RCBS die issue...solutions?

[K_4c]

I just purchased a RCBS small base seating die for my .308 OBR. After getting the die adjusted and examining some bullets, I noticed very small ring on the upper part of the bullet . I am assuming that is where the bullet meets the part of the die that holds the top of the bullet while the cartridge is being seated. Some show a full ring (168 AMAX mostly) and on others it is only in some places (168 SMK) around the bullet. I'm a little concerned with this issue as the said marks can hold up a pick/finger nail. I have been using Redding dies with no issues (bolt gun) but bought RCBS for the semi....

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[mattr25]

Re: RCBS die issue...solutions?

I have RCBS dies and they show the same marks but I cant feel mine. Are they compressed loads?

 

[K_4c]

Re: RCBS die issue...solutions?

Nope. I started at 42 grains of varget and went up in .5 grain increments to 44....

 

[K_4c]

Re: RCBS die issue...solutions?

To add to this issue... after loading the first of 25 AMAX loads I was very gentle on the press (pulled lightly on the press handle while seating the bullet) and tried to eliminate any undue stress/damage the die was doing to the bullet.

 

[FCS]

Re: RCBS die issue...solutions?

Try using your Redding seater, see if you get the same mark on bullet.

If you don't see the same mark on bullet then I'd call RCBS to see if they have a different seater stem that will match up better to ogive radius on the A-max. Or just seat with the Redding die.

 

[K_4c]

Re: RCBS die issue...solutions?

Thanks much. I'll give em both a shot.

 

[mattr25]

Re: RCBS die issue...solutions?

Did you clean the dies before using them. They put oil on the from the factory and it can cause dirt to stick to them.

 

[K_4c]

Re: RCBS die issue...solutions?

Yes. This is a perfect impression on the amax. I'm fairly certain McM LLC is correct about the Seater stem not meshing with the ogive on the amax and a little bit on the smk.

 

[judgedelta]

Re: RCBS die issue...solutions?

I saw a thread on here the other day about chucking your seater in a drill press, wrapping a piece of fine sandpaper around a dowel and smoothing the edge of the seater to fit the shape of the bullet better. My RCBS die makes the same mark on matchking bullets, but it has been said that this will make no difference downrange...

 

[K_4c]

Re: RCBS die issue...solutions?

Thanks for that bit of info. I'll give that a shot if need be (polish the Seater stem).