Quick question about setting seating die.

slowr1der · August 9, 2010, 07:25 PM

So I'm trying to set a seating die for a new caliber. I do not want to crimp the cartridge. So I know what you should be doing is raise the rod on the press up to the top with the case in it. Then screw the seating die in until you feel it touch the case mouth. Then back it out 1/2 of a turn. The problem is I can't feel it touching the case mouth. I don't feel any resistance at all until the seating die contacts the shell holder. I just can't feel anything before that. So what's the best way to set this when I can't feel it contacting the case mouth?

DiscoRacing · August 9, 2010, 07:33 PM

try loading one.... if it crimps your too low... if it doesnt lower it a little more.

slowr1der · August 9, 2010, 07:35 PM

Will the crimp be obvious on it if it is crimping? Or will it be crimping and be hard to tell?

DiscoRacing · August 9, 2010, 07:37 PM

you should be able to see the crimp

oneoldsap · August 9, 2010, 08:26 PM

Place a penny on top of your shell holder with the ram all the way up . Screw the die down onto the penny and lock it down and you're good to go . Just set your seating depth with the stem .

zippy13 · August 9, 2010, 08:28 PM

I load by my calipers and the case mouth diameter. Your reloading manual should give you the max diameter to aim for. Adjust your bullet ram height and die engagement until you're spot on. If you experience bullet pull, then consider crimping.

August 9, 2010, 07:25 PM	#1
slowr1der Junior member Join Date: March 25, 2010 Posts: 169	Quick question about setting seating die. So I'm trying to set a seating die for a new caliber. I do not want to crimp the cartridge. So I know what you should be doing is raise the rod on the press up to the top with the case in it. Then screw the seating die in until you feel it touch the case mouth. Then back it out 1/2 of a turn. The problem is I can't feel it touching the case mouth. I don't feel any resistance at all until the seating die contacts the shell holder. I just can't feel anything before that. So what's the best way to set this when I can't feel it contacting the case mouth?

August 9, 2010, 07:33 PM	#2
DiscoRacing Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Location: milton, wv Posts: 3,640	try loading one.... if it crimps your too low... if it doesnt lower it a little more. __________________ Desert Eagle Alliance Group Launcher Extraordinaire ______ ----Get Busy Live'n.....Or....Get Busy Die'n......Red -------They call me Dr. Bob,,,, I have a PhD in S&W

August 9, 2010, 07:37 PM	#4
DiscoRacing Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Location: milton, wv Posts: 3,640	you should be able to see the crimp __________________ Desert Eagle Alliance Group Launcher Extraordinaire ______ ----Get Busy Live'n.....Or....Get Busy Die'n......Red -------They call me Dr. Bob,,,, I have a PhD in S&W

August 9, 2010, 08:26 PM	#5
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	A penny saved Place a penny on top of your shell holder with the ram all the way up . Screw the die down onto the penny and lock it down and you're good to go . Just set your seating depth with the stem .

August 9, 2010, 07:35 PM	#3
slowr1der Junior member Join Date: March 25, 2010 Posts: 169	Will the crimp be obvious on it if it is crimping? Or will it be crimping and be hard to tell?

August 9, 2010, 08:28 PM	#6
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	I load by my calipers and the case mouth diameter. Your reloading manual should give you the max diameter to aim for. Adjust your bullet ram height and die engagement until you're spot on. If you experience bullet pull, then consider crimping.