Lee 90786 Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment Review

Unboxing & First Thoughts on the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786

Reloading ammunition has always been a blend of science and art for me; a meticulous process where precision is paramount. After years of handloading .45 ACP rounds, I realized the factory crimp on my dies wasn’t delivering the consistent results I desired. That’s where the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 – specifically, Lee’s Taper Crimp Die for .45 Colt (being used for .45 ACP reloading) – entered the picture, promising a more controlled and reliable crimp.

What drew me to this particular die was the reputation of Lee products for affordability and functionality. I’ve always looked for tools that get the job done without breaking the bank. Unboxing the Lee 90786, I immediately noticed its simple, robust design. The steel construction felt solid, suggesting durability, and it weighed just enough to feel substantial without being cumbersome.

Compared to some other taper crimp dies on the market, like those from RCBS or Dillon Precision, the Lee die felt less refined initially. But the price point was significantly lower. I chose the Lee die primarily because of its value proposition: a functional tool at an accessible price, and I’d heard good things about its crimping abilities specifically for pistol rounds. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – eager to see if it could deliver on its promise of consistent crimps.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 was my home reloading bench. Using a Lee Classic Turret Press, I set up the die according to the instructions and began crimping .45 ACP rounds. The initial rounds I was reloading were a mixed bag of brass, which is something I wanted to test the consistency of.

I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to adjust the die to achieve the desired crimp. It required some fine-tuning to get the sweet spot, but once dialed in, the process was smooth and consistent. The die performed admirably in both dry and humid conditions. I observed no noticeable difference in crimp quality when the ambient humidity was high, a common issue I faced with my old factory crimp die.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 has proven to be a reliable addition to my reloading setup. I have loaded thousands of rounds using this die. There’s been no decline in performance. The steel construction has held up well with only minimal wear marks on the exterior.

Maintaining the die is simple. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each reloading session is all that’s required to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. In comparing it to my previous crimping setup, the Lee taper crimp die provides a tighter, more consistent crimp, which translates to improved accuracy and reliability in my .45 ACP loads. It is a tool that has exceeded my initial expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786

Specifications

• The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 is a taper crimp die designed primarily for .45 Colt cartridges, but it can be used for .45 ACP cartridges as well, as I’ve successfully done. It’s Lee’s contribution to ensuring positive ignition in reloaded ammunition.
• The die body is constructed from heavy-duty steel, ensuring a long service life, and the interior is precisely machined to provide a consistent taper crimp. The taper crimp is essential for proper bullet seating and reliable feeding in semi-automatic pistols.
• The die is compatible with any standard 7/8″-14 threaded reloading press, including progressive and turret presses. The ease of integration is a significant advantage for reloaders using various press types.
• This die is specifically designed for pistol cartridges. Its purpose is to eliminate the potential for bullet setback during the feeding cycle in semi-automatic handguns.
• The intended gun make is Colt. However, it works universally with any pistol chambered in .45 ACP where a taper crimp is desired.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 excels in delivering a consistent taper crimp. This is critical for .45 ACP cartridges used in semi-automatic pistols. The crimp ensures that the bullet is firmly seated and prevents movement during the feeding process.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. The Lee taper crimp die does its job remarkably well. The only area for potential improvement would be a more detailed instruction manual, as beginners may need some trial and error to achieve the perfect crimp.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 features a straightforward, functional design. The heavy-duty steel construction lends a feeling of solidity. Its weight is manageable, making it easy to handle and install in a reloading press.

The die is user-friendly, even for novice reloaders. It might take a few adjustments to find the ideal crimp depth. But, once set, the die provides repeatable results with minimal effort.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its robust steel construction, the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 is built to last. With proper care, this die should provide many years of reliable service. Maintaining the die involves cleaning it after each use to remove any powder residue.

A light coat of oil on the exterior surfaces protects against rust. There are no intricate parts that require specialized maintenance. This makes it a low-maintenance tool.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 is a standalone die. It doesn’t come with additional accessories beyond the standard Lee packaging. There are no specific customization options available for the die itself.

However, the die is compatible with any standard reloading press that accepts 7/8″-14 threaded dies. This allows reloaders to use it with various brands of presses and other reloading accessories. It works well with Lee products and can be incorporated into existing reloading setups.

Pros and Cons of Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786

Who Should Buy Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786?

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 is perfect for:

• Reloaders of .45 ACP (or Colt) cartridges: It ensures reliable feeding in semi-automatic pistols.
• Budget-conscious shooters: It delivers quality performance without breaking the bank.
• Anyone seeking consistent crimps: Achieving enhanced accuracy and reliability in their reloads.
• Home reloaders wanting to enhance their ammunition quality: This is a simple upgrade.

Who should skip this product?

• Reloaders who require a highly polished, visually appealing tool rather than a purely functional one.
• Individuals who prioritize premium brands over value.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A quality reloading press (if you don’t already have one).
• A caliper for measuring cartridge overall length (COL).

Conclusion on Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786

The Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 is a highly effective and affordable tool for achieving consistent taper crimps in .45 ACP cartridges. It delivers reliable performance and durable construction that belies its budget-friendly price tag. The value proposition is outstanding.

Yes, I would personally recommend the Lee Gunsmith And Reloading Equipment 90786 to anyone seeking an easy and effective way to improve the quality and reliability of their reloaded .45 ACP ammunition. If you’re looking to enhance your reloading process without breaking the bank, this die is an excellent choice. Start reloading today and experience the difference a good taper crimp can make!