Loading up some 73gr eld-m’s and the seating stems on both my Lee dies as well as my hornady’s leave a pretty significant ring in the ogive. They still shoot really good to 300 yards but I’m concerned it will be an issue at distance. Any fix for it?
Seating stem messing up bullet
- Thread starter ssteve
- Start date
Tried it but unless I get neck tension way too low it still does it. It’s a very fine ring, like the stem is only contacting a very very small part of the bullet causing too much pressure in one spot.
I had this issue even using 001 bushing less than loaded rd..then i found out the problem.it was a donut above shoulder..is this virgin brass?
I’d suggest a Forster micrometer seating die with VLD seating stem . As mentioned
above , excessive neck tension won’t help .
above , excessive neck tension won’t help .
I'm seeing the same thing with the 75gr ELDM. I suppose I should just turn a replacement seater on the lathe, but am surprised that (apparently) Redding are the only ones that offer a VLD type seater. Might be worth pinging Lee to see if they would make a batch of them.
I have been loading 75 ELD-M's with a forster micrometer seating die and it doesn't leave any marks on the bullets. I believe many others could confirm the same thing, and if it helps you justify the purchase, the forster bullet seater is very, very nice lol.
First, the ring may not be as much of an issue as suspected. Don't throw the flag until you actually see an accuracy issue at the longer distances. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If this is not satisfactory, see suggestion #2.
Second, contact Lee with the issue. I think it's fairly likely they can provide you with a more appropriate seater.
Finally, neck tension could be an issue, but I've found that it's not a big one until the case necks gain considerable work hardening.
Greg
Second, contact Lee with the issue. I think it's fairly likely they can provide you with a more appropriate seater.
Finally, neck tension could be an issue, but I've found that it's not a big one until the case necks gain considerable work hardening.
Greg
Is it a physical ring, like you can see it deformed the bullet? Or is it merely cosmetic?
You can get some lapping compound, chuck a bullet into a drill and then polish it a bit. If its just cosmetic where it only took off the luster I wouldnt worry about it.
You can get some lapping compound, chuck a bullet into a drill and then polish it a bit. If its just cosmetic where it only took off the luster I wouldnt worry about it.
I'm having the same problem with 77grSierra TMK bullets with a brand new Redding micrometer seating die. I feel better knowing I'm not the only one with that issue. I had no problem with my 40 year old scuzzy RCBS die set that I used to load blasting ammo for my AR15 in the past,so much for upgrading my dies!
I'm having the same problem with 77grSierra TMK bullets with a brand new Redding micrometer seating die. I feel better knowing I'm not the only one with that issue. I had no problem with my 40 year old scuzzy RCBS die set that I used to load blasting ammo for my AR15 in the past,so much for upgrading my dies!
I believe you will have to order a VLD seating stem for your Redding die... my buddy had the same issue...
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018136829/redding-competition-seating-die-vld-stem
A redding 223 comp seater would need the long stem
http://www.redding-reloading.com/images/charts2016/Redding_Competition-03-2018.pdf
Is your powder charge compressed? Sometimes with a full load of stick powder I get the ring around the bullet
Yes my powder load is compressed. So will the special seating stem be the fix? Off maybe just live with it ??
If youre compressed enough that the bullet jacket starts to deform then no, it wont to anything for you.
I see rings on compressed charges as well. I ended up doing a couple things to fix it. First a VLD stem, second I polished the inside of the stem a bit with a Dremel and some polishing compound. That helped a lot. I see shiny marks where the stem makes contact but it is far more subtle. If you use Forster dies they will polish the stem for you if you send them some bullets.
Hi Guys, I’m fairly new to reloading and noticed some significant ring marks on my eldm 308 projectiles on the ogive recently using a brand new Forster Micrometer searing die. I have no idea why this could be the case. I am however using brand new Lapua brass. Any thoughts
I sent my Forster Ultra seater back to them with sized cases and a few ELD-M (6.5) for them to tweak the seating stem. Mine was also leaving rings that I could feel on the bullet. Just got the die back and the tactile ring is gone. I’m still getting a ring mark but it’s just superficial and just shiny ie can’t feel anything.
@Jpatane17 Like posted above, you'll need a seating stem made for the high BC bullets like the ELDM or Berger VLD. The stock seating stem is generally made for bullets with a rounder ogive (secant) rather than the long pointy (tangent ogive) bullets. Call up Forster and let them know what is happening, and what bullet you're using. They should be able to fix you up easily.
Just wanted to bump this with a thanks. I have the Redding VLD stem in the comp die and was getting noticeable (probably just cosmetic rings) on 75 ElD match.
Spun the stem with Iosso and qTip and no more ring.
Now if I can conquer the seating depth variance (due I’m sure to the slightly compressed load) I’d be thrilled. About the only reliable way is to seat a tad short then reseat to perfection. Works, but time consuming.
