Elevating Your .270 Winchester Reloading with the Lee Factory Crimp Die (90820)

For dedicated reloaders, the pursuit of perfection in ammunition production is an ongoing journey. Whether you're a seasoned precision shooter aiming for sub-MOA groups, a big-game hunter demanding ultimate reliability in the field, or a casual enthusiast seeking consistent performance from your handloads, the quality of your ammunition directly impacts your success and satisfaction. One of the most critical, yet often misunderstood, aspects of rifle reloading is the crimping process. Inconsistent crimps can lead to a host of issues, from bullet setback and unreliable feeding to variations in muzzle velocity and, ultimately, diminished accuracy. This is where the Lee Precision Factory Crimp Rifle Die for .270 Winchester (SKU 40570, MPN 90820) emerges as an indispensable tool, transforming the notoriously challenging task of crimping rifle cartridges into a remarkably straightforward and effective procedure.

Why is Rifle Crimp So Important for Your .270 Winchester?

The .270 Winchester is a beloved cartridge, renowned for its flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and effectiveness on various game. Reloading this popular round allows enthusiasts to tailor loads for specific rifles, optimize bullet performance, and significantly reduce shooting costs. However, unlike pistol cartridges that often rely on a taper or roll crimp for consistent bullet retention, rifle cartridges present unique challenges due to their higher pressures and the need for absolute bullet stability during the firing sequence.

What problems does a proper crimp solve for .270 Winchester reloaders?

• Preventing Bullet Setback: During feeding from the magazine into the chamber, a bullet can sometimes be pushed deeper into the case. This "bullet setback" significantly increases chamber pressure, potentially leading to dangerous conditions or, at best, inconsistent performance. A robust crimp securely holds the bullet, resisting setback.
• Ensuring Consistent Powder Burn: A consistent crimp helps maintain uniform neck tension and bullet start pressure, which directly influences how the powder ignites and burns. Uniform powder burn contributes to more consistent muzzle velocities, which is a cornerstone of accuracy.
• Improving Feeding Reliability: Ammunition that is consistently dimensioned and properly crimped feeds smoothly from magazines and chambers effortlessly, reducing the risk of jams or misfeeds, especially critical in hunting situations or competitive shooting.
• Enhancing Bullet Retention for Recoil Absorption: High-recoiling rifles can cause bullets in unfired cartridges stored in the magazine to "walk out" or move forward due to inertia. A proper crimp prevents this, ensuring that the cartridge's overall length (OAL) remains consistent throughout a shooting session.
• Optimizing Accuracy: While some argue against crimping rifle rounds for ultimate accuracy, a properly applied factory crimp, like that produced by the Lee die, can actually enhance consistency, especially for hunting loads or those used in semi-automatic rifles where reliable feeding is paramount. By standardizing bullet release, it can contribute to tighter groups.

Introducing the Lee Factory Crimp Die: A Game Changer for .270 Winchester Reloading

The Lee Precision Factory Crimp Rifle Die (90820) is an innovative solution designed specifically to address the nuances of rifle crimping. Unlike traditional roll crimp dies that can deform the bullet or over-crimp the case, this die employs a unique collet design.

How does the Lee Factory Crimp Die work?

The die features a split collet that surrounds the case neck and the bullet. As the die ram is pressed upwards, the collet is compressed by a conical inner surface of the die body. This action uniformly squeezes the case mouth around the bullet, applying a rifle-type crimp. The result is a consistent, firm grip on the bullet, often superior to what can be achieved with just neck tension, especially with slippery or boat-tail bullets.

Key advantages of its collet design for your .270 Winchester ammunition:

• No Need for a Crimp Groove: One of the most significant benefits is that bullets do not need to have a pre-existing crimp groove. The powerful collet mechanism is capable of forming a slight, clean crimp groove directly into the bullet jacket if necessary, creating an incredibly secure hold. This expands your bullet selection options significantly.
• Uniform Crimp Around the Entire Case Mouth: Unlike some methods that can apply uneven pressure, the collet system ensures a perfectly concentric crimp, vital for consistency and accuracy.
• Prevents Bullet Deformation: Because the crimp is applied axially and uniformly around the case neck, it minimizes the risk of deforming the bullet, which could negatively impact ballistic performance.
• Easy to Use and Set Up: The Lee Factory Crimp Die is known for its user-friendly design. Once initially set, it provides repeatable, consistent results with minimal fuss.
• Increased Versatility: It can be used as a final sizing operation, ensuring your completed rounds are within SAAMI specifications for reliable feeding in any .270 Winchester firearm.

Who Benefits Most from the Lee Factory Crimp Die (90820)?

