Seating Die

[shepardswatch]

When choosing a seating die, what are you looking for and why did you choose your particular die or set?

 

[dok7mm]

I'm looking for 3 things. A micrometer top, a sleeve to stabilize the case and a seater plug that matches the bullet. I use only Redding, Forester or Whidden seaters.

 

[SealT5]

I used Redding dies for years for the same reasons as Dok.

2 years ago I switched to Wilson Chamber dies. For me the portability of an arbor press was the reason. Being able to adjust seating depth at the range is priceless.

Second the ability to "feel" seating pressure has many benefits

Another thing I like about it is once I figured out a rhythm my loading process became very efficient.

My smith doesn't charge me to chamber the dies either. I get a perfectly concentric die that produces minimal runout

 

[shepardswatch]

I used Redding dies for years for the same reasons as Dok.

2 years ago I switched to Wilson Chamber dies. For me the portability of an arbor press was the reason. Being able to adjust seating depth at the range is priceless.

Second the ability to "feel" seating pressure has many benefits

Another thing I like about it is once I figured out a rhythm my loading process became very efficient.

My smith doesn't charge me to chamber the dies either. I get a perfectly concentric die that produces minimal runout

I am looking to tighten groups up and have never used a micro or competition seating die. I'm loading varmint and hunting loads and they get the job done, but there's always a way to improve so I'm exploring the use of a controlled seating die.
Thank you....
james

 

[SealT5]

James, I think you will be happy with the results. Goodluck

 

[misterc01]

I am quite happy using a Forster micrometer seating die, but I would like to also add an arbor type as they offer better portability and a slightly better "feel." Might also be because this "hobby" is a great one for tool hounds!!!!

 

[shepardswatch]

James, I think you will be happy with the results. Goodluck

Thank you...

 

[Jeffrey Van Zandt]

I used Redding dies for years for the same reasons as Dok.

2 years ago I switched to Wilson Chamber dies. For me the portability of an arbor press was the reason. Being able to adjust seating depth at the range is priceless.

Second the ability to "feel" seating pressure has many benefits

Another thing I like about it is once I figured out a rhythm my loading process became very efficient.

My smith doesn't charge me to chamber the dies either. I get a perfectly concentric die that produces minimal runout

if you like arbor press and wilson in line try this arbor press you can see what you are doing with the dial. https://lewilson.com/k-m-precision-...ard-force-measurement-ram-and-dial-indicator/

 

[SealT5]

That's exactly what I own. Love it

if you like arbor press and wilson in line try this arbor press you can see what you are doing with the dial. https://lewilson.com/k-m-precision-...ard-force-measurement-ram-and-dial-indicator/

 

[Jeffrey Van Zandt]

That's exactly what I own. Love it

yes it works good and you can seat to the same pres everytime very accurately

 

[SealT5]

yep. When I get one that takes more force to seat I will cull that aside and use as a sighter. You can't feel those differences on an O press

yes it works good and you can seat to the same pres everytime very accurately

 

[misterc01]

They (K&M) are going for about $120 on eBay.

 

[ar10ar15man]

try annealing EVERY TIME/... AND A NECK EXPANDER vs bushings and pulling buttons. it works wonders on uniform neck tension.

yep. When I get one that takes more force to seat I will cull that aside and use as a sighter. You can't feel those differences on an O press

 

[SealT5]

I don't anneal every time. Every third firing. And I have been experimenting using an expander for neck tension recently. You right, my neck tension is more consistent.

Buttons are the first thing to hit the trash when I buy a die

try annealing EVERY TIME/... AND A NECK EXPANDER vs bushings and pulling buttons. it works wonders on uniform neck tension.