Bullet seating Die Suggestions

Crapshoooter2 · March 31, 2019, 05:08 PM

Crapshoooter2.... a newbie but have been loading and learning for the past 4 months. I currently have Lee 4 die deluxe set for 223( later will be doing 204). I have been working on three different grain bullets. It is time consuming to use the Lee bullet seater. All you have is the top nob. When going to a different bullet, you start over or use a mark or you count turns to get near and making small adjustments is almost as bad

Figured it might be worth it to go to a Micro type seater. Not trying to start a Chevy vs Ford thing but with a budget of around $100 or so would appreciate some suggestions or thoughts. I use a classic Lee.

crapshoooter2

BBarn · March 31, 2019, 05:17 PM

The micrometer type are nice, and I use the Hornady one with their dies that you can move from one die to the next.

But instead you can make a dummy of each bullet/cartridge combo and identify it and set it aside. Then the next time you load that combo you can grab that dummy, back off the seater a few turns, load the dummy, raise the ram, and screw the seater down until it touches the bullet of the dummy. That will get you real close to your preferred setting for that bullet/cartridge combo.

LineStretcher · March 31, 2019, 05:22 PM

I use the RCBS Competition die set.

Crapshoooter2 · March 31, 2019, 05:24 PM

Yes I have being using the dummy round method. Any comments about Micro type with a window to but bullet into die? Also I see some comments that there are better shell holders. Should I change them out at same time?

LineStretcher · March 31, 2019, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crapshoooter2

Yes I have being using the dummy round method. Any comments about Micro type with a window to but bullet into die? Also I see some comments that there are better shell holders. Should I change them out at same time?

The RCBS Competition set comes with a full length resizing die and the Seating die you're looking for. It also has a special shell holder that goes up into the die and keeps the case aligned.

zeke · March 31, 2019, 06:15 PM

Would consider the Forster bench rest seater for value/function. If funds limited you can get a Forster br seater without the micro adjuster, and consider seating bullets straighter more value than convenience. If not budjet constrained, would opt for Redding comp seater.

cw308 · March 31, 2019, 07:27 PM

I like the Redding Competition Seating Die .

USSR · March 31, 2019, 07:39 PM

I also use Redding Competition Die Sets for precision rifle rounds.

Don

Metal god · April 1, 2019, 12:43 AM

For your budget I recommend the Forster ultra micrometer seating die http://www.creedmoorsports.com/produ...gaApW2EALw_wcB

HiBC · April 1, 2019, 04:10 AM

Step one: I'm not sure if this is true with a four die set,but most SEATER dies have a built in crimp function.If you run the seater die down to contact the shellholder,you will have problems with collapsed shoulders.

You can try removing the seater stem from the die.put a round of brass in the shell holder.Run the ram up.Screw the die body down till it contacts the case neck.Note the gap,die to shellholder..You want a touch more gap.Its not critical,but maybe1/8 turn. You want to be able to repeat this adjustment,I suggest you find a washer or something the right thickness to use as a setting gauge.Ten you can set the die body for zero crimp same height every time.

The floating sleeve micrometer dies are nice.If you go Forster (And I like them)realize they have a unique spindle in the SIZER die. The expander plug is high on the spindle. Read and understand the instructions.

Old 454 · April 1, 2019, 07:12 AM

Lee dies are inexpensive .. you can probably buy a couple more setting dies for the price of a micro seating die.
Just mark the appropriate setting die with the size/grain bullet

pete2 · April 1, 2019, 09:39 AM

Old54, how in the world do you remove and reinstall a Lee die and maintain adjustments???? There are no lock rings. I gave up on them, even after putting on real lock rings there is no way to lock the seating stem.. Get Rcbs or Redding and use dummy rounds to set the depth with.

RC20 · April 1, 2019, 11:43 AM

I have both the RCBS comp dies and the Forster.

Forster is better with accuracy when chaning the dial large movements but small changes are equal.

RCBS is a bit easier to get the bullet set with the side loader port.

Either would be fine, Redding I don't have, but costlier by some amount I think.

LineStretcher · April 1, 2019, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RC20

I have both the RCBS comp dies and the Forster.

Forster is better with accuracy when chaning the dial large movements but small changes are equal.

RCBS is a bit easier to get the bullet set with the side loader port.

Either would be fine, Redding I don't have, but costlier by some amount I think.

I was on a thing where I was buying Redding dies but I didn't see that they were all that much better, if at all. I tried the RCBS Gold Match and then the Competition and I like the Competition better. I have some Forster products and like their quality but ran into some availability issues. Not a big deal but often when I need something, I think I need it now so it sours me when I can't get it.

gwpercle · April 1, 2019, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LineStretcher

I was on a thing where I was buying Redding dies but I didn't see that they were all that much better, if at all. I tried the RCBS Gold Match and then the Competition and I like the Competition better. I have some Forster products and like their quality but ran into some availability issues. Not a big deal but often when I need something, I think I need it now so it sours me when I can't get it.

" Patience is truly a great virtue to possess "
My Mom would tell me this when I wanted something ASAP... it usually meant I wasn't going to get it anytime soon so I better stop bugging her .

