No such thing as a good seating die

[John Weigel]

It is a source of ongoing frustration that despite the high level of precision that can be achieved in so many facets of loading prep, bullet-seating issues haven't stimulated some sort of alternative design to current seating die/seating stem offerings. I even went to the extreme and wrote both Wilson and Area 419 suggesting a rethink - with seating stems that make contact with bullet much closer to the ogive - but didn't really expect a reply. Because of the slight projectile-to-projectile variation in tip-to-ogive shape in Berger 180 Hybrids and 180 VLDs (and presumably other brands in the high BC end of the scale), the admittedly consistent resulting seating depths as referenced near the tip - where the seating stem makes contact with the bullet, does not predict similarly consistent seating depth measurements if referenced where it really counts - near the ogive. I typically find two to three thous variation in my designated 'jump' when measured with comparator, which theoretically shouldn't be enough to depart node of accuracy. But still...

I find that this variation is likely to be made worst by bullet pointing, no matter how carefully and conservatively it is done (of course pointed in groups of similar OAL). And I accept that this gripe doesn't apply as much to VLDs that are 'jammed' - eg 12-15 thous longer than contact with lands. I've seen that on target.

Anyhow, I thought I'd cast out to see if such an alternative in seating die design is out there somewhere, and I just haven't seen it. Google didn't help me in this regard.

IMG_6245.jpg

[Rich4]

Forster is very low, do you check the fit to stem? Thereason most seaters contact high is durability for hunters (large purchasing power) any can be modified to suit the ogive however they will split when a ham fisted individual compresses to much powder.

[PeteFox]

John
Try this one

https://fclassproducts.com/arbor-press- ... m-upgrade/

Pete

[John Weigel]

OOPS - after posting the 'Eureka' thanks Pete, I see that FCP don't have a seating die for my cartridges - just 284. I'll contact them and ask if the stem will coincidentally match Wilson system. I went through the long process of obtaining an AutoDOD from these guys - and communications were very difficult. Love the gear, but seem to have a phone-only approach to comms, which is tricky from Australia. Will update if relevant.
JW

"That's much better, I didn't know these existed. Not perfect, but likely to edge out a lot of the variation now clouding the seating consistency. A bit of a bummer on the other hand, as I have grown to love the SAC seating dies. Here's the relevant image from the F Class Products description, comparing their stem to traditional VLD stem:
https://fclassproducts.com/arbor-press- ... m-upgrade/

Thank you!"

John

[PeteFox]

John
I have both die types, and the FCP die seating spindles are interchangeable with Wilson .Both are 0.285" dia.
Pete

[John Weigel]

Thanks Pete. Have ordered two!

Cheers

[9.3x64]

Let me just say I am not a target shooter, but I love reading this forum because of all the technical discussion, very interesting. I have a little bit of OCD, even with my hunting rounds.
Years ago I ordered a 120mm Prazipress, beautiful and absolutely solid solid press.
Since then I have ordered several sets of Triebel 1 1/4 inch dies, even for hunting cartridges like 7x64 Brenneke. At each order I have sent Triebel several bullets from the same lot that I load with. Triebel make the seating stem for that lot of bullets which fits precisely, which will fit their competition seating die. Die finish appears to be superb.
Not sure if this is a possible solution or any interest to anyone on this forum.

[Benji]

If you’re willing to sacrifice a few bullets you can use some diamond grit paste and a drill and “lap” the stem to fit the bullet better with a drill

[John Weigel]

Benji,

There's not enough 'meat' on the traditional Wilson type seating stems, but my fav SAC stems do have enough to try this. Will report if I am able to get a concentric result - I am cautiously optimistic, so thanks for the suggestion. I'd actually tried it with Wilson systems previously, but made a mess of it in large part due to the narrow blank.

[Benji]

A drill press would make it a much more consistent process as well there’s cheap diamond paste on Amazon.

[PeteFox]

Is this a serious proposition or are you all taking the piss.
Drills and drill presses??
WTF, does concentricity get a look in here?

[Benji]

Not a piss take. Bullet goes in the chuck and drill is turned on if the tip of the bullet has a wobble reset it in the chuck until it is centred and you have consentrcity then add paste. You should end up with more bearing surface on the bullet and shaped closer to the bullet you use

[Daveh]

I would think the copper projectile being softer than the seating stem would be worn away with diamond paste. You would end up with a groove on the projectile matching the contour of the seating stem,
IMHO
Dave

[Rich4]

Actually the grit embeds into the softer metal and cuts the hard,
Lapping plates are generally made from copper.
Use a lathe to reshape seating stems, you’ll be much happier.

[Benji]

Lathe option if available would be better or the f class option above but I’ve done this method and has worked well