Least run-out/most accurate seating depth: Dillon vs Redding comp???

[Medic07]

I have been reloading for a few years now using my upgraded Dillon AT500 press (my first press) and am looking for a way to tighten up my .223 Remington 700vls grouping even more. I have found my "sweet spot" seating depth is .015 off the lands (I use a Hornady OAL guage and stony point comparator). Anyway, I have heard one of the best ways to tighten-up groups, presuming all else has been done correctly, is to reduce bullet run-out during the seating process. If I were to change out my original dillon seating die in exchange for a Redding comp seating die (with micrometer adjustment knob), would that be considered an upgrade or a downgrade...Is the Redding die more or less capable of producing bullets with tighter tolerances, i.e. less run-out and repeatable seating depths?
Thanks for any input!

 

[gotcha]

Hi Medic, Do you have a tool for measuring cartridge/bullet run-out?

 

[Medic07]

No, I don't have any tool capable of measuring run-out, accuratly...I was wondering if my current seating die (Dillon) could produce excessive run-out that could be a cause of occasional "flyers"...that's why I wanted any input from those who have used either of the dies and have knowledge of data for each/any of them...Or does once fired brass create run-out issues during the resizing step,if not properly trimmed, more-so than the seating process?

 

[Zia Hunter]

The Redding Competition Seating die will works well in my 550B tool head and have it installed for several calibers. I reload .223 on my Dillon and typically have runout in the range of .0005 to .0015 assuming of course that it is good quality brass. Most of the variation is a result of neck wall thickness. I installed an O-ring between the stem and the lock nut on the decapping rod which allows the rod to float. I measure runout with a Sinclair runout tool fitted with a Starrett digital indicator.

 

[M14AMU]

Wilson Inline Seating Tool!

http://www.lewilsondirect.com/chambertypebulletseater17caliber.aspx

 

[timeout]

+ 1 on the Wilson!

 

[amlevin]

Wilson Inline Seating Tool!

http://www.lewilsondirect.com/chambertypebulletseater17caliber.aspx

For use on a Dillon AT500 that uses a threaded die?????

 

[bozo699]

Wilson Inline Seating Tool!

http://www.lewilsondirect.com/chambertypebulletseater17caliber.aspx

For use on a Dillon AT500 that uses a threaded die?????

No!! they meant quit using the dillon and use a Wilson! Dillons are wonderful machines and when I want to blow up the world and load a lot of 44 mag or 9mm or even .223 for blasting I use it but when I am trying to put my bullets on paper in hopefully the smallest possible group I use a Wilson inline or custom inline seating die.
Wayne.

 

[sparky123321]

I would never use a progressive press for target or varmint ammo. I only use my progressive press for pistol and bulk AR ammo. All my long range rifle ammo is reloaded using an arbor press and Wilson neck and seating dies.

 

[chino1969]

For the most accurate seating with almost zero run out, Wilson hand dies will outshine any threaded die.

Something to consider; buying a Newlon threaded die blank. You will need a gunsmith with a lathe to ream the die but this will probably be the most accurate method to produce what you seek while keeping to a threaded die.

 

[Scott Harris]

To answer the OP's original question, yes, I believe the Redding seater is superior to the Dillon seater for precision loading. Don't own a Dillon seater, but it looks designed for bulk ammo manufacture.

Regarding the Redding vs Wilson and single-stage vs progressive press, I have done a lot of testing and concluded the Redding is a fine die as is the Dillon press. More info below:

Here is German's test: http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/2009/09/reloading-seating-die-runout.html The Redding die wins with the Wilson a close second. I did a similar test and both the Wilson and Redding performed identically / very well.

Also, I recently switched from a Redding Big Boss to a Dillon 550. Did extensive runout testing between a Harrells turret, Dillon 550, and Redding Big Boss before making this change. There was no difference in the sized case or seated bullet runout on these different presses. Now, I float all the dies, so that may help. But, my testing indicates the type of press makes little to no difference....assuming you are using a semi-decent model.

 

[Medic07]

Thanks for ALL the input, reviews, and ideas everybody! I think I will aslo get myself a master concentricity guage and test all aspects before and after I switch dies...I will post my own data for anyone's future referrence. Thanks again!

 

[gotcha]

Medico, A concentricity tool would be a great start! Had a concentricity problem w/ a brand name .223 seater recently. On a Whim bought the Dillon .223 seater ( used it in a rock chucker). Gauged run-out dropped from high of .003" to .004" down to avg of .0005" to .0015". measured at mid ogive. Just a personal thing but I'm leery of once fired brass. If it was fired in a SAW or M-16 its been put through the wringer. Spring for 100 rnds of new brass based on the evals done on .223 page @ this site. Be fastidious about prep & weigh sort. Put cartridges w/ high run-out aside & see what happens to accy./ consistency. I think you'll be pleasantly suprised.