how to choose the correct seating die
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- In this video we will help you choose the correct seating die for your application. We look at seating dies from Lee, Hornady, RCBS, Forster, LE Wilson. We disassemble everything from standard seating dies to the ultra micrometer seating dies. Micrometer dies available from companies like Redding and Whidden are going to be very similar in construction and function to the Forster shown in this video.
Other videos you should watch:
How to choose the best sizing die: • How to choose the corr...
Seating stem comparison: • 6.5 Creedmoor Bullet S...
Select the best reloading press: • Which Reloading Press ...
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Lee: amzn.to/3jVxcpB
RCBS: amzn.to/2QZRmCC
Hornady Custom Grade Set: amzn.to/323u9pB
Forster Benchrest: amzn.to/358V9Wn
Hornady Match grade (sizing die does not come with needed bushings): amzn.to/2Z9PjjM
Forster Ultra Micrometer: amzn.to/3igxAyw
L.E. Wilson: Google or check on Midway
Frankford Arsenal Universal Seating Die: amzn.to/2QZQKNk
Not shown but similar to Forster design:
Redding: amzn.to/3jP1Xg2
Hornady custom grade upgrades:
Microjust seating stem: amzn.to/3bungkb
Hornady seating stems: amzn.to/3i3mAop
The Beginner's Guide to Reloading Ammunition: amzn.to/30nCxho
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An advantage to the Wilson dies is when loading at the range. Prep the brass at home and throw powder, brass, Harrels powder measure, bullets, seating die, and arbor press into my range bag and perform load work up at the shooting bench. Makes for a productive day. Good content!
Thank you for doing this work. I am new to reloading, and this kind of video makes it so much easier to get a grasp of what my options are. You do a service to the reloading community sir!
Nice video. Well done. I own or have owned all of the dies in the video plus other types from Redding, RCBS and Lyman. Your description is spot on. One thing I have found is that no matter the die, if there is too much neck tension it is a recipe for bullets seating off center. With too much seating force, my theory is that the case neck and/or shoulder buckles slightly under pressure of seating - and it is often to one side. Therefore, runout is induced. To remedy, simply increase the neck interior diameter. With bushing-type sizers, just go up a size. If using an expander ball, remove it and use a mandrel type of expander that is a slightly larger diameter. E.g. NOE Molds sells many custom sizes of expander mandrels that are paired with a Lee "Universal" Expander die. They work great! Lyman "M" dies are the same concept, but they typically come in the same diameters as the standard expander ball so it won't give additional neck ID. I have also had expander balls wear smaller after about 10k rounds, so check for that.
I am a Forster die guy and I have always been. Their full length sizing die and bullet seating die are very agreeable. But just for the hell of it I bought the Frankfort arsenal universal seating system. It is shocking that it is just as good as Forester micrometer die for 6.5 Creedmoor in terms of coal. It's painful to admit it when I think about all the dough I have forked over for Forster micrometer dies. But you can't go wrong. Especially if you have a lot of different rifles to reload for.
The RCBS Matchmaster might have been a nice addition also. Good video.
I use that for 6.5CM, the bullet window really speeds up the process when loading on a single stage
Great video. Very informative. I agree with the Forster seating dies as producing very consistent results with very little run out.
I have also tried all those dies, and like you the Forster dies are my favorite for normal reloading. For by bench rest gun I use the Wilson FL and bullet seater dies as these dies are the very best in my opinion with runout at or below 0.001. The Redding dies are way too expensive and the quality just isn't there. Redding does however make a set of competition shell holders with various thicknesses which I highly recommend. Great video keep up the good work!
Prob is Redding are one of the few brands that makes dies for oddball cals without having to go the full hog of custom made dies.
The complaint I have with my Forster seater is that the stem walls are very thin and the stem "flares", which causes it to become too tight in its bore and then it starts to scuff and stick. After a while of scuffing and sticking, the stem then cracks. I know forster places a premium on grabbing the bullet low on the ogive, but this isn't necessary for straight ammo when you have a nice tight fit in the bullet bore, and it makes the stem needlessly fragile and unreliable.
And for those who are curious enough to read the comments to try to glean more information: the standard lyman seating die operates like someone took the RCBS and Lee dies and had them make a love-baby. The Seating stem is integral with the larger "adjustment screw" and there is a locking nut to keep it locked in place. It can be set up to crimp like the RCBS and Hornady dies.
I also have a Matchmaster seating die (which, for some calibers, I think can also be called the "gold medal" seating die and is an updated version from their "competition" dies) which has a micrometer and free-floating seating stem. It largely operates very similarly to the Hornady dies in that it has a sliding sleeve inside the die body which holds the bullet and neck in alignment; the sliding sleeve does go further down the case, covering the shoulder and some portion below. The other big difference is that there is a window where you can put the bullet on top of this sleeve, but you can feed it through the die as normal if you have that preference. This is also the die which the Frankford Arsenal Universal resembles a lot.
