Mastering Your .35 Remington Reloads with the Lee Factory Crimp Die

For any serious handloader, hunter, or rifle enthusiast, achieving consistent, reliable ammunition is paramount. The quality of your reloads directly impacts accuracy, safety, and overall shooting performance. When it comes to the venerable .35 Remington cartridge, renowned for its effectiveness in lever-action rifles and its classic appeal among deer hunters, the final crimp on your bullet is a critical step that often gets overlooked or mishandled. This is where a specialized tool like the Lee 90828 Factory Crimp Rifle Die for .35 Remington becomes an indispensable asset in your reloading bench.

Why Consistent Crimp Matters: Solving Common Reloading Challenges

Reloaders frequently encounter issues such as bullet setback, inconsistent chamber pressures, or even bullets coming loose during recoil in a magazine tube. These problems can lead to diminished accuracy, unreliable feeding, and, in severe cases, dangerous pressure spikes. The solution often lies in achieving a precise and uniform crimp.

Consider these common questions and how a dedicated factory crimp die addresses them:

• "How can I prevent bullets from telescoping into the case when feeding from a tubular magazine?" This is a primary concern for .35 Remington users, as many rifles chambered for this cartridge feature tubular magazines. A secure crimp prevents the bullet from being pushed deeper into the case under recoil or spring pressure, maintaining consistent overall cartridge length (OAL) and preventing potentially dangerous pressure increases.
• "My rifle's accuracy is inconsistent. Could my crimp be a factor?" Absolutely. A uniform crimp contributes to consistent bullet release from the case, which in turn leads to more consistent barrel harmonics and muzzle velocity. This consistency is a cornerstone of improved accuracy, shot after shot.
• "What’s the best way to secure cast bullets in .35 Remington cases without deforming them?" Cast bullets require a different approach to crimping than jacketed bullets. Traditional roll crimps can deform softer lead bullets, while a taper crimp might not provide enough hold for heavier recoil. The unique design of the Lee Factory Crimp Die is specifically engineered to apply a strong, uniform crimp without distorting the bullet.
• "I want my hunting loads to be utterly reliable. How do I ensure they stand up to rough handling?" Hunting ammunition often experiences more jostling and impact than range ammunition. A strong, consistent crimp ensures that your bullets remain securely seated, preventing migration that could affect chambering or downrange performance when it matters most.

The Lee Factory Crimp Die for .35 Remington is engineered to address these challenges head-on. It's a specialized tool that applies a perfect crimp to your finished ammunition, providing the security and consistency that leads to optimal performance.

The Lee Factory Crimp Die Advantage: A Unique Approach to Crimp Quality

Unlike traditional crimping methods that are often integrated into seating dies or apply a simple roll or taper crimp, the Lee Factory Crimp Die employs a unique four-jaw collet system. This innovative design offers several distinct advantages, making it a superior choice for many reloaders:

1. Collet-Style Crimp: The die utilizes a collet that squeezes the case mouth uniformly around the bullet, creating a very strong and concentric crimp. This design ensures that pressure is applied evenly around the circumference of the case neck, resulting in a more consistent bullet pull.
2. Independent Crimp: Because it's a separate die, the Lee Factory Crimp Die allows you to apply the crimp as a distinct operation after bullet seating. This separation prevents issues like bullet deformation that can occur when seating and crimping are attempted simultaneously, especially with bullets that lack a cannelure or are made of softer materials.
3. No Case Trimming Required (within reason): One of the most significant benefits for handloaders is that this die does not require cases to be trimmed to a uniform length to achieve a consistent crimp. The collet system crimps the case mouth directly into the bullet, regardless of slight variations in case length. This feature saves considerable time and effort in the reloading process, making it ideal for both high-volume loading and precision work.
4. Ideal for Cast and Jacketed Bullets: Whether you're loading traditional jacketed soft-points for hunting or experimenting with lead cast bullets for target practice, the Lee Factory Crimp Die excels. It provides a firm hold on both types of projectiles without deforming the bullet or swaging it down. For cast bullets, this means you can preserve the bullet's original diameter, crucial for accuracy and preventing leading.
5. Enhanced Bullet Retention: The strength of the crimp applied by this die is exceptional. This is particularly vital for cartridges like the .35 Remington, which often see use in firearms with tubular magazines where bullet setback is a common concern. A robust crimp ensures that the bullet stays exactly where it should be, even under significant recoil or handling.

