Lee Precision 90017 Shell Holder AP Only 25 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) #15

Mastering Precision Reloading: The Lee Precision 90017 Shell Holder for .25 ACP – Your Essential Component

For serious firearm enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and self-sufficiency advocates, the art of handloading ammunition offers unparalleled control, significant cost savings, and the ultimate customization for your shooting needs. At the heart of a successful reloading setup lies the precision and reliability of each individual component. Among these, the shell holder plays a foundational role, ensuring consistent and safe operations. When it comes to reloading the often-overlooked, yet highly practical, .25 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) cartridge, the Lee Precision 90017 Shell Holder, specifically the #15 size, stands out as an indispensable tool designed for meticulous performance.

Why Handload .25 ACP Ammunition?

Many firearm owners ask, "Is reloading .25 ACP worth the effort?" The answer, for a growing number of shooters, is a resounding yes. While .25 ACP ammunition might seem small, its factory availability can be sporadic, and prices can quickly add up, especially for those who enjoy frequent range sessions or carry .25 ACP firearms for personal defense. Handloading offers several compelling advantages:

• Significant Cost Savings: The primary motivator for many reloaders. By reusing brass casings and purchasing components in bulk, the per-round cost of .25 ACP ammunition can be drastically reduced compared to factory-loaded cartridges. This means more shooting for less money.
• Customized Performance: Factory ammunition is designed to be a one-size-fits-all solution. Handloaders, however, can fine-tune loads to specific firearms, optimizing for accuracy, velocity, and recoil. This is particularly valuable for vintage .25 ACP pistols that might perform better with specific powder charges or bullet weights.
• Control Over Components: From selecting the precise type of bullet to the exact powder charge and primer, handloading puts you in complete control. This ensures a consistent and reliable product that meets your exact specifications and quality standards.
• Ensuring Availability: In times of ammunition shortages, having the ability to produce your own .25 ACP rounds ensures you're never left without ammunition for your favorite firearm.

What is a Shell Holder and Why is it Critical?

A shell holder is a small, yet profoundly important, component in the reloading process. Its fundamental purpose is to firmly grip the rim of a brass casing, holding it securely in place as it undergoes various operations within a reloading press or a priming tool. Without a proper shell holder, consistent case sizing, decapping, priming, powder charging, and bullet seating would be impossible, leading to frustrating mishaps and potentially unsafe ammunition.

The precision fit of a shell holder is paramount. A shell holder that is too loose will allow the casing to wobble, resulting in inconsistent sizing and potential damage to the brass or the die. One that is too tight might prevent the case from seating properly or even damage the rim. This is where the Lee Precision #15 Shell Holder excels, providing the exact dimensions required for the .25 ACP cartridge.

The Lee Precision 90017 Shell Holder: Engineered for .25 ACP Perfection

The Lee Precision 90017 Shell Holder, size #15, is specifically engineered to provide an unyielding grip on .25 ACP brass during all critical reloading stages. Crafted from robust, high-quality steel, this shell holder is designed for durability and a long service life, standing up to the rigorous demands of repeated use. Its meticulous machining ensures a perfect fit, which translates directly into reliable performance and consistent ammunition output.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Dedicated .25 ACP Fit: The #15 sizing is precisely calibrated for the .25 ACP cartridge, guaranteeing a snug, secure fit that eliminates wobble and ensures concentricity throughout the reloading process. This dedicated design minimizes the risk of bent cases or off-center operations.
• Heavy-Duty Steel Construction: Built to last, the steel construction of the Lee Precision 90017 offers superior strength and resistance to wear. This ensures that the shell holder maintains its precise dimensions even after thousands of reloading cycles.
• Optimized for Auto Prime and Auto Prime II: A standout feature of this particular shell holder is its specific compatibility with Lee Precision's renowned Auto Prime and Auto Prime II handheld priming tools. This allows reloaders to prime cases off-press, providing a tactile feel for primer seating depth and ensuring consistent primer installation, a critical step for reliable ignition.
• Enhances Safety and Efficiency: By securely holding the casing, the shell holder prevents slippage and misalignment, which are common causes of reloading errors. This precision contributes to safer operations and reduces wasted components due to improper processing.
• Integral Part of the Lee Precision Reloading System: Lee Precision is a leading name in the reloading community, known for its innovative, user-friendly, and cost-effective equipment. The 90017 shell holder seamlessly integrates into any Lee Precision reloading setup, from single-stage presses to progressive machines, and specifically with their handheld priming tools.

