VLD Micrometer Seating Die?

[J. W.]

Can’t find one. Am I not looking hard enough or do I have to buy the die and VLD style micrometer separately? I’m not sure how much those seating rings on the bullets really matter for distances I typically shoot, but I’d feel better doing things the right way.

 

[TheOfficeT-Rex]

Generally, yes. Both Hornady and Whidden have extra stems you can add to match bullet profile.

Or just spring for the SAC. That thing seems to fit everything IME

 

[ZA206]

Redding also has extra VLD stems

 

[r.tenorio671]

Can’t find one. Am I not looking hard enough or do I have to buy the die and VLD style micrometer separately? I’m not sure how much those seating rings on the bullets really matter for distances I typically shoot, but I’d feel better doing things the right way.

..what dies are you currently using? Check if the brand you currently have offers just the micrometer top. My Hornady micrometer adjuster came with the VLD stem that is for the A-MAX, ELD-M, ELD-X, CX series of bullets in 6MM/.243 caliber. I've used it with Berger VLD Target, Berger Classic Hunter, Hornady V-MAX, ELD-M, ELD-X and Nosler RDF, Varmageddon projectiles with no issues.

 

[J. W.]

..what dies are you currently using?

RCBS standard die set.

 

[r.tenorio671]

...the complete seating die can be bought separately, Brownell's has a large selection of brands available.

...if you have multiple calibers to load for and cost concerns, might want to look at the Frankford Arsenal kit...

 

[CK1.0]

The stock Forester micrometer seating stem works with VLD's:

Bench Rest® Ultra Micrometer Seater Die – Forster Products

Order according to the profile of the specific cartridge. U00002,U00004,U00007,U00010,U00013,U00017,U00016,U00019,U00022,U00023,U00200,U00025,U00028,U00031,U002

www.forsterproducts.com

 

[spife7980]

RCBS standard die set.

This whats happening?

Do this with some lapping or valve grinding compound over two or three bullets and youll lessen it to hopefully no longer be noticeable.
2-300 grit is much quicker than 800 which would take forever.

 

[J. W.]

This whats happening?
View attachment 8062870
Do this with some lapping or valve grinding compound over two or three bullets and youll lessen it to hopefully no longer be noticeable.
2-300 grit is much quicker than 800 which would take forever.
View attachment 8062871

Damn. Not nearly that bad, more like a slight scuff mark. I’m honestly more concerned about getting even seating pressure on the bullet than I am about bullet damage, but that’s not a horrible idea. Although unless you have a mini lathe, I’m not sure how you’d guarantee exact alignment between the bullet and stem.

 

[J. W.]

The stock Forester micrometer seating stem works with VLD's:

Bench Rest® Ultra Micrometer Seater Die – Forster Products

Order according to the profile of the specific cartridge. U00002,U00004,U00007,U00010,U00013,U00017,U00016,U00019,U00022,U00023,U00200,U00025,U00028,U00031,U002

www.forsterproducts.com

Cool. I think that’s basically what I was looking for.

 

[spife7980]

Damn. Not nearly that bad, more like a slight scuff mark. I’m honestly more concerned about getting even seating pressure on the bullet than I am about bullet damage, but that’s not a horrible idea. Although unless you have a mini lathe, I’m not sure how you’d guarantee exact alignment between the bullet and stem.

It’s spinning in a circle and will naturally self center itself to the lowest position taking off the high points with a loose grip. Just polishing it up basically.

If you mounted it in a lathe with both the part and tool holding rigid then you would want to worry about concentricity should you move the tool laterally an appreciable amount but even then it would require you being really bad at it to make a measureable effect on a seating stem lol

Too many people have success with basically no failures that I’ve heard of for you to worry too much about what you can mess up doing so.