Elevating Your .35 Remington Performance for Hunting and Sport

The .35 Remington cartridge holds a special place in the hearts of many North American hunters. Its moderate recoil, excellent terminal ballistics within typical hunting ranges, and suitability for lever-action rifles make it a superb choice for deer, black bear, and hog hunting. By incorporating the Lee Factory Crimp Die into your .35 Remington reloading regimen, you directly enhance the performance and reliability of your hunting loads.

• Improved Terminal Performance: A consistent crimp contributes to a more uniform powder burn and consistent muzzle velocity. This translates to more predictable energy transfer and expansion upon impact, ensuring humane and effective harvests.
• Flawless Feeding in Lever Actions: Lever-action rifles, common for the .35 Remington, demand absolutely reliable ammunition feeding. The strong, concentric crimp produced by the Lee die minimizes the risk of bullet setback during magazine tube cycling, preventing costly jams or misfeeds in the field.
• Optimized Accuracy for the Woods: While the .35 Remington isn't typically a long-range precision cartridge, accuracy at typical hunting distances (50-150 yards) is crucial. The consistency introduced by a factory crimp die can noticeably tighten groups, giving you greater confidence in your shots.

This die is not just for hunters; it's also a valuable tool for anyone passionate about maintaining and preserving their vintage .35 Remington firearms, ensuring that handloaded ammunition meets or exceeds the reliability of factory loads.

Step-by-Step Integration into Your Reloading Process

Using the Lee Factory Crimp Die is straightforward and integrates seamlessly into your existing reloading workflow. It is typically the final step in the reloading process, after the bullet has been seated.

1. Install the Die: Thread the Lee Factory Crimp Die into an empty station on your reloading press.
2. Adjust for Your Cartridge: Raise the ram with a loaded, uncrimped cartridge. Screw the die body down until it just touches the case mouth.
3. Set Crimp Depth: Turn the die body down an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn to apply the desired crimp. Start with a light crimp and increase gradually until you achieve the desired bullet retention. For the .35 Remington, a firm crimp is often preferred.
4. Verify Crimp: Remove the cartridge and inspect the crimp. It should be uniform around the case mouth and securely hold the bullet without deforming it. Perform a "push test" by pressing the bullet nose firmly against your bench to ensure it doesn't move. If loading for a tubular magazine, load several rounds into the magazine and cycle them to check for setback.
5. Final Touches: Once satisfied, lock the die in place with its retaining ring. You are now ready to produce consistently crimped .35 Remington ammunition.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Cleanliness is Key: Ensure your cases are clean and free of lubricant or debris before crimping.
• Consistent Bullet Seating: While the Lee Factory Crimp Die is forgiving of slight case length variations, consistent bullet seating depth prior to crimping will always yield better results.
• Experimentation: Different bullets and powders may benefit from slightly different crimp depths. Experiment with your loads to find the optimal crimp for your specific components and firearm.

The Foundation of Reloading Excellence: Consistency and Control

Precision handloading is an art and a science, built on the principle of consistency. Every variable, from primer selection to powder charge and, critically, bullet crimp, contributes to the final performance of your ammunition. The Lee 90828 Factory Crimp Rifle Die for .35 Remington provides reloaders with an unparalleled level of control over one of these vital variables.

By investing in tools that promote consistency, such as this specialized crimp die, you're not just buying a piece of equipment; you're investing in improved accuracy, enhanced safety, and the satisfaction that comes from crafting superior ammunition. This die helps eliminate one more variable that could hinder your pursuit of the perfect load, allowing you to focus on other critical aspects of load development.

Whether you're new to reloading and seeking to avoid common pitfalls, or an experienced handloader looking to fine-tune your most critical hunting loads, the Lee Factory Crimp Die delivers tangible benefits. Its robust construction, ease of use, and unique collet-style crimping mechanism make it a standout product in the world of reloading dies. It stands as a testament to Lee Precision's commitment to providing innovative and affordable solutions for shooters who demand the best from their ammunition.

You can find the Lee 90828 Factory Crimp Rifle Die for .35 Remington and a wide array of other quality reloading components and tools to elevate your handloading experience at DEGuns.

Key Product Specifications & Details

Feature	Detail
Product Type	Factory Crimp Rifle Die
Manufacturer	Lee Precision
Cartridge Caliber	.35 Remington
Die Model	90828
Crimp Style	Four-Jaw Collet Style
Purpose	Securely crimps bullet into case, prevents setback, improves consistency
Benefits	Enhanced accuracy, reliable feeding, works with various case lengths, versatile for cast/jacketed bullets
UPC	734307908280