9MMand223only · April 1, 2019, 05:47 PM

This is what you want.

https://www.amazon.com/Redding-Reloa...gateway&sr=8-1

Redding Competition. Then you keep a "card" next to your bench on the wall that lists all your bullet types and what to dial the die to to get desired OAL.

I have over 80 bullet types, there is no way I could use anything but dial type.

hounddawg · April 1, 2019, 08:06 PM

I use the RCBS micro seater die in .223. the bullet feed slot eliminates pinched fingers and makes for smooth seating when starting those itty bitty bullets.

March 31, 2019, 05:08 PM	#1
Crapshoooter2 Member Join Date: January 3, 2019 Posts: 37	Bullet seating Die Suggestions Crapshoooter2.... a newbie but have been loading and learning for the past 4 months. I currently have Lee 4 die deluxe set for 223( later will be doing 204). I have been working on three different grain bullets. It is time consuming to use the Lee bullet seater. All you have is the top nob. When going to a different bullet, you start over or use a mark or you count turns to get near and making small adjustments is almost as bad Figured it might be worth it to go to a Micro type seater. Not trying to start a Chevy vs Ford thing but with a budget of around $100 or so would appreciate some suggestions or thoughts. I use a classic Lee. crapshoooter2

March 31, 2019, 07:39 PM	#8
USSR Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2017 Location: Finger Lakes Region of NY Posts: 1,442	I also use Redding Competition Die Sets for precision rifle rounds. Don __________________ NRA Life Member NRA Certified Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor

April 1, 2019, 12:43 AM	#9
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	For your budget I recommend the Forster ultra micrometer seating die http://www.creedmoorsports.com/produ...gaApW2EALw_wcB __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

April 1, 2019, 11:43 AM	#13
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	I have both the RCBS comp dies and the Forster. Forster is better with accuracy when chaning the dial large movements but small changes are equal. RCBS is a bit easier to get the bullet set with the side loader port. Either would be fine, Redding I don't have, but costlier by some amount I think. __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not

April 1, 2019, 08:06 PM	#17
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	I use the RCBS micro seater die in .223. the bullet feed slot eliminates pinched fingers and makes for smooth seating when starting those itty bitty bullets. __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek

March 31, 2019, 05:17 PM	#2
BBarn Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2015 Posts: 887	The micrometer type are nice, and I use the Hornady one with their dies that you can move from one die to the next. But instead you can make a dummy of each bullet/cartridge combo and identify it and set it aside. Then the next time you load that combo you can grab that dummy, back off the seater a few turns, load the dummy, raise the ram, and screw the seater down until it touches the bullet of the dummy. That will get you real close to your preferred setting for that bullet/cartridge combo.

March 31, 2019, 05:22 PM	#3
LineStretcher Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2018 Posts: 619	I use the RCBS Competition die set.

March 31, 2019, 05:24 PM	#4
Crapshoooter2 Member Join Date: January 3, 2019 Posts: 37	Yes I have being using the dummy round method. Any comments about Micro type with a window to but bullet into die? Also I see some comments that there are better shell holders. Should I change them out at same time?

March 31, 2019, 06:15 PM	#6
zeke Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 1999 Location: NW Wi Posts: 1,671	Would consider the Forster bench rest seater for value/function. If funds limited you can get a Forster br seater without the micro adjuster, and consider seating bullets straighter more value than convenience. If not budjet constrained, would opt for Redding comp seater.

March 31, 2019, 07:27 PM	#7
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	I like the Redding Competition Seating Die .

April 1, 2019, 04:10 AM	#10
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,286	Step one: I'm not sure if this is true with a four die set,but most SEATER dies have a built in crimp function.If you run the seater die down to contact the shellholder,you will have problems with collapsed shoulders. You can try removing the seater stem from the die.put a round of brass in the shell holder.Run the ram up.Screw the die body down till it contacts the case neck.Note the gap,die to shellholder..You want a touch more gap.Its not critical,but maybe1/8 turn. You want to be able to repeat this adjustment,I suggest you find a washer or something the right thickness to use as a setting gauge.Ten you can set the die body for zero crimp same height every time. The floating sleeve micrometer dies are nice.If you go Forster (And I like them)realize they have a unique spindle in the SIZER die. The expander plug is high on the spindle. Read and understand the instructions.

April 1, 2019, 07:12 AM	#11
Old 454 Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2011 Location: Chesterton Ind. Posts: 822	Lee dies are inexpensive .. you can probably buy a couple more setting dies for the price of a micro seating die. Just mark the appropriate setting die with the size/grain bullet

April 1, 2019, 09:39 AM	#12
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	Old54, how in the world do you remove and reinstall a Lee die and maintain adjustments???? There are no lock rings. I gave up on them, even after putting on real lock rings there is no way to lock the seating stem.. Get Rcbs or Redding and use dummy rounds to set the depth with.

April 1, 2019, 05:47 PM	#16
9MMand223only Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2014 Posts: 283	This is what you want. https://www.amazon.com/Redding-Reloa...gateway&sr=8-1 Redding Competition. Then you keep a "card" next to your bench on the wall that lists all your bullet types and what to dial the die to to get desired OAL. I have over 80 bullet types, there is no way I could use anything but dial type.