The RCBS Matchmaster seater is indeed a direct descendant of the Gold Medal Match seater. Only updated markings and thimble separate the two. Both are fantastic for loading higher volume ammo on a progressive press. They greatly speed up production. While the RCBS "Competition" seater looks similar, it is not designed for progressive loading since it can't hold a bullet in place. It also typically needs and extended shell holder.
With the theory out the way, have you actually tested each die? What I am interested is repeatability, concentricity and no tip damage.
I have Redding Competition seating dies just because they seemed the best at the time. They work great for me and what bullets I shoot in every caliber I shoot which are many. I have looked at the Foresters and they pretty much look to function the same. I do have some of the Hornady bullet seaters as well even with the micrometer. Not impressed they do hold the case a bit at the top, but they certainly do rust easy and leave a lot to be desired. You can use them on multiple cartridges of the same caliber they are not cartridge specific. Example you could use a 30-caliber seater on a 30-30, a 30-06 or any other 30 caliber with a shoulder. This is a very informative video for the precision shooter. Myself I put together good hunting bullets that shoot sub MOA.
I’ve tried rifle dies from Hornady, Redding, RCBS,and Forster. IMHO the spring loaded chamber on the Forster seater is simply a better mousetrap. For new cartridges, I get the Forster 2-die set with their Benchrest seater.
Wilson seaters really can’t be beat for loading straight ammo. Forster I’d say is second best you have there in that line up.
Very good video. Thank you for making it. Nice work as usual.
I'll give a few bonus points for at least including the Wilson / Sinclair seating die. Sounds like you have not used one much, if it helps overcome the shock of not using the press to seat a bullet, there are more options than an arbor press. Since I already have a drill press I find that works just fine. You could also go the other direction, and either push the seating stem down with the palm of your hand, or tap it with a dead blow hammer. Very simple options. Most all the world dismiss the Wilson / Sinclair options as "specialty" dies. They are actually quite basic and simple to use.
I’m thinking you could use them on a standard turret press, by turning the turret in between the die stations to get a flat surface, the just rest the seating down on your shell holder , then seat as you would normally.
Even a standard press would work, same method just install a die and use that as the punch to drive the Wilson seater plug.
I don’t see what it wouldn’t work. You’re not putting any extra force onto your press than normal seating. They even make special shell holders that are a completely flat surface.
Use what you got, if that’s all you got.
Forster Benchrest is perfect!
custom Wilson is about the top one and worth the money. Redding/Forster comp seater next.
Could you do a follow up testing the consistency in length of the loaded rounds and the difference in runout between the different dies. It would be nice to not have to spend $90 a on seater if the $40 one works just as well.
Should have had a Whidden die in the mix. I know that they offer a number of stems for their seaters. You choose the one you need when you order, and maybe a few different stems to cover future run ups.
I like the idea of a universal die... It looks like the one in the link is for rifle only.
Do they have a similar one for pistols? It would be nice to do 380 to 45 in one die set.
Excellent information. Thanks.
Isn't the redding competition seater die really popular??
In the forums I visit, it certainly is. But it's essentially a variant of the Forster design.
Thanks for the information and video.
I am slowly getting into reloading. I think i will go rcbs rock chunker as a starting point. One question will these dies all fit on it or just the rcbs
Most dies are 7/8 and are universal between most presses.
Great video. Thank you.
For benchrest shooting, the Wilson chamber 👍. If it's for PRS, a wood mallet 😂 (just kidding). The basic dies are enough for hunting, but for accurate shooting I use the Wilson's because I've already got the press, and also it's cheaper and better than Forster or RCBS competition seaters (floating chamber)
first of all thank you for the video :)
Hm, this does makes me wonder if the micrometer forster dies vs the BR Forsters are over kill, IF the purpose is mainly hunting, (and there wont be a lot of load and seating depth development going on for many different types of bullets)?
What do you guys think?
Great info, thxx
👌🇺🇸 Lee's the best for the $
Thanks for the overview of the options out there. Silly question, are these dies compatible with non-matching loading presses? Example.. have a Hornady Classic; would like to use Forster branded dies. Thanks in advance.
Yes .The standard thread in the industry is 7/8. 14. They will all fit.
The Lee seating die also taper crimp.
So I'm wondering why you don't have any of the Redding micrometer w/sleeve seating die's for comparison?
Because I had to but all of these dies and I think I mention in the video they are very close to the Forster design.
Thank you
Redding competition
My lee die has seeted all the bullets I shoot to within 1 thou of an inch (concentricity) no problem, where as my hornady die only seats sierra gamekings well and not my hornady eldx sst or nosler cc bullets, I font know if its a factory fault but none of those bullets fit the stem where the sst is the worst. The sst is so skew that I can see it by just looking at the bullets in the tray
I can also not find seating stems where I am, speaking to the gunshop it seems to be a regular occurrence
Curious if you have found a particular stem that fits sst? My 129 sst have a bit of a gouge but, doesnt seem to effect performance. Once I dialed in my load they shot well and the one I used on my deer last fall performed excellent. I would just like to find a stem that didn't gouge for peace of mind.
