Achieving Unrivaled Precision: The Lee Factory Crimp Die for .22-250 Remington Reloaders

For serious reloaders, hunters, and competitive shooters, the quest for ultimate ammunition consistency and accuracy is a continuous journey. While meticulous attention is often paid to powder charges, bullet selection, and seating depth, one critical factor often overlooked or poorly executed is the case crimp. An inconsistent or improperly applied crimp can lead to significant variations in bullet pull, affecting pressure, velocity, and ultimately, group size. This challenge is particularly pronounced with high-performance rifle cartridges like the .22-250 Remington, known for its blistering velocity and often thin case necks.

This is precisely where the Lee 90818 Factory Crimp Rifle Die for .22-250 Remington emerges as an indispensable tool. Engineered by Lee Precision, a trusted name in reloading equipment for generations, this innovative die is specifically designed to solve the common problems associated with rifle cartridge crimping, transforming what can be a frustrating step into a source of enhanced performance and reliability.

Who Needs the Lee Factory Crimp Die and What Problems Does It Solve?

This specialized crimp die is a game-changer for anyone committed to producing superior handloads for their .22-250 Remington firearm.

Are you a reloader who experiences any of the following?

• Inconsistent velocities between shots, leading to wider extreme spreads (ES) and standard deviations (SD)?
• Bullets moving in the case during feeding, recoil, or transport, known as bullet setback?
• Difficulty achieving a uniform, strong crimp, especially with bullets lacking a dedicated crimp groove?
• Seeking to optimize the burn efficiency of your powder charge for better performance?
• Loading for semi-automatic rifles or tube magazines where bullet retention is paramount?
• Struggling with the delicate balance of crimp pressure for maximum accuracy in your .22-250 Remington loads?

If you answered yes to any of these, the Lee 90818 Factory Crimp Die is crafted precisely for your needs. It addresses the inherent challenges of crimping bottlenecked rifle cases, ensuring every round you produce is consistent, safe, and performs to its full potential.

The Science of the Collet Crimp: Why It's Superior

Unlike traditional roll or taper crimps that can deform the bullet or overwork the case mouth, the Lee Factory Crimp Die employs a unique collet crimping mechanism. This ingenious design sets it apart and is the key to its exceptional performance.

How does the collet crimp work?

• Collet Engagement: As the press ram rises, the die's collet fingers engage the case mouth.
• Uniform Pressure: Instead of rolling or pushing the case mouth inward against the bullet, the collet applies radial pressure evenly around the entire circumference of the case neck.
• "Factory" Crimp Formation: This uniform pressure creates a controlled, rifle-type crimp that securely holds the bullet without deforming it.
• No Crimp Groove Required: A significant advantage is the die's ability to effectively crimp bullets that do not have a pre-existing crimp groove. The collet is powerful enough to form a slight, yet effective, crimp groove directly onto the bullet shank, ensuring positive retention regardless of bullet design. This is particularly beneficial for match-grade bullets which often lack a cannelure.

This method results in a crimp that mimics the consistency and effectiveness of factory-loaded ammunition, hence the "Factory Crimp Die" designation. It ensures maximum bullet pull consistency, a critical factor for optimizing internal ballistics.

Unlocking Performance: Key Benefits of Using This Die

Integrating the Lee 90818 Factory Crimp Die into your .22-250 Remington reloading process offers a cascade of benefits that directly translate to improved shooting performance and peace of mind:

• Enhanced Ammunition Consistency: By providing a uniform and secure crimp on every round, the die minimizes variations in bullet pull. This consistency reduces extreme spreads (ES) and standard deviations (SD) in velocity, leading to tighter groups and predictable trajectories downrange.
• Superior Bullet Retention: This is vital for rounds used in tubular magazines, under heavy recoil, or during transport. A firm crimp prevents bullet setback, a dangerous condition where the bullet is pushed deeper into the case, potentially causing dangerous pressure spikes.
• Optimized Powder Burn: A consistent bullet pull allows the powder to ignite and burn more efficiently. The bullet's resistance to initial movement from the case mouth impacts peak pressure and the overall pressure curve, influencing velocity consistency and sometimes even accuracy.
• Increased Accuracy: While often debated for rifle rounds, a proper crimp can undeniably contribute to accuracy by ensuring the bullet leaves the case consistently, minimizing any potential for misalignment or uneven release. For some loads, especially with certain powders or bullet types, a precise crimp can be the missing link for tighter groups.
• Versatility for Bullet Types: The ability to form a crimp groove on bullets without one means you're not limited to selecting only those with a cannelure. This expands your options for bullet choice, allowing you to use precision match bullets or hunting projectiles without compromise.
• Reduced Case Damage: The collet design applies pressure externally and uniformly, minimizing the risk of overworking or damaging the case mouth, which can occur with less forgiving crimping methods. This extends case life and reduces preparation time.
• User-Friendly Operation: Like all Lee Precision products, this die is designed for straightforward setup and ease of use, making the crimping process efficient and repeatable, even for novice reloaders.

