Lee Precision 90818 Factory Crimp Die 22-250 Rem / 22-250 Ackley Improved

The Lee Precision Factory Crimp Die for 22-250 Remington and 22-250 Ackley Improved is a precision reloading die designed to deliver tighter, more consistent bullet seating than standard seating dies alone. Whether you're loading for a long-range rifle or preparing match ammo, this crimp die squeezes the case mouth firmly into the bullet's crimp groove, establishing a pressure foundation that builds more uniformly and reduces velocity shot-to-shot variation—both critical factors for predictable accuracy downrange.

The collet design is where this tool earns its reputation. Rather than relying on external crimp rings or inconsistent case-mouth contact, the collet grips the case mouth and compresses it into the crimp groove with authority. This firm hold means pressure develops more consistently before the bullet shifts, resulting in a flatter, more stable pressure curve during firing. That matters when you're chasing tight groups or trying to dial in precision loads.

One practical advantage: even bullets without a dedicated crimp groove will shoot more accurately with this die in the sequence, because the crimp itself improves bullet retention and consistency. If you're working with non-cannelured projectiles or experimenting with different bullet profiles, this die gives you a way to enforce consistency across your loads. It threads into all 7/8"-14 reloading presses, so it fits standard single-stage and turret setups without adaptation.

Like all Lee Precision dies, this is a no-nonsense tool. It does one job well: crimp bullets to specification and hold them fast. Pair it with your regular seating die for complete, consistent ammunition that performs.

Key Features

• Collet crimp mechanism for firm, uniform case-mouth grip
• Improves accuracy and reduces velocity variation shot-to-shot
• Works with bullets both with and without crimp grooves
• Compatible with all 7/8"-14 reloading presses (single-stage, turret, and progressive)
• Caliber-specific for 22-250 Remington and 22-250 Ackley Improved

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this crimp die work in my reloading press?

Yes, as long as your press has a standard 7/8"-14 die thread. This includes virtually all single-stage presses, turret presses, and progressive presses. The shellholder is sold separately, so verify you have the correct shellholder for your cartridge.

Do I need a crimp groove on my bullets for this die to work?

No. While this die is most effective with cannelured bullets that have a dedicated crimp groove, it will crimp and hold non-cannelured bullets as well, improving their accuracy and consistency compared to unseated ammunition.

How does a factory crimp die improve accuracy?

A firm crimp holds the bullet more securely in the case, which raises the starting pressure before the bullet begins to move during firing. This establishes a more uniform pressure curve and reduces velocity variation between shots, resulting in tighter groups and more predictable ballistics.

Is the shellholder included?

No, the shellholder is sold separately. You'll need to have the appropriate shellholder for 22-250 Remington or 22-250 Ackley Improved to use this die.