Bullets sticking in VLD stem

[Ned Ludd]

If you're using an expander mandrel that is .001" under caliber as a sizing step to set your neck tension (interference fit) after using a bushing or neck sizing die that sizes the necks slightly under the final diameter, you should have neck tension of ~.0015" due to spring-back of the brass. I would not consider that excessive in terms of your issue with the seater stem. Although you and others have already noted that Hornady suggests using their seating die stem with A-tips, it's probably worth re-iterating. I recall seeing Hornady's recommendation for the use of the special seating die stem when the A-tips first came out. At the time, I remember thinking it might be necessary so as not to damage the aluminum tip. However, your issue with bullets sticking and rings around the bullet noses suggests there may be another reason.

 

[Kratos]

If you're using an expander mandrel that is .001" under caliber as a sizing step to set your neck tension (interference fit) after using a bushing or neck sizing die that sizes the necks slightly under the final diameter, you should have neck tension of ~.0015" due to spring-back of the brass. I would not consider that excessive in terms of your issue with the seater stem. Although you and others have already noted that Hornady suggests using their seating die stem with A-tips, it's probably worth re-iterating. I recall seeing Hornady's recommendation for the use of the special seating die stem when the A-tips first came out. At the time, I remember thinking it might be necessary so as not to damage the aluminum tip. However, your issue with bullets sticking and rings around the bullet noses suggests there may be another reason.

Agree about springback. And yes, I think the geometry of the A-tips is pretty radical, with an absurdly long nose, and there are reports that the jackets may be unusually thin, so they may need special handling. But you can only use the Hornady stem with Hornady dies.

 

[Richard Coody]

In your case I suspect when you are seating your bullet it is expanding the neck and binding. If this is correct you probably notice greater seating force required to seat the bullets.

If you make a cast of the die and measure it and compare to your loaded neck diameter you will know

Neck turning could be the solution.

Or having Wilson make you a custom die from a dummy loaded round.

 

[Kratos]

In your case I suspect when you are seating your bullet it is expanding the neck and binding. If this is correct you probably notice greater seating force required to seat the bullets.

If you make a cast of the die and measure it and compare to your loaded neck diameter you will know

Neck turning could be the solution.

Or having Wilson make you a custom die from a dummy loaded round.

Now that’s an interesting idea. I should try reinserting a loaded round. I believe I’ve seen something similar with a Dasher die and I did end up having to turn the necks.

 

[hfinkle]

I use a Wilson micrometer seater and when I tighten the set screw too much the round doesn’t want to come out. If I back it off a bit they fall right out.