Hornady Microjust questions

[cwsanfor]

I just got a Hornady Microjust Seating Stem, and I have questions about its use.

1) It replaces the stock seating stem adjuster, but does one use the seater lock nut and washer from the stock part (parts E and F at http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/manuals-current/metalic-reloading/new_dimension_custom_grade.pdf) with the Microjust?

2) Since the numbers (0.01, 0.02, etc.) on the Microjust don't have an absolute reference point, do you start from a known OAL (like 1.169 for 9mm) and just use the Microjust numbers to provide +/_ differences? In other words, do you still start with a dummy cartridge of known length and shorten it by screwing in the Microjust? I guess I thought it would have some absolute reference, but upon reflection, that would require that the distance between the Microjust and the bottom of the shell plate be fixed and known, which it might not be from one press to another.

3) Anyone tried to make the numbers on the Microjust more visible, say by filling them with paint or crayon?

4) Any other tips on using the Microjust are welcome.

Thanks.

 

[cfullgraf]

I did not use the knurled lock nut from the standard seater. You tighten the micrometer adjuster down against the top of the die. The micrometer head has resistance built in to keep it from moving while in use.

The micrometer only gives you a reference number as long as no other adjustment is changed. Set the die position, lock the lock ring in place, then seat your bullet to the desired length. The procedure for setting the bullet seating position would be the same as any other diw you might have. Then record the number on the micrometer head. If nothing else changes, you cane return to that setting and the bullet will be seated to the same nominal depth.

Someone on one of the forums I frequent talked about painting the numbers on some micrometer head that he had. Not necessarily the Hornady the process would be same.

You can paint over the numbers and lines, then wipe the excess off the surface. It might take a little trial and error to get the process right. Enamel, nail polish, or the like would work.

I use micrometer heads where I might change bullets frequently, like for rifles that have different tastes in bullets. It also makes setting the seating depth easier. Seat the bullet long, measure and move the seating stem the difference from your measured case to the desired setting. I get zeroed in in a case or two.

Makes it easier to test different seating depths for maximizing accuracy.

High cost, although the Hornady system is fairly economical, if you don't change bullets or seating depths much.

 

[Walkalong]

3) Anyone tried to make the numbers on the Microjust more visible, say by filling them with paint or crayon?

Yes.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=6224532&postcount=20