Do wadcutters require a particular seating plug?

[Bulletski]

Hi all
I've been reloading for quite some time but will be getting to some .38 spl wadcutter bullets for the first time.
My question is: do wadcutters need a special seating plug? The plugs I normally use for other bullet designs have a kind of rim on them but I don't know if that's the right way to do the job - or if it will even work.
If I do need to get a plug for these head, I'd like to get a reco for a brand - if that matters. I usually use RCBS dies but am not stuck on that brand.
Thanks for replies

 

[AJC1]

If you are seating to the first lube Grove or a crimp grove a flat or swc seating stem works just fine. If you are seating below flush, you will need a flat with a step that is smaller than case diameter.

 

[Bulletski]

I forgot to state that the heads I'll be using will be copper plated, so no lube rings.

 

[AJC1]

I forgot to state that the heads I'll be using will be copper plated, so no lube rings.

That does not change the primary factor of seating above or below case mouth...

 

[Zygodactyl]

Several of my die sets come with a reversable seating stem or comes with an extra for semi wad cutters. check yours before buying one.

 

[Walkalong]

Do RCBS handgun dies still come with two seater stems? Either should work OK with plated WCs,
but I would pick the one with more "rim" as you call it. Of course you could buy an extra one and
fill it with epoxy to make it flat. I bet RCBS would make you a flat one.

I welded up a Redding Competition seater stem and faced it off flat because the "rim" was very thin.
Bought a new one to replace it, but Have never used it, just use the flat stem, because all I am loading
in .38 Spl and .357 Mag are WCs and SWCs, both with a flat front.

 

[jimbo4]

I am in the same boat now .Order some T&B bullets158 grain semi round flat tip both of my seater plugs (Rcbs) cut the coating off on almost the same spot.Sent a question to R be about buying another seat plug so I could use JB weld on it.Waiting on a reply hopefully Monday will get a answer.

 

[JCSC]

Hi all
I've been reloading for quite some time but will be getting to some .38 spl wadcutter bullets for the first time.
My question is: do wadcutters need a special seating plug? The plugs I normally use for other bullet designs have a kind of rim on them but I don't know if that's the right way to do the job - or if it will even work.
If I do need to get a plug for these head, I'd like to get a reco for a brand - if that matters. I usually use RCBS dies but am not stuck on that brand.
Thanks for replies

I wondered the exact same thing on the first batch I just loaded. I used the factory Lee stem, but less than ideal and I was concerned with cocking a bullet.

I need to investigate flipping it, or buying a replacement to mod.

 

[fxvr5]

I forgot to state that the heads bullets I'll be using will be copper plated, so no lube rings.

 

[Cokeman]

Would pressing a ball of foil into the concave tip of the seater and smashing it flat work temporarily? I have done that when the round nose seater and bullet are not quite the same shape.

 

[drband]

I filed my Lee seating stem flat for .38spl since I only load wadcutters in that caliber. Works perfectly.

 

[Blue68f100]

I use a flat stem for seating WC (flat top) bullets. If the bullet is a SWC I use a special sating stem which only contacts the shoulder of the bullet. Makes sure the bullet is straight and gives you a consistent seating depth.

 

[Riomouse911]

I have used my plain old Lee seating die for lead, plated and now coated wadcutters, Semi-wadcutters, round nose, JHP, etc. for 29 years now. I will bet there are other dedicated dies that may work better, but IMHO I think this die works just fine as is.

As always, YMMV.

Stay safe.

 

[bullseye308]

I have used my plain old Lee seating die for lead, plated and now coated wadcutters, Semi-wadcutters, round nose, JHP, etc. for 29 years now. I will bet there are other dedicated dies that may work better, but IMHO I think this die works just fine as is.

As always, YMMV.

Stay safe.

What I was going to say. I have one set of lee 38/357 dies and have loaded tens of thousands of 148 lee soupcan wadcutters, 158 semi wadcutters, and 158 hollow points and never changed the seating plug. Try what you have before spending money on something you don’t need.

 

[AJC1]

If you cast and have Lee dies, the stem for pushing cast through the swaging die fits in the seating die, is smaller than bullet diameter, and is a trick that loads of bacon proposed.

 

[JCSC]

If you cast and have Lee dies, the stem for pushing cast through the swaging die fits in the seating die, is smaller than bullet diameter, and is a trick that loads of bacon proposed.

AJC1

Just tried this with my Lee 358 bullet sizer stem. It’s a bit longer than factory seating stem, but still good to go!

 

[FROGO207]

I also will try what I have first to see if it works passibly. Save $$ where you can.

 

[jmorris]

Do RCBS handgun dies still come with two seater stems?

Mine have 3. RN, SWC and WC.



Dillon covers all 3 too for 38/357.

 

[deadeye dick]

I have used my plain old Lee seating die for lead, plated and now coated wadcutters, Semi-wadcutters, round nose, JHP, etc. for 29 years now. I will bet there are other dedicated dies that may work better, but IMHO I think this die works just fine as is.

As always, YMMV.

Stay safe.

Couldn't have said it better. That's exactly what i do. All my stuff is Lee also. I also load all of the above.

 

[Targa]

I am with Riomouse. Do you need the proper plug? I guess if you want the bullet blemish free when you seat it then maybe a blunt plug is the way to go, but I don’t think it is going to be an issue for you Bulletski if your using copper plated.
Here is what one of my cast .358 DEWC‘s with a BHN between 7-8 looks like after I seat it with my standard Lee seater and plug. You can see the ring from the plug where it engages the bullet to seat it but it is irrelevant to me. Still puts cookie cutter holes in the target.

 

[rfwobbly]

I forgot to state that the heads I'll be using will be copper plated, so no lube rings.

It does mean that you'll need a Taper Crimp die in place of the normal Roll Crimp die.

If you are seating below flush, you will need a flat with a step that is smaller than case diameter.

Like so....