Lee seating die problem

[charlie b]

I would do two things to the Lee seat die.

First, the seat stem is undersize. Considered a 'feature' to have a 'floating' seating stem, it really just introduces more runout for me. Either make a new stem that fits the dia of the die or put a 'bushing' on the factory stem. I found a specific dia of brass or Al tubing works (don't remember which dia).

Second, as mentioned by several others, the stem is not made for VLD bullets. As a minimum, drill out the inside (I also used a taper reamer after drilling). Best is to use JB Weld to custom fit the stem to your bullets.

I also would buy the micrometer adjustment head from Lee as well. Makes adjusting seating depth MUCH easier.

Last, when I get 'serious' with a cartridge I just buy a quality seat die, Redding, Forster, Wilson.

 

[Steve Donlon]

Allen, I would do what charlie b advised and at some point get a better seating die from the above companies. They cost much more but it's a good upgrade if you what to make better reloads. Just have to bite the bullet and start somewhere.

 

[Murray Brook]

The Lee Dead length bullet seater die with the micrometer top is probably the best seater die that comes in a standard die set when properly set up and very close to the better ones like Foster, Redding etc. In the tests I've done run-out is within .0005-.001 of the other dies. JME

 

[Leo_B]

I would write Lee and tell them what's going on and solicit their input. They are responsive and helpful. Might surprise.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

I paid for a custom seating plug for vmax with my 223 AI. You can search my posts to see my experience sith the lee dies. It was annoying, but it works great now. Infact, I think the the BTO variation is less than my forster micrometer dies or Hornady. I think its because the lee die is designed for the press to cam over.