Achieve Unparalleled Precision: The Lee Factory Crimp Die for .17 Hornet

Are you a dedicated handloader seeking to unlock the utmost accuracy and consistency from your .17 Hornet ammunition? Do you grapple with issues like inconsistent bullet pull, unreliable ignition, or the dreaded bullet setback that can plague meticulously crafted cartridges? For anyone committed to precision reloading, varmint hunting, or competitive shooting with the agile .17 Hornet cartridge, the Lee Factory Crimp Die for .17 Hornet is not just an accessory; it’s an indispensable tool designed to elevate your reloading process and, consequently, your shooting performance.

This specialized die addresses a critical aspect of ammunition assembly: the final crimp. Unlike traditional roll crimps or taper crimps that can distort the bullet or brass, the Lee Factory Crimp Die employs a unique collet-style mechanism. This innovative design ensures a uniform, concentric crimp around the entire circumference of the bullet, securing it firmly in the case without deforming the projectile. This meticulous attention to detail is precisely what allows handloaders to achieve consistent muzzle velocities, tighter groups, and superior terminal performance, whether you're targeting prairie dogs at extreme ranges or striving for sub-MOA precision on the target range.

Why is a Factory Crimp Essential for Your .17 Hornet Loads?

For the .17 Hornet, a cartridge renowned for its high velocity and flat trajectory, consistency is paramount. Even minor variations in bullet hold can translate into significant discrepancies downrange. The Lee Factory Crimp Die resolves these challenges by delivering several key advantages:

• Unrivaled Bullet Retention: Ensures your bullets are held securely, preventing them from moving forward or backward during recoil, feeding from the magazine, or transport. This is especially crucial for magazine-fed rifles where cartridges undergo jostling.
• Consistent Ignition and Powder Burn: A uniform crimp provides consistent neck tension, which translates directly to more consistent ignition of the powder charge. This optimal resistance allows the powder to burn more efficiently and predictably, leading to reduced standard deviations (SD) and extreme spreads (ES) in your muzzle velocity. What does this mean for you? More reliable bullet flight paths and greater accuracy over distance.
• Enhanced Accuracy and Precision: By minimizing bullet deformation and optimizing neck tension, the die promotes superior bullet concentricity within the case. This concentricity is a cornerstone of precision handloading, directly contributing to smaller group sizes and improved shot-to-shot consistency, making your carefully crafted loads perform to their full potential.
• Prevention of Bullet Setback: One of the most dangerous issues in reloading is bullet setback, where the bullet is pushed deeper into the case. This can dramatically increase chamber pressure to hazardous levels. The secure hold provided by the Lee Factory Crimp Die virtually eliminates this risk, enhancing safety for the shooter and longevity for the firearm.
• Versatility with Bullet Types: The collet design crimps the case mouth into a groove on the bullet (cannelure) or directly into the bullet jacket if no cannelure is present. This adaptability means you can confidently use a wider variety of bullets, including those designed for extreme accuracy without a cannelure, and still achieve a perfect crimp every time.

Real-World Applications: Who Benefits Most?

This die is specifically engineered for the discerning individual who understands that the quality of their ammunition directly impacts their success.

• Varmint Hunters: Imagine taking a long-range shot at a distant prairie dog. Every millisecond of inconsistent flight time or deviation from the intended trajectory means a missed opportunity. The Lee Factory Crimp Die for .17 Hornet helps ensure that each round performs identically, giving you the confidence to make those critical, ethical shots. It's the ideal choice for ensuring your reloaded .17 Hornet ammunition provides the consistent knockdown power and flat trajectory needed for effective varmint control.
• Precision Target Shooters: For those meticulously chasing the smallest groups at the range, the pursuit of perfection often comes down to minute details. Optimizing neck tension with a uniform crimp can be the missing link that shaves off that crucial fraction of an inch from your group size, helping you achieve new personal bests and dominate competitions.
• Experienced Handloaders: If you've already invested in quality reloading equipment and components, adding this die is a logical next step to refine your process. It's about squeezing every last bit of performance out of your chosen loads and ensuring unparalleled consistency across every batch of ammunition you produce.
• Anyone Seeking Enhanced Safety: Peace of mind is priceless. Knowing that your ammunition is securely assembled and less prone to dangerous pressure spikes due to bullet setback allows you to focus on the shot, not on potential hazards.