@@dandingfelder6763 my eldx and sst both gouge I got it better buy chamfering the cases, anealing the brass and slighty less neck tension.
which seating die has the least shavinvg on the brass? I bought a redding. adjusted the flare,made it bigger and smaller but im still having the shaving on brass and heads
Anyone could help me saying the threads of the Forster spindle? They seem 10-32 and 6-40 unf.
Thanks in advance.
Whats the best lock ring?
Really getting tired of Led Andria Midway commercial lol
Does the Forster Ultra Micrometer Seater Die thread into the Hornady Lock n Load bushings?
Yes
如何購買？
Where's Redding???
Isn’t ultimate consistency what we’re all lookin for ?
Hi Alex, Some people are just into plinking rounds and that's fine too. Most people who look at my setup at the range think I am crazy, maybe they are right?
@@BoltActionReloading lol no. Maybe I’m just like you and always looking for the best possible outcome . Like your videos and how you explain things . 👍🏾im just getting into reloading wish me luck lol so much to learn
What do you think of the 6mm arc? It’s what I’m gonna start reloading with.
JRB has some good content on it. Seems like a fine cartridge, but I haven't done anything with it. If I didn't already have a 6CM I may have thought about it.
It's obvious you're loyal to Forster based on your press. I agree they make excellent micrometer seating dies, but to compare Hornady not to mention, Lee, and not Redding? Is this a Ford vs Chevy video : ) I have to say you're leaving out one of the leading die makers when you really should include them. Have you tried Redding Premium Series?
Hi Pete, While I assume you mean your comment to be somewhat funny, Its hilarious that based on my press I am loyal to anything. I have a Dillon and a Hornady press as well. I can't reload good ammo unless I have a Redding press now? I guarantee without exception that every company has had something ship that had some type of issue. Being loyal to a specific brand is stupid. I am loyal to what I have had luck with and achieves the results I am looking for, nothing more. If Redding is your brand, buy the brand YOU are loyal to with the features that YOU need. That is the point of the video. Guys starting out, listening to all the crap they hear online about what brand is "best", not what features they really need. Based on your application and budget that answer is different for different people. Unfortunately a lot of people think that a seating die is going to provide more concentric rounds, or fix their concentricity issues. My experience has always shown that concentricity issues to be resolved with the sizing die, far more than the seating die. (The seating die can't fix what the sizing die broke) But, if your reloading plinking ammo for 223 you don't need a Redding premium anything. I also didn't include Whidden, (which others have complained about) I am sure they are great, but I don't need to buy a set to replace anything that already works and I am not looking to add any calibers at the moment. I paid for ALL of these with my own dollars, just like my audience. I don't need to buy a Redding die to show in a video to see that they have both micrometer dies as well as non micrometer dies. They are almost identical in function. Everyone needs to pick the features they need first, before they worry about the name on the package. I am trying to show the features you are looking for in a die, not the brand. Guys that win competitions have done it with every brand that is out there. The only thing that matters is your results on target. If someone was so passionate about their brand being included I would be happy to take the donation to purchase them or tell them (audience member not a reloading company) where to ship the dies. Unfortunately I can't afford to purchase every die from every manufacturer and I could never make a video if that was the case.
BAR
👍👍
How would you rate de Dillon dies to thus group?
Hi James. I haven't used Dillon dies so I can't comment. I believe they are made of carbide so they should last a very long time and not require quite as much lubrication possibly. As far as using them for precision reloading, I have always seen guys loading on a Dillon with dies made by someone else. Best of luck.
BAR
@@BoltActionReloading Thank you Appreciate your comments and enjoyes your video.
So the hornady die has no crimp capability?
I believe the hornady has roll crimp capability where RCBS uses a taper crimp. Either can be used with or without the crimping feature.
@@BoltActionReloading regarding the hornady, the gauge that you can add later to the die as an addition is interchangeable? meaning it can be used on any caliber?
Yes the micro just can be added to any of the hornady dies. At least the custom series and up, not sure about the classic American, i don't own a set of those.
Lee hater aren't you, Lee probably got more people in to reloading at a starting price they could afford than all those other companies together.
Hi Arnold, I didn't make the video on how many people each company got into reloading, it is on figuring out the best for for each person. Lee is the correct decision for some people, but it isn't the best decision for everybody. Everybody doesn't wear the same size pants, there are lots of sizes because everyone is different.
No Dillon dies
Bobbing with each syllable is extremely unpleasant!
Otherwise, great information as usual from you 👍
All this talk about death is very depressing.
stop shaking your hands
No need to keep saying “actually”
Even when you are holding the die fully in frame (not often) you are shaking it so much I couldn’t watch. Good theoretical information, poor presentation.
Victor Richardson agreed. It’s not useful to show shaking hands holding an object. A steel pin punch used as a pointer, with the die sitting stationary in the video would be MUCH easier to follow.
@@BurnDuration Maybe make your own video on your dime as he did for free. Why do people constantly complain. This guy did us all a service. So what if his hand shakes, you still got the message. Go smoke a joint and relax!
@@PJ-vw4zuI enjoy the information but his presentation can be easily improved. If I were making a similar mistake, I’d much appreciate the suggestion.