Lyman Seating Stems - Which One To Use

[john16443]

I've just purchased a new set of Lyman pistol dies in 9mm and 45 ACP. I've been told that one of the advantages of the seating die is that there are 2 stems provided so that the correct one can be used for the specific bullet shape you are loading. I understand that the seating stem is supposed to engage the bullet on the ogive, but both seam to do that so I'm not sure I'm using the right one.

Each stem has a number on top. Could someone confirm for me which number should be used for the bullets styles below?

9mm RN = #?
9mm TC = #?

45acp RN = #?
45acp SWC = #?

TIA;

John

 

[rfwobbly]

I simply take the stem out and physically try the prospective bullet in it. It's a fooler. Sometimes you think the flat seater is going to do better on hollow points, but the RN seater ends up being better. You simply have to fit them and see.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

Match the seating stem to the bullet shape you are using.

What it says on it means nothing.

You will find with some bullet shapes neither one they gave you fits, and you need to buy or make another one.

Speer Gold Dot 135 grain .38's have been my most recent excursion down that road.
Even RCBS, a sister company of Speer, didn't have one that fit, so I had to make one.

Before that it was Berry 9mm HP's.

rc