Elevate Your 6.5x55 Swedish Reloading with the Lee Factory Crimp Rifle Die

For serious reloaders, competitive shooters, and passionate hunters who demand absolute precision and reliability from their 6.5x55 Swedish ammunition, inconsistencies in bullet seating and neck tension can be a significant source of frustration. Are you struggling with variable bullet pull, inconsistent velocities, or seeking to enhance the feeding reliability of your handloads? The answer often lies in the quality and consistency of your crimp. This is precisely where the Lee 90837 Factory Crimp Rifle Die for 6.5x55 Swedish stands out as an indispensable tool, engineered to solve these challenges and unlock the true potential of your ammunition.

This specialized die from Lee Precision is not just another component for your reloading press; it's a dedicated solution designed to deliver factory-level crimps on your handloaded 6.5x55 Swedish cartridges. Whether you're meticulously crafting rounds for long-range target shooting, ensuring reliable performance for a critical hunting trip, or simply aiming for the safest and most consistent ammunition possible, the Lee Factory Crimp Die is a cornerstone for achieving those goals.

What is a Factory Crimp Die and Why is it Crucial for 6.5x55 Swedish Ammunition?

Unlike traditional bullet seating dies that might apply a minimal roll or taper crimp simultaneously with bullet seating, the Lee Factory Crimp Die operates as a separate, dedicated step in your reloading process. It applies a collet-style crimp, which evenly compresses the case neck around the bullet. This unique design ensures an incredibly uniform and consistent crimp, independent of case length, and without distorting the bullet itself.

Why is this particularly crucial for a cartridge like the 6.5x55 Swedish? The 6.5x55 Swedish, known for its exceptional ballistic efficiency and inherent accuracy, is often used in bolt-action rifles where consistent neck tension contributes directly to consistent ignition and bullet release. A reliable crimp:

• Enhances Bullet Retention: Prevents bullets from moving either forward (bullet jump) or backward (bullet setback) in the case, which can significantly alter chamber pressure and muzzle velocity. This is especially vital when rounds are subjected to recoil in magazine-fed rifles or during handling.
• Improves Velocity Consistency: By providing a uniform bullet pull, the crimp ensures that the bullet requires the same force to break free from the case neck shot after shot. This leads to more consistent chamber pressures and, consequently, more uniform muzzle velocities, tightening your extreme spread (ES) and standard deviation (SD) numbers.
• Boosts Accuracy and Precision: Reduced velocity variations translate directly into smaller group sizes and improved shot placement, particularly at longer ranges where even slight deviations can be magnified.
• Aids in Feeding Reliability: For rifles with tubular magazines or those where rounds may experience significant jarring, a secure crimp prevents bullet setback, ensuring smooth feeding and preventing potential malfunctions. While the 6.5x55 Swedish is predominantly used in bolt-action rifles, where bullet setback is less of a concern than in, say, lever-action rifles, consistent neck tension is still paramount for chambering and reliable extraction.
• Permits Use of Varying Case Lengths: Because the collet crimp operates by squeezing the case neck rather than pushing down on the case mouth, it is remarkably forgiving of slight variations in case length, making your reloading process more streamlined.

Achieving Optimal Ammunition Performance: The Lee Collet Crimp Advantage

The core of the Lee Factory Crimp Die's effectiveness lies in its innovative collet design. Instead of simply pushing the case mouth into the bullet, the collet die employs four hardened steel fingers that press the case neck evenly around the bullet. This unique action offers several distinct advantages over other crimping methods:

• Non-Destructive Crimp: Unlike heavy roll crimps that can deform the bullet or cause premature wear on case mouths, the collet crimp applies pressure uniformly without deforming the bullet's ogive or damaging the jacket. This preserves the bullet's ballistic coefficient and ensures optimal flight characteristics.
• Full Diameter Crimp: The collet crimp applies pressure over the entire bearing surface of the bullet within the neck, not just the very end of the case mouth. This results in superior bullet grip and more consistent neck tension.
• Works with or Without Cannelure: Whether your 6.5x55 Swedish bullets have a cannelure (a groove around the bullet designed for crimping) or not, the Lee Factory Crimp Die will deliver an effective crimp. This versatility is highly beneficial for reloaders who use a wide variety of bullet types and weights for their 6.5x55 Swedish loads, from lighter varmint bullets to heavier, high-BC projectiles designed for long-range precision.
• Reduces Neck Sizing Needs: For some cartridges and setups, the uniform crimp can also aid in achieving sufficient neck tension without the need for extensive neck sizing, potentially prolonging case life.

