Which Seating Die?

[Pinecone]

I am considering getting a micrometer seating die.

But the age old questions, which one, and why.

Redding? Forster? Whidden? RCBS? Any others?

 

[sierracharlie338]

Depending on the caliber, good luck I've had a RCBS on back order for almost six months now.







Sierracharlie out....

 

[oldfatguy]

Have had good results with a Forster in 260 Rem. Redding in 308 and 223 are good also. No experience with the others.

OFG

 

[LawnMM]

I have an RCBS competition seater with the bullet window, I like that die. Just ordered some 338LM dies from redding including a micrometer seating die so I'll find out soon with that one.

I would think any die from a major brand with a micrometer seating adjustment will do fine

 

[thrusty]

Which caliber and what is your goal? You looking for benchrest accuracy/consistency or do you just want a mic on top a die to aid in tuning the seating depth quicker?

I had a RCBS micrometer seating die for about an hour...they looked cheap and poorly machined. Replaced it with a Redding and have been completely satisfied. I feel that you can also get the same quality at a lower price with the Forster dies.

I also have a set of Hornady Match Grade dies for my 6.5Creedmoor....didn't originally come with the micrometer, but I added it on for $25 more and am just as happy with this particular die as I am with the .308 Redding.
Hornady Microjust Seating Stem

 

[thrusty]

Another option if you just want a micrometer on top of a regular die (Redding) you can get the addons...much like I did with the Hornady die.

Redding Bullet Seating Micrometer #9080 (308 Winchester 30-06

 

[Pinecone]

This will be for .308 to fine tune seating depth.

Thanks.

Yes, I noticed everything out of stock.

 

[Paulyr450]

I have the rcbs in 223 and the redding in 308,260 and 243. Like already stated the reding is better made but i think there is two different rcbs models. There is a new gold edition but i dont know what the difference is. I recently just got the master hunter redding die set for my 308 and it was not on backorder but it does not have the bushing sizer die. I use it to load for a gas gun so i just use the normal full length sizer.

 

[red hawk]

I have the redding seating die, and really enjoy using it. It is very well made. The redding die hold the case while you are seating the bullet, which give you very little run out.

 

[JGorski]

I have the redding seating die, and really enjoy using it. It is very well made. The redding die hold the case while you are seating the bullet, which give you very little run out.

Indeed, the Reddings do hold the body while you seat the bullet, got one of Tubb's modified 308 stem Redding micrometer seater die for the 6xc, also works for the 6 Creed, only problem is his machinist people forgot to modify the seater plug, so I sent the seater back for one thats modified, as it was I wasnt getting good runout for every round I seated but that probably had something to do with the unmodified seater plug. Ill let you all know how it truly works when I get it back.

 

[buffybuster]

Forster and Redding get my money.

Whidden might be worth a look. I have a couple of his FL bushing dies which are nice. No experience with his seaters.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

I've got a Redding Comp seater for 7RM, a Forster Micro Seater for 338LM and I use two of the Hornady Micro Seating stems on 223, 22-250 and 308 Hornady seating dies and they all work well.

Chris

 

[bh-ltr]

I've had very good luck with the forester and the redding. But if I had to choose between the two it would certainly be the Forester.

~Brett

Edit:
I should clarify. I've tested with 25 rounds in each and all of them were within .001" when measured to ogive. However there was a bit less average runout on the forester. Also when you take the dies apart to clean them the Forester is clearly a better design and the bigger knob makes it a bit easier to use. Its also easier to zero.

 

[buffybuster]

I've had very good luck with the forester and the redding. But if I had to choose between the two it would certainly be the Forester.

~Brett

Edit:
I should clarify. I've tested with 25 rounds in each and all of them were within .001" when measured to ogive. However there was a bit less average runout on the forester. Also when you take the dies apart to clean them the Forester is clearly a better design and the bigger knob makes it a bit easier to use. Its also easier to zero.

Ditto. Both Redding and Forster function nicely and are premium dies but the Forster is a bit better designed.

 

[Fuzzball]

lf all you want is a "micrometer" top, any of them will be fine. I don't know anything about Widdin's but if you want better ammo get Forster or Redding.

 

[FN in MT]

I've got one of the add on Redding, VLD contour micrometer seaters I use for .308 win. It is VERY easy to make minor adjustments or change from one length to another with precision.

I need a set of 6.5 x 47 Lapua dies and have really not given the Forster dies any thoughts. It's apparent several of you here hold the Forster dies in high regard. And they are a lot cheaper than the Redding dies too.

Any comments appreciated.

 

[lightman]

I've had the RCBS competition seater, the original Bonanza, and the Redding. Have not owned the Hornady. They all worked fine. The only advantage that I have found with the micrometer top is the ability to make repeatable adjustments. I usually make up a dummy round, or have a loaded round to use for a guide, so the micrometer top is mostly just a cool looking gadget. The part that supports the case and bullet is the important part. Lightman

 

[sakobob]

having the redding and just getting the forster my next one will also be another forster, for all the reasons bh-ltr stated.

 

[haroldwilson]

I have two of the Whidden micrometer seaters and two f/l sizers. They are really nice dies. The micrometer is pretty damn precise. If they show they are out, call them and they will tell you how long before they are ready. It wasn't a long wait for me. They were ready the following week. Super people to deal with.

 

[cacoltguy]

I've had very good luck with the forester and the redding. But if I had to choose between the two it would certainly be the Forester.

~Brett

Edit:
I should clarify. I've tested with 25 rounds in each and all of them were within .001" when measured to ogive. However there was a bit less average runout on the forester. Also when you take the dies apart to clean them the Forester is clearly a better design and the bigger knob makes it a bit easier to use. Its also easier to zero.

My experience is the same. I owned a Redding and had parts break on the inside of it. I replaced it with a Forster Ultra Micrometer Seating Die and never looked back. I now have one for every rifle caliber I reload. It seems better designed to me as well and I like the larger knob with larger spaces between numbered increments. Forster is also less money.

 

[427Cobra]

I got a Forster and some Reddings, I perfer the Redding, IMHO it's better made, and the marks are way easier to read, but the Forster seats pills just as well and is cheaper, I have no experience with the Whidden.

 

[FN in MT]

As always...the knowledge base here is outstanding. Thanks gentleman for the replies. I'll give the Forster dies a shot.

FN in MT

 

[Pinecone]

I ended up ordering the Whidden.

I could not find the Forster in stock, and ordering direct, it was about the same price as the Whidden.

I called Whidden and they had two in stock, now one.

I will report when I get it and use it.

Thanks.