Multiple die sets for multiple bullet loads.. (same caliber)

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As usual, I’m the dissenting opinion - I have 8 sets of 38spcl/357mag which I recall, 3 sets of 44mag, and at least 6 sets of 223/5.56. I have 2 sets for 6 creed, and have multiple seating caps for my Wilson dies to correspond with different bullets or COALs for use in different rifles.

Dummy rounds work and are less expensive - and I keep dummies for everything - but multiple die sets aren’t expensive either compared to the volume of ammo they make. I detest resetting dies, and loathe the idea of inviting any form of variation into my loads from one batch to the next, whether it’s notable on target or not. I reload for a purpose, not for pleasure, so my load development activities all point one direction - find a load which suits the need, and make that load. I am more motivated to buy multiple powered case trimmers and multiple powder dispensers (A&D’s) to allow me to leave each set up for specific loads than I am motivated to save money on seating and sizing dies. Hell, I’ve been hunting for another Bald Eagle priming press (discontinued) so I don’t even have to reset my priming press to change from large to small, or from one cartridge to the next...

I’m not implying it’s the right process for anyone else, and honestly don’t care anyone’s opinion on the matter. I’ve been reloading for over 25 years and have pressed literally millions of rounds on tens of thousands of dollars of different equipment. I know what I want - and “resetting gear” isn’t something I want.
 
Several years ago i realized i had a problem keeping the various calibers( i load 5) sizing , crimping die etc. seperate from each other so bought the lee classic turret, removed the auto indexer and bought 5 more additional 4 hole quick change turrets. Marked each quick change turret with caliber and populated with applicable dies. Just grab the correct turret out of the storage box and slap in the lee turret press and good to go. I still check the first completed round col with a mic just in case. I also drop it into the Lyman ammo checker block for go no go.
 
A way without spending money is to have dummy rounds loaded as suggested by Varminterror, it works.

Another way not spending money is to take your 6" calipers (I prefer dial one for this) and measure the top of the seating stem to the bottom of the die with whatever your seating depth is for a particular bullet. You note that measurement on a recipe card with the length and the bullet noted. Keep the card in the die box. All you do is loosen the seating spindle and adjust the spindle with your calipers to the recorded length. Works great. Doesn't take long to do and it beats the Dummy round method since you go to the precise measurement noted.

This works for most dies, depending on how the seating spindle is designed.
 
FLIGHT762 said:
Another way not spending money is to take your 6" calipers (I prefer dial one for this) and measure the top of the seating stem to the bottom of the die with whatever your seating depth is for a particular bullet. You note that measurement on a recipe card with the length and the bullet noted. Keep the card in the die box. All you do is loosen the seating spindle and adjust the spindle with your calipers to the recorded length. Works great. Doesn't take long to do and it beats the Dummy round method since you go to the precise measurement noted.
Click to expand...

Snap!.. dim light just got brighter. Going to use this now and in a few sessions should see results. Great idea.

Thanks! Love this hobby
 
Erief0g said:
Snap!.. dim light just got brighter. Going to use this now and in a few sessions should see results. Great idea.

Thanks! Love this hobby
Click to expand...

Yeah, I was sitting at my reloading bench one day and was loading .38 Spl. to cannelure and to W/C length. I have the old(1970's) RCBS seating die with a long spindle. I looked at the spindle and looked at my calipers in my hand and "POW" the 100W lightbulb lit up above my head. Second thought was, why didn't I think of this years ago?
 
I do not find adjusting the seater die a time consuming task even if they are not micrometer adjuster seaters. But, I tend to not change bullets very often. Once I find a bullet that I like, I buy a large quantity of them.

The exception to the above, I have a seater die set up for 38 wadcutters. I shoot enough of them that it is beneficial to have a dedicated seater die.

With bottle neck rifle cartridges, all my seater dies have micrometer adjusters on them and I record the seater stem setting.
 
FLIGHT762 said:
A way without spending money is to have dummy rounds loaded as suggested by Varminterror, it works.

Another way not spending money is to take your 6" calipers (I prefer dial one for this) and measure the top of the seating stem to the bottom of the die with whatever your seating depth is for a particular bullet. You note that measurement on a recipe card with the length and the bullet noted. Keep the card in the die box. All you do is loosen the seating spindle and adjust the spindle with your calipers to the recorded length. Works great. Doesn't take long to do and it beats the Dummy round method since you go to the precise measurement noted.

This works for most dies, depending on how the seating spindle is designed.
Click to expand...

I do this for setting the powder charge on my Uniflow, been working just fine for 40 years. Never found the need for the micrometer thingy.
 
I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer, I was simply suggesting a cheap, simple and accurate alternative.

That said I have 2 1050’s, 2 650 and 2 SD’s just set up for different 45 ACP and 9mm loads and other presses and dies for testing or “special” stuff for them, in other presses. It’s nice to just be able to roll the chair down the bench and start loading but it’s a luxury my wife might call a waste, if she didn’t have a closet of shoes.

The arbor shim is another method that’s fairly easy, cheap and accurate. <$14 shipped for an assortment of 19, down to the thousandth.

https://www.amazon.com/Steel-Arbor-Assortment-1008-1010-Chemistry/dp/B002BXRDKY
 
Mr. Walkalong, as usual, has it right about same caliber multiple die sets. Here are five identical, same caliber, in-line seating dies used with my 6PPC benchrest rifles. Each adjusted for different rifles and bullets. It is sometimes necessary to switch rifles during a match so it is smart strategy to have dies pre-agjusted and ready for use on short notice. DSC09853.JPG
 
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