Real-World Applications and Benefits for 6.5x55 Swedish Enthusiasts

Consider these scenarios where the Lee 90837 Factory Crimp Rifle Die becomes an invaluable asset for your 6.5x55 Swedish reloading:

• The Precision Target Shooter: Are you striving to shrink your group sizes at 100, 300, or even 1000 yards? Consistent bullet pull directly translates to more consistent muzzle velocities. When every fraction of an inch matters, minimizing velocity standard deviation is paramount. The Lee Factory Crimp Die helps eliminate one more variable, bringing you closer to that perfect group.
• The Dedicated Hunter: When you're tracking game, you need absolute confidence that your ammunition will perform flawlessly in the field. Preventing bullet setback from recoil in the magazine, especially in a follow-up shot scenario, ensures that every round chambers smoothly and delivers the intended ballistic performance. This die provides that peace of mind.
• Reloaders Using Cast Bullets: Many reloaders enjoy the economy and performance of cast lead bullets. The Lee Factory Crimp Die is particularly effective with cast bullets, as it crimps without deforming the softer lead, preventing gas cutting and leading in the barrel. It ensures a secure hold, which is vital for preventing bullet migration under recoil and maintaining accuracy.
• The High-Volume Reloader: While the 6.5x55 Swedish isn't typically a high-volume plinking round, if you are loading many rounds for practice or competition, the consistent and forgiving nature of this die streamlines your process, reducing the need for meticulous case sorting by length.

Integrating the Lee 90837 Die into Your Reloading Process

The Lee Factory Crimp Rifle Die is designed to be used as the final step in your reloading sequence, after the bullet has been seated. This allows you to fine-tune your seating depth independently, and then apply the perfect crimp.

Typical Reloading Process with the Lee Factory Crimp Die:

1. Case Preparation: Decap, resize, tumble/clean, trim (if necessary), chamfer, and deburr.
2. Priming: Seat a fresh primer.
3. Powder Charging: Dispense your precise powder charge.
4. Bullet Seating: Seat your chosen 6.5x55 Swedish bullet to your desired overall length (OAL) using a separate seating die.
5. Crimping (The Lee Factory Crimp Die Step): Place the loaded round into your press, align the case with the Lee 90837 Factory Crimp Die, and apply the crimp. Adjust the die incrementally until you achieve the desired level of crimp – typically, a subtle but firm grip on the bullet.

The ease of adjustment and the consistent results make this die a favorite among reloaders of all experience levels. It removes much of the guesswork associated with achieving proper neck tension and bullet retention.

Why Choose Lee Precision for Your 6.5x55 Swedish Dies?

Lee Precision has a long-standing reputation for producing innovative, high-quality, and affordable reloading equipment. Their commitment to solving common reloading challenges with clever engineering is evident in the design of the Factory Crimp Die. When you choose a Lee die, you're investing in:

• Durability: Constructed from robust materials, Lee dies are built to withstand years of rigorous use.
• Innovation: Lee consistently introduces unique solutions that make reloading simpler and more effective.
• Value: Lee Precision offers exceptional performance without breaking the bank, making high-quality reloading accessible to more enthusiasts.
• Consistency: The design ensures repeatable results, critical for precision shooting.

The 6.5x55 Swedish cartridge itself has a rich history, known for its mild recoil, flat trajectory, and excellent terminal performance. By pairing this venerable cartridge with the precision of a Lee 90837 Factory Crimp Rifle Die, you are ensuring that your handloads live up to the cartridge's full potential. Whether your rifle is a classic Swedish Mauser, a modern sporting rifle, or a custom target build, consistent ammunition is the foundation of accuracy and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crimping 6.5x55 Swedish Ammunition

Reloaders often have questions about the nuances of crimping, especially with rifle cartridges. Here are some common inquiries and how the Lee 90837 Factory Crimp Rifle Die provides the answers:

