I have a standard Redding 6.5 PRC seating die. While trying to load some Berger 156's I noticed the tips of the bullets were getting deformed in the seating process. I pulled the stem and noticed the bullet only contacts the tip of the bullet and not the ogive. Do they make VLD seating stems for standard dies? I could only find them for the Comp dies.
Redding seating die VLD stem question
- Thread starter KyleC
- Start date
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MagnumManiac
Well-Known Member
No, you used to be able to order custom stems, I don't see them offering that anymore.
What you can do is drill a 1/8" hole in the stem, clean it up and the point will no longer make contact.
I have done this, but some bullet styles require a tapered hole, harder to do, but a lathe helps, and tooling.
Cheers.
Ldigio21
Well-Known Member
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- Dec 25, 2011
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Call Redding. I just did this. They make a micrometer with VLD stem that you replace the current stem and adjustment insert in your current die. Redding does not sell direct.
This is the info from midway . The insert covers a number od calibers.
- Product #: 163434
- Manufacturer #: 09167
- UPC #: 611760091674
I looked on Midway site with that P.N. and it brings up this micrometer but does not show it fitting a 6.5 PRC. Any other ideas may help.
What MagnumManiac said. I've even drilled and slightly tapered mine with a small Cone burr bit on a drill. You have to be careful and work slow. I don't have a lathe.
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Ldigio21
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Call them directly. It covers a number of calibers. Ask for tech help and if it won't handle your caliber they will give you the exact order number
lyle2231
Well-Known Member
Call Redding!
Ldigio21
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I was told by the technician that it did. I ordered it specifically because I was having the same problem.
Mikecr
Well-Known Member
It's mind boggling that any die maker would still put out stems too shallow for tipped/VLD bullets..
We should stop supporting them until they get it together.
We should stop supporting them until they get it together.
MagnumManiac
Well-Known Member
Tipped bullets are often even worse than no tip for this…
Easy to drill out the stem.
Cheers.
hawkpilot81
Member
Mine was doing the same thing. I put a little bit of JB Weld in my seating stem. Took a loaded round and covered it with release agent. Ran the bullet into the die and let it sit for 24 hours. Took it apart and cleaned it up a little bit. Now it works great. Basically made a custom seating stem.
