforward. Once the die is set up, every crimp will be virtually identical, removing a significant variable from your reloading process and contributing to more consistent ammunition performance. This "set it and forget it" reliability makes crimping a delight, even for cartridges that were previously considered challenging to crimp effectively.

Unpacking the Benefits: Why This Die is a Game Changer for 6.8mm SPC Reloaders

Investing in the Lee 90735 Factory Crimp Rifle Die is not just about adding another tool to your bench; it's about upgrading your entire reloading ecosystem and the performance of your 6.8mm Remington SPC ammunition.

1. Unparalleled Accuracy: By providing a consistent and uniform bullet release, the die contributes directly to tighter shot groups. When the bullet leaves the case with the same force and timing every time, variations in muzzle velocity are minimized, leading to a more consistent trajectory and improved precision downrange.
2. Superior Reliability in Semi-Automatics: For 6.8mm SPC shooters, especially those using AR-15 platforms, reliability is paramount. This die virtually eliminates bullet setback and ensures smooth, consistent feeding from magazines into the chamber. Fewer malfunctions mean more rounds on target and greater confidence in your firearm.
3. Expanded Bullet Choice: The ability to crimp bullets without a dedicated crimp groove significantly broadens your options. You're no longer limited to specific bullet designs, allowing you to experiment with a wider array of projectiles to find the optimal bullet for your specific firearm and intended use, whether it's for hunting, target practice, or self-defense.
4. Enhanced Safety: Preventing bullet setback is a critical safety feature. By ensuring the bullet stays firmly seated, the die mitigates the risk of dangerous pressure spikes, protecting both the shooter and the firearm from potential damage.
5. Streamlined Reloading Workflow: What was once a tricky or inconsistent step becomes simple and repeatable. The intuitive design of the Lee Factory Crimp Die makes the crimping process efficient and error-free, saving you time and frustration.
6. Optimized for 6.8mm Remington SPC: While the general concept is powerful, this specific die is engineered to the precise dimensions and requirements of the 6.8mm Remington SPC cartridge, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal crimp for your reloads.

Integrating the Lee Factory Crimp Die into Your Reloading Process

The Lee 90735 Factory Crimp Die is typically the final step in the reloading process, after the bullet has been seated to its desired depth. Here’s a general overview of its placement in your workflow:

1. Case Preparation: Decap, resize, trim, chamfer, and deburr your 6.8mm SPC brass as usual.
2. Priming: Seat the new primer.
3. Powder Charging: Dispense your precise powder charge.
4. Bullet Seating: Seat your chosen bullet to the desired overall cartridge length (OAL) according to your load data. At this point, the bullet is held in place by neck tension alone.
5. Crimping with the Lee Factory Crimp Die: This is where the die comes into play. Adjust the die according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically by screwing it down until it just touches the shell holder, then an additional quarter to half turn for a firm crimp). Place the seated cartridge into your press's shell holder, raise the ram, and the collet will uniformly crimp the case mouth onto the bullet, providing that crucial bullet retention and consistency.
6. Final Inspection: Perform a visual inspection of your finished rounds, ensuring uniformity and proper crimp application.

This systematic approach ensures that every step is optimized, culminating in perfectly crimped, high-performance 6.8mm Remington SPC ammunition.

Why Choose Lee Precision?

Lee Precision has been a trusted name in the reloading industry for decades, known for its innovative designs, commitment to quality, and exceptional value. The Lee Factory Crimp Die is a testament to their engineering prowess, offering a solution that is both highly effective and accessible to reloaders of all experience levels. When you choose Lee Precision, you're not just buying a tool; you're investing in a legacy of reliability and performance that helps you produce better, safer, and more consistent ammunition. Their dedication to creating user-friendly, high-performance reloading equipment shines through in every aspect of this die's design.

For reloaders seeking this unparalleled crimping performance for their 6.8mm Remington SPC ammunition, the Lee Factory Crimp Die (UPC: 734307907358) is readily available from reputable firearms and reloading suppliers like DEGuns. Elevate your reloading game and experience the tangible benefits of truly consistent, reliable, and accurate ammunition.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Lee Precision
Series	Factory Crimp Die
Caliber	6.8mm Rem SPC
Die Type	Crimp
Units in Set	1 Die
Shell Holder	Not Included
Manufacturer #	90735
SKU	6690
UPC	734307907358