Understanding the Lee Collet-Style Crimp Die Technology

What sets the Lee Factory Crimp Die apart is its patented collet design. Instead of forcing the case mouth inward with a simple taper or roll, the collet system applies uniform pressure around the case neck. Here's a simplified breakdown of how it works:

1. The loaded cartridge is raised into the die body.
2. As the shell holder pushes the cartridge further upward, a precision-machined collet within the die body closes around the case neck.
3. The collet jaws apply precise, even pressure, causing the case mouth to uniformly crimp onto the bullet.
4. Because the collet fingers are designed to flex, they compensate for variations in case wall thickness, ensuring a consistent crimp regardless of minor brass variations. This is a significant advantage over other crimping methods that are less forgiving of slight inconsistencies in brass dimensions.
5. The crimping action occurs after the bullet is fully seated, preventing any deformation of the bullet itself, which is crucial for maintaining ballistic integrity.

This innovative approach minimizes the stress on the brass, extending case life and allowing for more reloads from your valuable .17 Hornet brass. It's a hallmark of Lee Precision's commitment to delivering high-quality, user-friendly, and effective reloading solutions.

Setup and Use: Getting Started with Your Lee Factory Crimp Die

Integrating the Lee Factory Crimp Die for .17 Hornet into your reloading regimen is straightforward. It’s designed to be compatible with any standard reloading press that accepts 7/8"-14 dies.

1. Preparation: Ensure your cases are trimmed to the correct length and deburred. The bullet should be seated to your desired overall length (OAL) before the crimping step.
2. Die Installation: Screw the die into your press. Adjust the die body until it just touches the shell holder with the ram raised to its highest point. Then, typically, lower the ram, turn the die body down an additional half to a full turn, and tighten the lock ring. This sets the basic crimp depth.
3. Adjusting Crimp Depth: The Lee Factory Crimp Die features a simple, effective adjustment. A threaded crimp adjustment screw at the top of the die allows for fine-tuning the amount of crimp. Turning this screw clockwise increases the crimp, while turning it counter-clockwise reduces it. A good starting point is often to adjust until you feel a slight resistance, then incrementally increase the crimp until you achieve your desired bullet pull without distorting the case mouth or bullet.
4. Testing: After adjusting, crimp a few dummy rounds and test them. Check for consistent bullet pull (you should not be able to push the bullet in by hand), and visually inspect the crimp for uniformity. It's recommended to test a crimped round for feeding in your firearm's chamber to ensure proper function.
5. Maintenance: Like all reloading dies, keep it clean. A regular wipe-down with a clean cloth and a light application of die lube on the external surfaces will ensure smooth operation and protect the die from corrosion.

Remember, the goal is a secure bullet, not an overly heavy crimp that can buckle the case shoulder or deform the bullet. With a little experimentation, you'll quickly find the sweet spot for your specific .17 Hornet loads.

The Lee Precision Advantage

Lee Precision has built a formidable reputation over decades by providing innovative, high-quality, and affordable reloading equipment. The Lee Factory Crimp Die line is a prime example of their engineering excellence. They understand the needs of reloaders, from beginners to seasoned veterans, and consistently deliver products that enhance the reloading experience and the performance of the ammunition produced. When you choose a Lee product, you're investing in reliability, precision, and an enduring commitment to the shooting sports.

Many reloaders ask, "Do I really need a separate crimp die?" For the .17 Hornet, especially given its small caliber and high velocity, the answer is a resounding yes if you prioritize consistency and accuracy. While some seating dies offer a crimping feature, they often use a taper or roll crimp that can be less precise and more prone to bullet deformation compared to the dedicated collet-style factory crimp. The investment in a dedicated die like this one from Lee Precision pays dividends in superior ammunition performance and greater peace of mind.

This specialized crimp die is not only about making your bullets hold tighter; it's about optimizing the entire ballistic event from ignition to impact. It's about providing the uniform start pressure needed for optimal powder burn, leading to reduced velocity variations and ultimately, tighter groups downrange. For any serious shooter or hunter using the .17 Hornet, this die represents a significant upgrade to their reloading bench.

All Lee Precision reloading products, including the indispensable Lee Factory Crimp Die for .17 Hornet, are available through trusted retailers like DEGuns. When you're ready to take your .17 Hornet reloading to the next level, ensuring consistent, accurate, and safe ammunition, consider the proven performance of the Lee Factory Crimp Die, found readily at DEGuns.com.

Product Specifications

Feature	Description	UPC
Product Name	Lee Factory Crimp Die	762109907159
Caliber	.17 Hornet
Die Type	Collet Crimp Die
Manufacturer	Lee Precision
Thread Size	7/8"-14 (Standard)
Availability	Exclusively at DEGuns.com and DEGuns
Primary Benefit	Enhances Accuracy, Consistency, Safety
Material	Steel
Target User	Precision Handloaders, Varmint Hunters