• Q: Is crimping necessary for 6.5x55 Swedish rifle rounds?
  A: While not always strictly "necessary" for all bolt-action rifle loads, a consistent crimp greatly enhances bullet retention, improves velocity consistency, and can significantly increase overall ammunition reliability and accuracy. It's particularly beneficial for loads intended for hunting where cartridges might experience jarring, or for precision target shooting where every variable needs to be controlled.
• Q: How does the Lee Factory Crimp Die differ from a roll crimp or taper crimp?
  A: A roll crimp rolls the case mouth into a cannelure on the bullet, often requiring specific bullet designs and precise case lengths. A taper crimp simply squeezes the case mouth onto the bullet, primarily used for straight-walled handgun cases or some semi-auto rifle rounds. The Lee Factory Crimp Die (collet crimp) uniformly squeezes the case neck around the bullet using a collet, independent of case length, without deforming the bullet, offering a more consistent and secure hold for rifle cartridges.
• Q: Can I use this die with both jacketed and cast bullets?
  A: Absolutely. The collet design is highly effective with both jacketed bullets and cast lead bullets. For cast bullets, it's particularly advantageous as it crimps securely without deforming the softer lead, helping to prevent leading and ensuring consistent performance.
• Q: Will this die improve my rifle's accuracy?
  A: By providing a more consistent bullet pull, the Lee Factory Crimp Die contributes to more uniform chamber pressures and muzzle velocities. This reduction in velocity variations directly translates to tighter groups and improved accuracy, especially at longer distances. It helps eliminate one more variable in the pursuit of precision.
• Q: At what stage of the reloading process should I use the Factory Crimp Die?
  A: It should always be the final step in your reloading process, after the bullet has been fully seated to your desired overall length using a separate bullet seating die. This allows you to fine-tune your seating depth independently from your crimp.
• Q: Does this die work with all 6.5x55 Swedish cases, regardless of manufacturer?
  A: Yes, the Lee 90837 Factory Crimp Rifle Die is designed to work with all standard 6.5x55 Swedish cases, ensuring broad compatibility for reloaders using brass from various sources.

In summary, the Lee 90837 Factory Crimp Rifle Die for 6.5x55 Swedish is an invaluable upgrade for any reloader seeking to push the boundaries of their ammunition's performance. It’s a testament to Lee Precision's ingenuity, providing a robust, reliable, and consistent method for ensuring bullet retention and enhancing ballistic uniformity. This die helps you craft rounds that shoot straighter, feed more reliably, and give you greater confidence in every shot. All Lee Precision reloading products, including this essential die, are available at DEGuns, your trusted source for high-quality shooting and reloading supplies.

Product Specifications: Lee 90837 Factory Crimp Rifle Die

Feature	Description	Benefit for Reloaders
Product Name	Lee 90837 Factory Crimp Rifle Die 6.5x55 Swedish	Specifically designed for the 6.5x55 Swedish cartridge, ensuring precise fit and function.
Die Type	Factory Crimp Rifle Die (Collet Style)	Utilizes a unique collet mechanism to uniformly crimp the case neck around the bullet, regardless of cannelure. This ensures consistent bullet pull and eliminates bullet deformation.
Cartridge	6.5x55 Swedish	Optimized for this specific cartridge, known for its accuracy and popularity in hunting and target shooting. Ensures proper crimping for consistent performance.
Function	Applies a strong, uniform crimp to the loaded cartridge.	Prevents bullet setback, improves velocity consistency, enhances feeding reliability, and contributes to improved accuracy by stabilizing bullet pull.
Construction	High-quality steel components	Durable and built to last, providing years of reliable service for your reloading needs.
Compatibility	Fits most standard reloading presses (e.g., Lee, RCBS, Hornady, Lyman)	Versatile and easily integrated into your existing reloading setup.
Included	Factory Crimp Die with instructions	Everything needed to get started with precise crimping for your 6.5x55 Swedish loads.
Benefits	Enhances accuracy, improves consistency, increases safety, allows use with various bullet types (jacketed and cast).	Leads to tighter groups, predictable ballistic performance, reduced risk of pressure spikes from bullet setback, and greater flexibility in bullet choice.
SKU/Part Number	90837	Unique identifier for this specific Lee die, ensuring you get the correct product for your 6.5x55 Swedish reloading. Available at DEGuns.