Achieve Unrivaled Precision with the Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die for .45 Colt

Are you a dedicated reloader seeking to elevate the performance and reliability of your .45 Colt ammunition? Do you frequently encounter issues like inconsistent feeding, bullet setback, or variations in your handgun’s accuracy? If so, the Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die is the essential upgrade you need to transform your handloading process and the quality of your finished rounds. This specialized die is engineered to deliver perfectly consistent crimps, crucial for optimal bullet retention and flawless feeding in both revolvers and semi-automatic pistols chambered in .45 Colt. It's an indispensable tool for anyone, from novice reloaders taking their first steps into ammunition craftsmanship to seasoned veterans striving for match-grade consistency.

Why Consistent Crimping is Critical for .45 Colt Ammunition

The .45 Colt, a venerable and powerful cartridge, demands meticulous attention during the reloading process, especially when it comes to crimping. Unlike some cartridges that benefit from a heavy roll crimp, the .45 Colt often performs best with a precise taper crimp, particularly when used in semi-automatic firearms or for specific bullet types. A well-executed crimp is not merely about holding the bullet in place; it’s a multifaceted operation that profoundly impacts several key aspects of your ammunition’s performance:

• Bullet Retention and Preventing Setback: A proper crimp ensures the bullet is securely held in the case mouth. Without adequate crimp, the bullet can move deeper into the case (bullet setback) during feeding or recoil, leading to dangerous pressure spikes and unreliable performance. For lever guns or tubular magazines, this is even more critical.
• Consistent Powder Burn: The crimp contributes to initial bullet resistance, which is vital for consistent ignition and a complete, uniform powder burn. This directly translates to more consistent muzzle velocities and, consequently, tighter groups downrange.
• Reliable Feeding and Chambering: Ammunition with an inconsistent or improperly applied crimp can snag in the magazine, fail to feed smoothly into the chamber, or prevent the slide from closing fully. The Lee 90786 die helps create a uniform profile that cycles flawlessly.
• Accuracy and Precision: By minimizing bullet deformation and ensuring concentric bullet alignment, a precise taper crimp directly contributes to the accuracy potential of your handloads. It reduces variables that can send your bullets off course.
• Extending Brass Life: An optimized crimp, particularly a taper crimp for straight-walled cases, reduces undue stress on the case mouth, helping to prolong the life of your valuable brass.

Introducing the Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die for .45 Colt

The Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die is a testament to Lee Precision's commitment to quality, affordability, and innovative design in the reloading world. This die is specifically engineered to apply a gentle, yet firm, taper crimp to the case mouth of your .45 Colt cartridges. It is the perfect solution for reloaders using bullets without a cannelure or those who prefer the enhanced reliability of a taper crimp for their semi-automatic firearms.

Key Features and Design Excellence:

Lee Precision designs their dies with reloaders in mind, and the 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die is no exception. It incorporates features that make the crimping stage both precise and user-friendly:

• Precision Machined Steel Construction: Crafted from high-quality steel, this die is built for durability and longevity. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand countless reloading cycles, providing reliable performance for years to come.
• Smooth Taper Crimp Profile: The internal profile of the die is meticulously machined to apply a uniform taper crimp around the entire circumference of the case mouth. This gentle crimp doesn't deform the bullet and ensures optimal case tension for bullet retention without overtightening.
• Easy Adjustability: Setting up and adjusting the Lee 90786 die is straightforward. With intuitive threading, reloaders can quickly dial in the perfect amount of crimp for their specific bullets and case dimensions, ensuring consistent results from the first round to the last.
• Compatibility with Most Reloading Presses: Whether you operate a single-stage press, a turret press, or a progressive press, this standard 7/8"-14 threaded die seamlessly integrates into your existing setup. Its versatile design ensures it's a valuable addition to any reloading bench.
• Part of Lee's Comprehensive Reloading System: The 90786 die is designed to work in harmony with other Lee Precision dies, such as their sizing and seating dies, offering a complete and cohesive reloading solution. This ensures compatibility and consistent results across your entire reloading process.

