Seating Die Issues.....

[PinesAndProjectiles]

I think I already know the answer to my question, but I'm going to ask anyways.

I'm running the RCBS Comp FL die set and trying to seat some bullets.

I put the die in the Coax, and no matter what I do, I can't get my OAL less than 2.885"

The inside dimension of my mag is 2.901"

I'd like to get down to about 2.870 so I'd have a little more clearance in the mag.

Is the only option to cut off the end of the seating die, to allow more travel in the press, which would allow a shorter OAL?

Or, am I missing something?

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Maybe a different seating stem?

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

Maybe a different seating stem?

I've taken this one apart trying to figure out how to extend it.

I could use a longer bolt and put a spacer between the dial part and the stem, making it "longer," but it may not be concentric after this.

 

[KnowNothing256]

But do they have different stems for VLD bullets? Some do.

And I’d talk to the manufacturer before cutting the die, that seems like you’re missing something or something’s wrong.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

What caliber? I dont know anything about the RCBS so I Just watched a video and they have an extended shell holder for the smaller 308 cases. Is that still a thing?

 

[Precision Underground]

Make sure the stem isn’t just turning/backing out as you screw the micrometer down. The Forster will do this if the stem isn’t locked with the jam nut. Not sure if the RCBS has something similar.

 

[KnowNothing256]

Make sure the stem isn’t just turning/backing out as you screw the micrometer down. The Forster will do this if the stem isn’t locked with the jam nut. Not sure if the RCBS has something similar.

Can personally confirm the Forster die does this

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

What caliber? I dont know anything about the RCBS so I Just watched a video and they have an extended shell holder for the smaller 308 cases. Is that still a thing?

It's for 308.

The Comp FL die set does come with the extended shell holder, but it won't work with the Forster.

I should have mentioned this.

 

[Cr1775]

It's for 308.

The Comp FL die set does come with the extended shell holder, but it won't work with the Forster.

I should have mentioned this.

Get a press that you can use extended shell holder or a different die that doesn't need one

 

[Precision Underground]

It's for 308.

The Comp FL die set does come with the extended shell holder, but it won't work with the Forster.

I should have mentioned this.

The video shows the extended shell holder being used for 308 as it goes into the die and allows you to seat deeper. That’s what you need to use.

 

[powerspc]

You need to adjust the depth of the seating stem by using an allen key in the top of the die (you'll see a hole on top). Turn it clockwise to lower it; the key should have been provided with the die.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

You need to adjust the depth of the seating stem by using an allen key in the top of the die (you'll see a hole on top). Turn it clockwise to lower it; the key should have been provided with the die.

I see what you're saying, but there's nothing to "lock" the stem in place after adjusting the cap screw, so OAL would start to vary after a few rounds.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

The video shows the extended shell holder being used for 308 as it goes into the die and allows you to seat deeper. That’s what you need to use.

I don't have another press as I sold them after buying the Coax.

I may have to cut the die down.

 

[powerspc]

I see what you're saying, but there's nothing to "lock" the stem in place after adjusting the cap screw, so OAL would start to vary after a few rounds.

You know what, I'm totally wrong anyway I think. I was confusing RCBS with Redding, I'm not sure with RCBS how to solve. Sorry!

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

Using the extended shell holder would work.

I didn't realize it actually slides into the seating die when seating bullets.

Dammit. Anybody want to buy a set of dies?

 

[Precision Underground]

I don't have another press as I sold them after buying the Coax.

I may have to cut the die down.

Just buy a different die. You can get a Forster micrometer for less than $100 or a Lee for $30. I have some Lee dies and have no issue with them. You’ll hear people say they are cheap or no good but the couple that I have make 1/2 MOA ammo just like the more expensive dies.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

I found a Forster Coax Conversion plate that will allow the use of a standard shell holder.

It's less than a set of dies with shipping so I'm going to give it a try. I already have a #2 shell holder so I'm set there.

According to this thread, it seems to work well and leaving the shell plate screws just a little loose allows the plate to float and it helps eliminate any concentricity issues.

 

[Cr1775]

I found a Forster Coax Conversion plate that will allow the use of a standard shell holder.

View attachment 7599304

It's less than a set of dies with shipping so I'm going to give it a try. I already have a #2 shell holder so I'm set there.

According to this thread, it seems to work well and leaving the shell plate screws just a little loose allows the plate to float and it helps eliminate any concentricity issues.

G