The .22-250 Remington: A Perfect Match for the Factory Crimp Die

The .22-250 Remington cartridge, famous for its high velocity and flat trajectory, presents unique considerations for reloaders. Often loaded with lightweight, high-velocity bullets and utilizing a bottlenecked case with a relatively thin neck, it can be prone to the very crimping issues the Lee Factory Crimp Die addresses.

• Thin Case Necks: The .22-250 Rem case neck can be delicate. The collet crimp's even pressure minimizes stress on the case, preventing buckling or over-crimping that could lead to cracked necks.
• High Velocity Impact: Given the immense speeds at which .22-250 bullets travel, any minute inconsistency in bullet release or concentricity can be magnified downrange. A consistent crimp helps ensure the bullet starts its journey perfectly aligned.
• Diverse Bullet Selection: From varmint hunting bullets to precision target projectiles, the .22-250 uses a wide array of bullet designs. The die's ability to crimp any bullet, with or without a cannelure, offers unparalleled flexibility for this cartridge.

By applying a precise, uniform crimp, the Lee 90818 Factory Crimp Die ensures your .22-250 Remington handloads perform as reliably and accurately as possible, whether you're chasing prairie dogs at long range or competing on the benchrest.

Real-World Scenarios and Questions This Die Answers

"How can I stop my bullets from setting back in my .22-250 loads?"

The Lee Factory Crimp Die applies a strong, secure crimp that effectively prevents bullet setback, even under heavy recoil or during vigorous cycling in a firearm.

"What's the best way to improve velocity consistency (low ES/SD) in my rifle handloads?"

Achieving a consistent bullet pull through a uniform crimp is a major factor in reducing velocity variations. This die precisely controls bullet tension for optimal powder burn and consistent muzzle velocities.

"Do I need to crimp rifle bullets, especially if they don't have a cannelure?"

While not all rifle rounds require a crimp, a consistent crimp often enhances performance, especially for certain applications or if you're experiencing consistency issues. This die allows you to crimp any .22-250 bullet, regardless of whether it has a cannelure, by forming its own secure crimp groove.

"My .22-250 groups are okay, but I want them tighter. What else can I do?"

After optimizing powder charge and seating depth, an often-overlooked factor is crimp consistency. The Lee Factory Crimp Die provides a uniform case neck tension, contributing to a more consistent bullet release and potentially tighter groups.

"How do I achieve a factory-like crimp on my handloaded rifle ammunition?"

The Lee Factory Crimp Die is specifically designed to replicate the consistent, secure crimps found on high-quality factory ammunition, delivering reliability and performance in your handloads.

Why Lee Precision is a Trusted Choice

Lee Precision has earned its reputation as a leader in reloading equipment through decades of innovation, quality manufacturing, and a commitment to providing reloaders with practical, effective tools. Their products, including the Factory Crimp Die series, are known for their durability, precision engineering, and affordability, making high-quality reloading accessible to a wider audience. When you choose Lee Precision, you're investing in tools that are designed to last and perform consistently, helping you produce top-tier ammunition.

Obtain Your Lee 90818 Factory Crimp Die Today

Elevate the performance and consistency of your .22-250 Remington handloads. The Lee 90818 Factory Crimp Rifle Die is an essential investment for any reloader serious about precision, safety, and optimizing their ammunition for the field or the range.

Find this indispensable reloading tool, along with a comprehensive selection of other Lee Precision products and all your reloading needs, exclusively at DEGuns.com. Ensure your handloads are consistent, reliable, and perform to their fullest potential by integrating this superior crimping solution into your reloading bench.

Product Specifications Overview

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Lee Precision
Model	Factory Crimp Die
Caliber	.22-250 Remington
Die Type	Collet Rifle Crimp
Material	Steel
Units	1 (Single Die)
SKU	40617
MPN	90818
UPC	734307908188