Solving Common Reloading Challenges with a Superior Crimp

Many reloaders, especially those new to the craft, often grapple with issues that can be directly attributed to an improper crimp. The Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Die directly addresses and resolves these common pitfalls:

• Inconsistent OAL (Overall Length): While primarily a function of the seating die, an inadequate crimp can allow bullet movement, changing the OAL. A proper taper crimp from the 90786 die locks the bullet in place, maintaining your desired OAL.
• Feeding Malfunctions: Rounds that fail to feed smoothly into the chamber, hang up on the feed ramp, or cause stovepipes are often suffering from an incorrect crimp. The uniform profile created by this die ensures slick, reliable feeding.
• Poor Accuracy & Large Group Sizes: Variability in bullet pull due to an inconsistent crimp can lead to inconsistent pressures and velocities, resulting in wider shot dispersion. By providing a consistent initial resistance, the Lee 90786 die promotes more uniform ballistics and tighter groups.
• Bullet Setback in Tubular Magazines or During Recoil: For firearms with tubular magazines, or any handgun experiencing significant recoil, bullet setback is a serious concern. The precise taper crimp offers sufficient grip on the bullet to prevent it from creeping back into the case, enhancing safety and performance.
• Damaged Brass or Bullets: Over-crimping with a roll crimp on a case not designed for it, or an improperly adjusted crimp die, can deform the case mouth or even buckle the bullet. The gentle, yet effective, taper crimp of the 90786 die avoids these issues, preserving your components.

Who Benefits Most from the Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Die?

This die is a versatile component that significantly enhances the reloading experience for a wide spectrum of shooting enthusiasts:

• The .45 Colt Handloader: Anyone who reloads .45 Colt cartridges, whether for historical reproductions, modern revolvers, or semi-automatic carbines, will find this die invaluable.
• Competitive Shooters: For those demanding the utmost in precision and reliability for disciplines like Cowboy Action Shooting or plinking, the consistent crimp ensures every round performs identically.
• Self-Defense Ammunition Producers: When lives are on the line, reliability is paramount. The Lee 90786 helps create robust, dependable self-defense rounds that feed and function flawlessly.
• New Reloaders: Its ease of adjustment and forgiving nature make it an excellent choice for those just starting out, helping them produce high-quality ammunition with less frustration.
• Experienced Handloaders: Even seasoned reloaders will appreciate the precision and consistency this die brings to their bench, streamlining the crimping process and refining their output.

The Nuance: Taper Crimp vs. Roll Crimp for .45 Colt

While the .45 Colt is historically a revolver cartridge often associated with a roll crimp (where the case mouth is rolled into a cannelure on the bullet), modern reloading practices and the increasing use of .45 Colt in semi-automatic platforms, or with cast/plated bullets without cannelures, make the taper crimp an often superior choice.

• Roll Crimp: This crimp literally "rolls" the case mouth into a groove (cannelure) on the bullet. It provides a very strong bullet hold, ideal for heavy recoiling revolver cartridges or those used in tubular magazines. However, it requires the bullet to have a cannelure and can sometimes deform the case mouth if applied improperly to a straight-walled case without one.
• Taper Crimp: This crimp simply removes the flare from the case mouth and applies a slight taper, securing the bullet without deforming it or the case. It works exceptionally well for bullets without cannelures (like many jacketed or plated bullets) and is crucial for ammunition used in semi-automatic pistols, where a squared-off case mouth is needed for reliable feeding and chambering. For the .45 Colt, especially if you're mixing bullet types or using it in a pistol, the Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Die offers the flexibility and precision needed for a wide range of applications.

Tips for Optimal Use and Die Longevity

To maximize the performance and lifespan of your Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die, consider these practical tips:

• Clean Cases are Key: Ensure your .45 Colt cases are clean and free of debris, especially around the mouth. This prevents scoring the die and ensures a smooth crimp.
• Lubrication (Internal): While Lee dies are generally low-maintenance, a very light application of a dry lubricant or graphite on the inside of the die body occasionally can ensure the smoothest operation. However, avoid excessive oil that could contaminate powder.
• Adjust Incrementally: When setting up the die, make small, incremental adjustments. Crimp a single round, check the results (both visual and by attempting to push the bullet in), and adjust further until the desired crimp is achieved. Over-crimping can be detrimental.
• Regular Cleaning: Periodically clean your die to remove any buildup of bullet lube, brass shavings, or powder residue. A soft brush and a dedicated die cleaning solvent work wonders.
• Proper Storage: Store your die in its original packaging or a dedicated die box to protect it from dust, moisture, and corrosion when not in use.

Why Choose Lee Precision for Your Reloading Needs?

