Micrometer precision bullet seating die

[Morrey]

My rifle die sets are the standard RCBS variety, but as I gain knowledge in the exacting art of precision reloading, I am interested in buying a precision seating die. I use an RCBS Rock Chukar Supreme single stage press mounted on a very stable bench.

I think this may very well be a Chevy vs Ford debate, but is there a particular micrometer seating die that stands out among the rest as the top pick? Forster, Sinclair Redding, Wilson, RCBS....and I am sure there are others.

In the mainstream market, any suggestions for the best choice?

 

[Reloadron]

I have sets in .308 Winchester and .223 Remington, thought I had a set in 30-06 but don't see them around. Anyway, I happen to have RCBS and the sets I have are at least 20 years old left over from the gun shop. Can't believe what they cost today. Anyway, I happen to have RCBS but really, pick your poison, they all do about the same thing. I will add that when using precision seating dies make sure you have done everything else like uniform trimming, sorting headstamps and so forth as you want quality brass and you want it uniform. Choose a brand you feel will work for you. May want to use CCI BR-2 or CCI BR-4 primers too.

Oh yeah, I also use them on an old single stage Rockchucker press. Works for me.

You may as well aslo get into precision mic sets also....

Ron

 

[Morrey]

Did you note the RCBS Gold micrometer seating die is $100 for that one die alone? And the other premium dies aren't far behind....

Yes, I have been a bit obsessive about sorting headstamps, etc. I have long passed the days when shooting a group that fits in the size of an orange at 100 yards works for me.

 

[25-5]

About 18 months ago I did a lot of research on this for .308. I decided on the Forster, and have been extremely happy. The bullet is seated perfectly straight. If I change from A-max to SMK it's just a twist of the dial. About $73.00 at Midway.

 

[Blue68f100]

The Redding Competition seating die has an outer body sleeve that just a hair larger than sized brass (like a checker) to ensure the bullet is seated straight. This is to minimize run out. You can get a complete die set for just under $100.

 

[Morrey]

My other question: One bullet I load has a very long profile with a streamlined secant ogive. I am having to work a serious angle to get the bullet and case into the die. Does one of the dies have a cutout to put a bullet in place? Does an addition of a bullet loading window (meaning cutting out material to create the port) compromise the strength of the die?

 

[Rule3]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=500921

 

[Steve in PA]

I've been using the RCBS Competition Seater Die for precision .223 reloads in my Savage 12FV and have no complaints or issues.

 

[25-5]

I think RCBS has the loading port. Although I like their product, it is the reviews on this aspect of the die that I chose not to use it.
If I have a long bullet I just nose it up into the die and lower into the case mouth. This has happened a few times in all the years, but have not experienced it with the Forster. BTW the sleeve has a retainer spring that is pushed up by the shell plate.
I load 168 gr A-Max and SMK without problem. I just took a look and there is about 1 1/8" clearance from bottom of die to case rim.

 

[taliv]

the redding and forster are solid. I recently purchased the sinclair/LEwilson micrometer top seater that i think is supposed to be .0005 graduations, but it could be .005 for all i care. i don't really spin it around much. sure makes accurate ammo though. i have loaded about 750 rounds of 6.5x47L with it now and shot about 540 rounds. (see my barrel break in thread for results)

i am a big fan of the arbor press and hand dies.

 

[Walkalong]

For 6 PPC in my Bench gun I used a small press and a custom bushing style FL sizer, along with an arbor press and a Neil Jones bushing style seater.

For .308 in my FN-SPR I tried both a Forster Micrometer seater in my LNL and a Wilson hand die with my arbor press for seating. Both seated ammo that ended up at .0025 or less (You must start off with straight brass). Since using the threaded Forster and the LNL is much easier, I use it. Both worked great. I believe the play in the bushing set up (Lets it center up), the quality die, and the fact I was only seating and nothing else led to the success. I shoot no where near the level that taliv does.

 

[Reloadron]

As a footnote the RCBS Competition FL Die Set .308 Winchester does not use a standard #3 shell holder but rather uses a RCBS #X3 shell holder. Anyone taking the RCBS direction mat want to remember that. The .223 Remington is not an issue and uses a standard shell holder but the .308 Winchester requires the special #X3.

Ron

 

[fotheringill]

I have the RCBS Competion die set. I just replaced it with the Redding Competition dies.

1. The RCBS does have the window and it is convenient. For .223, the lock ring has to be screwed all the way up to the top of the die to lock on my Rock Chucker Supreme. I found the micrometer to be sloppy and variations in the base to ogive measurement after seating. I decided to replace it.

2. Redding is less convenient, having to balance the bullet on the mouth before raising the ram. Seating more consistent (perfect, actually) with the Redding and the micrometer measurement is spot on each and every time.

 

[WelshShooter]

I use the Forster bench rest die set for 6.5x47L which is good enough for me, $83 for the full length sizer and the seating die (non-micrometer) is a good deal for a high quality set of dies.
(http://www.midwayusa.com/product/262000/forster-bench-rest-2-die-set-65x47mm-lapua)

You could always buy the micrometer seating die and the full length sizer die separately for an overall cost of $109.98 (exc. shipping) which is also a good price. If you really want the best case life you could add a neck bushing die for $59 giving you a three die set total of $168.98 which is cheaper than some of the other three die sets offered by other companies.
(http://www.midwayusa.com/product/515289/forster-ultra-micrometer-seater-die-65x47mm-lapua)
(http://www.midwayusa.com/product/854797/forster-bench-rest-full-length-sizer-die-65x47mm-lapua)
(http://www.midwayusa.com/product/72...-neck-sizer-die-with-3-bushings-65x47mm-lapua)