Better grade dies

[AJC1]

Do you have the matchmaster set with bushing die? I’m wondering when using a FL bushing die do i need to anneal, etc and can i use nickel cases?

Annealing is not required but will give you more consistent cycle to cycle results. I found my set that was only a neck sizing bushing die, but the set was cheaper than just the seating die....

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

It certainly can begin with sizing, actually I most often see it with the expander being pulled back through but many probably don’t ever even test their dies with & without decapping pins/expanders installed.

I stopped using them a long time ago. Instead I use a Lee universal decapping die and Lee universal expander. Before NOE came out with their expansion inserts for the Lee universal expansion die I made my own crude expansion inserts from scrap 4000-series stainless. They weren’t M-dies but they got the job done in much the same way. Just less refined.

 

[MarshallDodge]

I stopped using them a long time ago. Instead I use a Lee universal decapping die and Lee universal expander. Before NOE came out with their expansion inserts for the Lee universal expansion die I made my own crude expansion inserts from scrap 4000-series stainless. They weren’t M-dies but they got the job done in much the same way. Just less refined.

Is this for pistol or rifle ammunition?

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Is this for pistol or rifle ammunition?

Rifle. Pistol I still used the decapping pins up until a few years ago. I switched to doing all my decapping using the universal die when I got the Lee APP. It’s why I got the APP.

Pistol don’t have the expander ball on the decapping pin so that wouldn’t make any sense for keeping the necks nice.

 

[MarshallDodge]

Rifle. Pistol I still used the decapping pins up until a few years ago. I switched to doing all my decapping using the universal die when I got the Lee APP. It’s why I got the APP.

Pistol don’t have the expander ball on the decapping pin so that wouldn’t make any sense for keeping the necks nice.

Gotcha.

I moved to mandrels a few years ago. That's one reason I like the Mighty Armory sizing die, it has a built in mandrel.

 

[HKGuns]

Rifle loads, I use Redding Micrometer seaters / dies exclusively. I'm spoiled by them and won't go back.

Pistol loads, - Hornady or Lee work fine for my use.

I too, use a separate decapping die now, lee if memory serves.

 

[JHTexas]

I use the Redding Competition Seaters too. I have them for pistol and rifle, eight total. I like the way they align the bullet to the case and for me the best part is how quickly I can use a different bullet and adjust the seater micrometer to the last known setting.
I’ve also used Lee, Whidden, and Forster too, but I like Redding the best.

 

[CQB45ACP]

I use the Redding Comp seating die also and do like it but I had trouble with mine at first.

It has a feature where you can set the zero to your most common seating depth you use, then you can record the + or - micrometer number for any other bullet you want to try. This will give you a record to go by if you decide to record the settings for each type of bullet you use.
I keep track to a certain extent.

But, my OALs started growing while I was loading and it turned out an adjustment screw inside it was unscrewing while I was using it, changing my OAL a little on every so many rounds. Some blue locktite fixed it. I was disappointed that I had to take it apart to do this after just paying $103.00 for it, but it's been really good ever since.

You also have to watch the setting on it while your loading , the mic only has an o-ring for friction and my mic would unscrew when loading a lot at one time.

After using it for several years I do think their 9mm Comp Seating die is worth the extra money because their seating stem seems to fit all the 9mm bullets I use, and they are all seated straight.
After that the Micrometer is just a bonus.

FYI Ive decided to test for movement by keeping a hex wrench in and watch for movement. I’ve never experienced the unintended movement problem to my knowledge—now I’ll know for sure. Thanks

 

[CQB45ACP]

I use the Redding Competition Seaters too. I have them for pistol and rifle, eight total. I like the way they align the bullet to the case and for me the best part is how quickly I can use a different bullet and adjust the seater micrometer to the last known setting.
I’ve also used Lee, Whidden, and Forster too, but I like Redding the best.

You know Redding has a sizable discount when you buy their “ten pack”?

 

[CQB45ACP]

On the Redding die potential movement issue mentioned by @tightgroup tiger, I have confirmed it too sorry to say.

He and I discussed this a while back and his advice was helpful then too.

Instead of loctite, I’ve now just decided to no longer use the zeroing function for a while and see if it’s that important to me.

So for all it’s wonders, the Redding die isn’t perfect but is priced as if it were.

 

[dobedo]

Like buying an auto different flavors for different folks. I have been reloading for 40+ years originally used the green monster and now strictly Hornaday for the past 20 years.

 

[harieg]

Some people at Lee Precision have been busy addressing the shellplate/finished OAL consistency.

Actually I noticed it with Pro 1000 "floating shellplate" and ram under station #1 design that produced .002"-.003" OAL variance with mixed range brass and .001" OAL variance with pre-resized brass. SPP/2023 Pro 1K enhanced the "floating shellplate" contact on flat carrier with ram under station #1 design by making shellplate index "absolute" with pin through shellplate holes and auto correcting index - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...progressive-press.903681/page-3#post-12253438

i am trying to contact you,,, from Australia,,, can i have your pm ?

 

[ballman6711]

i am trying to contact you,,, from Australia,,, can i have your pm ?

Click on his avatar and you will see a few options. "Start Conversation" should be the one you want.

Hope that helps.

chris

 

[harieg]

Click on his avatar and you will see a few options. "Start Conversation" should be the one you want.

Hope that helps.

chris

thanx

 

[pert near]

For rifle, I buy RCBS competition seater dies because of the top load feature. A lot of factors go into concentric ammo output including dies, press, shellholder & set-up. For forming & sizing rifle cases I prefer Redding. For general pistol loading Lee dies have some excellent features (FCD & base-sizing seater).

 

[irishlad]

For rifle, I buy RCBS competition seater dies because of the top load feature.

I like em too. Got em for all my rifle calibers.