Lee Precision has been a cornerstone of the reloading community for decades, renowned for producing innovative, reliable, and exceptionally affordable reloading equipment. Their philosophy centers on making precision handloading accessible to everyone. When you choose a Lee die like the 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die, you're not just buying a tool; you're investing in:

• Innovation: Lee consistently introduces clever designs that simplify complex reloading tasks.
• Value: They offer high-quality equipment at price points that make reloading an even more economical hobby.
• Durability: Their products are built to last, providing years of service to dedicated reloaders.
• Support: Lee has a strong reputation for customer service and readily available parts.

Integrating the Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die into your reloading process will immediately yield noticeable improvements in your .45 Colt ammunition. From improved reliability and feeding in your firearm to enhanced accuracy on the target, this die is designed to elevate every aspect of your shooting experience.

Where to Purchase Your Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die

For reloaders looking to acquire the Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die for their .45 Colt handloads, DEGuns is a highly recommended and reputable source. DEGuns.com offers a comprehensive selection of Lee Precision reloading equipment, ensuring you have access to the tools you need to create high-quality, consistent ammunition. Their commitment to customer service and extensive inventory make them an ideal partner for all your reloading supplies.

In conclusion, for those dedicated to crafting superior .45 Colt ammunition, the Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die is an indispensable component. It addresses critical aspects of bullet retention, feeding reliability, and ballistic consistency, making it a wise investment for any serious reloader aiming for peak performance and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions about Reloading and the Lee 90786 Die

Q: Can I use this die for both jacketed and cast bullets in .45 Colt?
A: Absolutely! The beauty of a taper crimp is that it works effectively on both jacketed and cast bullets, regardless of whether they have a cannelure or not. It gently presses the case mouth against the bullet, providing sufficient hold without deforming the bullet's shape, which is especially important for soft lead cast bullets.

Q: What is bullet setback and why is it dangerous?
A: Bullet setback occurs when the bullet is pushed deeper into the cartridge case, often during the feeding cycle in a semi-automatic firearm or from recoil in a magazine. This reduces the internal case volume, which can dramatically increase chamber pressure upon firing. Severely increased pressure can lead to catastrophic firearm failure, component damage, and potential injury to the shooter. A proper, consistent crimp from the Lee 90786 die helps prevent this critical safety issue.

Q: How do I know if I'm applying the correct amount of crimp?
A: The ideal taper crimp will just remove the flare from the case mouth and apply enough tension so that the bullet cannot be easily pushed into the case by hand pressure. A good test is to take a finished round and try to press the bullet nose firmly against your reloading bench. If the bullet doesn't move deeper into the case, your crimp is likely adequate. You can also measure the case mouth diameter after crimping; consult reloading manuals for recommended dimensions, but typically it should be slightly less than the bullet diameter.

Q: Is this die compatible with my Redding, RCBS, or Dillon press?
A: Yes, the Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die, like most standard reloading dies, features the universal 7/8"-14 thread. This makes it fully compatible with virtually all modern reloading presses from manufacturers like Redding, RCBS, Dillon, Hornady, and others, as long as they accept standard threaded dies.

Q: What's the main advantage of a taper crimp over a roll crimp for .45 Colt?
A: For .45 Colt, especially when using modern bullets without cannelures or in semi-automatic firearms, the taper crimp is generally superior. It provides consistent bullet tension without deforming the case mouth or bullet, which is crucial for reliable feeding in auto-loaders. While a roll crimp is excellent for heavy-recoiling revolvers with cannelured bullets, the taper crimp offers greater versatility and often better performance for a broader range of .45 Colt applications.

Q: How often should I clean my crimping die?
A: The frequency depends on your reloading volume and the cleanliness of your components. A good practice is to clean it after every few hundred rounds, or if you notice any buildup inside the die or inconsistencies in your crimps. Regular cleaning ensures smooth operation and prolongs the life of the die.

Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die Specifications

Feature	Description	Purpose/Benefit
Product Model	Lee 90786 Taper Crimp Pistol Die	Specifically designed for .45 Colt cartridge crimping.
Cartridge	.45 Colt (also known as .45 Long Colt)	Ensures optimal crimp for this popular handgun cartridge.
Die Type	Taper Crimp	Provides precise, gentle crimp for reliable feeding.
Thread Size	7/8"-14 (Standard)	Universal compatibility with most reloading presses.
Material	Precision Machined Steel	Durability, longevity, and consistent performance.
UPC	734307907866	Unique Product Code for easy identification.
Manufacturer	Lee Precision, Inc.	Renowned for quality and innovative reloading tools.
Availability	Exclusively at DEGuns.com	Ensures access to genuine Lee products.