This die is a versatile tool that caters to a broad spectrum of reloaders. If you identify with any of the following, the Lee Factory Crimp Die should be a staple in your reloading setup:

• Hunters: Reliability is paramount in the field. A properly crimped round ensures dependable feeding, consistent velocities, and bullet integrity, even after bouncing around in a magazine during a long stalk. The Lee Precision 90820 helps create dependable hunting loads for your .270 Winchester rifle.
• Precision Shooters: While neck tension is crucial, adding a consistent, light factory crimp can reduce standard deviation (SD) in muzzle velocity, leading to tighter groups, especially important for longer ranges where consistency is key.
• Reloaders Using Cast or Coated Bullets: While less common for .270 Winchester, those experimenting with cast or coated bullets will find the non-deforming crimp mechanism particularly valuable.
• High-Volume Reloaders: The simplicity and consistency of the Lee FCD make it ideal for producing large batches of uniform ammunition efficiently.
• Anyone Experiencing Bullet Setback: If you've observed issues with bullets being pushed into the case, this die is your definitive solution.
• Beginner Reloaders: Its ease of use makes it an excellent choice for those new to rifle reloading, simplifying a potentially complex step.
• Reloaders of Semi-Automatic Rifles: Semi-automatic actions can be harsh on cartridges during the feeding cycle. A strong crimp is often essential for preventing bullet setback and ensuring reliable operation in firearms like AR-10s chambered in .270 Winchester (if custom built) or other gas-operated rifles.

Real-World Applications and How-To Integration

Let's consider some common questions and scenarios where the Lee Precision .270 Winchester Factory Crimp Die provides invaluable assistance:

"How do I ensure my .270 Winchester hunting loads are absolutely reliable?"
Beyond choosing the right powder and bullet, ensuring your bullet is securely seated and won't move under recoil or during feeding is crucial. The Lee 90820 crimp die provides that extra measure of security, giving you peace of mind when that trophy animal steps into view. A well-crimped round won't experience bullet setback upon chambering, maintaining consistent pressure and performance.

"My .270 Winchester handloads are showing inconsistent velocities – could it be my crimp?"
Absolutely. If your crimp is inconsistent from one round to the next, the initial resistance the bullet experiences upon powder ignition will vary. This leads to fluctuations in peak pressure and, consequently, muzzle velocity. The uniform pressure applied by the Lee Factory Crimp Die helps standardize this initial resistance, contributing to lower velocity standard deviations and tighter groups.

"I'm new to reloading rifle cartridges. Is crimping difficult?"
With the Lee Factory Crimp Die, it's surprisingly simple. Unlike some multi-step crimping processes, the Lee FCD is designed for ease of use. After seating your bullet, you simply run the loaded cartridge into the Lee FCD as a final step. The die does all the work, consistently applying the perfect crimp every time. There's no complex adjustment needed for different bullet types, as long as they fit the .270 Winchester case mouth.

"Can I crimp bullets without a cannelure (crimp groove) with this die?"
Yes, and this is one of the most celebrated features of the Lee Factory Crimp Die. The collet system is so powerful and precise that it can create its own crimp groove on the bullet jacket. This allows you to use a wider variety of bullets, including those typically designed for maximum accuracy without a cannelure, and still benefit from a secure crimp. This flexibility is a significant advantage for any reloader.

Achieving Optimal Results with Your Lee Factory Crimp Die (90820)

Setting up the Lee Factory Crimp Die is straightforward, but attention to detail ensures the best results.

1. Mount the Die: Screw the die into your reloading press until it just touches the shell holder with the ram raised to its highest point.
2. Adjust for Crimp: Lower the ram and screw the die in approximately one full turn. This is usually a good starting point for a light to medium crimp.
3. Test and Adjust: Insert a finished, bullet-seated .270 Winchester round into the shell holder and raise the ram fully into the die. Lower the ram and inspect the crimp. You want to see a subtle, uniform indentation around the case mouth where it grips the bullet.
4. Fine-Tuning: If more crimp is desired, screw the die in further (1/8 to 1/4 turn at a time). If less crimp is needed, unscrew it. Remember, excessive crimp can reduce accuracy or damage components. The goal is just enough crimp to securely hold the bullet and ensure consistent pressure, not to deform the case mouth severely.

The beauty of the Lee Factory Crimp Die is its forgiving nature. It’s designed to deliver a “factory-like” crimp that enhances performance without the pitfalls often associated with other crimping methods.

The Lee Precision Difference: Trust and Innovation

Lee Precision has been a cornerstone of the reloading community for decades, renowned for its innovative designs that offer excellent value and functionality. The Lee Factory Crimp Die (90820) exemplifies this commitment. It’s a testament to their understanding of what reloaders truly need: reliable, high-quality tools that simplify complex processes and enhance the final product. Their products are trusted by hundreds of thousands of reloaders worldwide, from hobbyists to competitive shooters, for their durability and consistent performance. When you choose Lee Precision, you're investing in a legacy of precision engineering.

This essential reloading tool, the Lee 90820 Factory Crimp Rifle Die for 270 Winchester, is readily available from DEGuns. As a leading retailer of firearms, ammunition, and reloading supplies, DEGuns ensures you have access to the best tools to achieve your reloading goals. You can find this specific die and a wide array of other Lee Precision products, along with all your reloading components, at DEGuns.com, making it convenient to source everything you need from a trusted provider. Invest in the Lee Factory Crimp Die and experience the difference consistent, reliable crimping can make in your .270 Winchester handloads.

Product Specifications: Lee Factory Crimp Rifle Die .270 Winchester

Feature	Description
Brand	Lee Precision
Series	Crimp Die
Model	Factory
Caliber	.270 Winchester
Die Type	Rifle Crimp Die
In Set	1 Die
Material	Steel
SKU	40570
MPN	90820
UPC	734307908201