Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

[coues7]

I'm reloading on a Forster Co-Ax using the Redding Competition Seating Dies with the micrometer. I'm using Berger VLD bullets and I've ordered the VLD stem. The problem I has is that literally every time I "make" a round I have to adjust the micrometer up or down to get the same OAL (measured from base of case to Ogive). All measurements are taken using the Hornady Lock-n-load bullet comparator.....is everyone else having to constantly adjust the micrometer to get a consistent OAL measurement? I should note that I'm using the Forster locking rings so there shouldn't be a whole lot of slop. This gets to be fairly irritating when I'm trying to produce any amount of ammo.

 

[Tomekeuro85]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

How much are they varying? Perhaps your caliper is inconsistent? Something is loose?

Thats about all I can think of...

 

[Sonic Crack]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

I have the comp seaters for 308 and 22-250 in a T7. the only time ive had some Inconsistancy is switching to different bullets. but it has always calmed down after a few rounds. maybe something is the seater is jacked up? are u loading compressed rounds? I know Redding says not to with the comp seaters

 

[Sonic Crack]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coues7</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm reloading on a Forster Co-Ax using the Redding Competition Seating Dies with the micrometer. I'm using Berger VLD bullets and I've ordered the VLD stem. The problem I has is that literally every time I "make" a round I have to adjust the micrometer up or down to get the same OAL (measured from base of case to Ogive). All measurements are taken using the Hornady Lock-n-load bullet comparator.....is everyone else having to constantly adjust the micrometer to get a consistent OAL measurement? I should note that I'm using the Forster locking rings so there shouldn't be a whole lot of slop. This gets to be fairly irritating when I'm trying to produce any amount of ammo.</div></div> You ordered the VLD stem or are u using the VLD stem and having the problems?

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

Buy a set of die rings that fit the coax press.

Forster or Sinclair come to mind, eliminate the the play, or give?
Use the set screw to them hold it in place.
I know this and I hate the press!

 

[madd0c]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

How much variation? It is not uncommon even with Bergers to have +-.002 variance in OAL. The ogive should be more consitent, but will still have slight variation.
The question about compressed loads is also important, and you aren't camming over on the seating are you?

madd0c

 

[coues7]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

No compresses load, +-0.05....I have the set screw set on the nut.

 

[VKC]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

Sound obvious but make sure everything is tightened down. Otherwise it could be variations in your press pull.

 

[Mutt]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)


Also verify your calipers are clean and that the ALUMINUM insert of the bullet comparator is in good clean shape with no dings, gouges, warps etc.
Still .050" is a mile of variance! Try the new plug and if that and all else fails dig out your receipt and call Redding.

What caliber is this for, coues?
I ask because I have heard of people needing to replace their plugs for a VLD plug but both of my Redding comp seaters (300 WinMag and 300 WBY Mag) haven't had this problem. I'm wondering if the magnum size seaters already have a VLD plug or...?

 

[Mutt]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

Also...not to question your skill level in any way...but verify the die is set up properly. IIRC the die bottom should not contact the shell plate. I don't know if it's enough to F your results up by that much but Redding says it <span style="font-style: italic">can</span> screw up your die.
Shucks, you're varying by .050". what do you stand to lose at this point by taking it all apart, clean it up, gently lap the inside of the plugs contact area, put on a new ring (crossbolt style) reassemble and start from scratch!

 

[gvanhyning]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

I have the exact same setup except I no longer use the "S" jaws. Things I would check is the surface below the "S" jaws to insure it's clean. Next I would disassemble, clean, and lube the seating die. I have experienced this on occasion and it's always been one of the two mention. I eliminated one when I got rid of the "S" jaws. Hope this helps.

 

[noz455sd]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

I use a Bonanza press and redding comp seater with forster lock rings with berger bullets and measurements are always dead on...I have the stoney point which is the same as hornady with old digital RCBS calipers....You have a gremlin in your setup some where

 

[Coletta]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

The first thing that came to mind when I read this was inconsistent bullet points Try to measue the bullet lengths to see how they vary. My seating dies do not contact the very tip of the bullet. Hope this helps

 

[coues7]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

I've verified that everything is clean. I am using the "s" jaws but I think that is one of the great things about the Co-Ax.....I think the "s" jaws give the you the "free floating" not the slot for the lock nut.

The only think I haven't done is to sort bullets by meaning base to ogive and/or bearing surface distance.

 

[John_M]

Re: Redding Competition Seating Dies (Adjustments)

What Mutt and others have said +1.

I am embarrassed to admit that when first setting up my Redding Competition Seater Die I did not PRECISELY FOLLOW their instructions. So, here goes: An easily overlooked step is to be certain the bottom of the DIE BODY contacts the shell holder (in this position the spring loaded SLIDING SLEEVE will be fully compressed and will be inside the die). Then UNSCREW THE DIE just enough so the GRADUATED CALIPER is on the front of the die. This adjustment will leave a slight amount of clearance between the die body and the Co-Ax's shell holder.

I also use the Co-Ax press w/Redding Competition Seater Dies and have had no noticeable variations in seating depth. I have experimented using die rings from Forster, Lyman, and Hornady with my Co-Ax and as long as the die is initially set up with the SAME RING one uses to seat bullets, the seating depth will be very consistent.

Just my experience. John_M