How Does the Lee Precision 90017 Shell Holder Fit into Your Reloading Process?

Whether you're new to handloading or a seasoned veteran, understanding the role of the shell holder is key. Here's how the Lee Precision 90017 will be used in a typical .25 ACP reloading sequence:

1. Case Preparation: After cleaning fired .25 ACP brass, the case is inserted into the Lee Precision #15 Shell Holder. This holder then interfaces with your reloading press's ram.
2. Decapping and Sizing: As the press ram moves upward, the shell holder carries the case into the sizing die. The shell holder's firm grip ensures the case is properly aligned for decapping (removing the spent primer) and full-length resizing (restoring the case to its original dimensions).
3. Priming (with Auto Prime/Auto Prime II): This is where the Lee Precision 90017 truly shines. Simply insert the shell holder with the decapped case into your Lee Auto Prime or Auto Prime II. This ergonomic tool allows for precise and consistent primer seating, vital for reliable ignition. The tactile feedback from using a handheld priming tool is often preferred by advanced reloaders for critical control.
4. Powder Charging: While the case might be held by a powder-through die or a separate funnel, the shell holder ensures the case remains stable when placed on the press.
5. Bullet Seating and Crimping: Finally, the shell holder holds the case securely as the bullet is seated to the correct depth and, if desired, crimped to provide proper neck tension.

For reloaders focusing on .25 ACP, especially those utilizing the popular Lee Auto Prime or Auto Prime II for priming operations, the Lee Precision 90017 #15 Shell Holder is not just an accessory; it's a fundamental piece of equipment that guarantees consistency and reliability.

Why Choose Lee Precision for Your Reloading Needs?

Lee Precision has built a formidable reputation in the reloading industry over decades. Their philosophy revolves around providing high-quality, innovative, and affordable reloading equipment that makes handloading accessible to everyone. When you choose Lee Precision products like the 90017 shell holder, you benefit from:

• Innovation: Lee Precision is renowned for pioneering user-friendly designs and practical solutions that simplify complex reloading tasks.
• Durability: Their products, from presses to dies and shell holders, are built to withstand the rigors of consistent use, ensuring longevity and reliable performance.
• Affordability: Lee Precision makes reloading an accessible hobby, offering excellent value without compromising on quality or precision.
• Comprehensive System: Lee offers a complete ecosystem of reloading tools that are designed to work seamlessly together, from full press kits to individual components like this shell holder. This ensures compatibility and ease of use across your entire setup.
• Trusted by Reloaders Worldwide: Millions of reloaders globally trust Lee Precision for their ammunition production, a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Investing in the correct tools, such as the Lee Precision 90017 Shell Holder, is an investment in the quality, safety, and efficiency of your handloaded ammunition. It ensures that every .25 ACP round you produce meets your highest standards for performance and reliability.

Where to Find Your Lee Precision Reloading Essentials

For all your Lee Precision reloading needs, including the essential Lee Precision 90017 Shell Holder for .25 ACP (UPC: 734307900175), look no further than DEGuns. As a premier retailer of firearms, ammunition, and shooting accessories, DEGuns offers a comprehensive selection of Lee Precision products, ensuring you have access to the highest quality tools for your reloading bench. Whether you're building a new setup or upgrading existing components, DEGuns provides expert advice and a vast inventory to support your handloading journey. Explore their extensive catalog of reloading presses, dies, shell holders, and other critical accessories to elevate your ammunition production to new heights.

Conclusion: Elevate Your .25 ACP Reloading with Precision

The Lee Precision 90017 Shell Holder #15 for .25 ACP is more than just a piece of metal; it is a critical precision tool that underpins the quality and consistency of your handloaded ammunition. Its robust steel construction, exact fit for .25 ACP, and specific compatibility with Lee's popular Auto Prime and Auto Prime II tools make it an indispensable asset for any serious reloader. By ensuring a secure grip and perfect alignment throughout the reloading process, this shell holder contributes directly to the production of high-quality, reliable, and safe ammunition, empowering you to enjoy the full benefits of handloading your .25 ACP cartridges. Equip your reloading bench with this essential component and experience the difference that true precision makes.

Product Specifications: Lee Precision 90017 Shell Holder