Micrometer seating die memory bullet weight

[Sigfla]

I was wondering what tips/tricks everyone is using to quick adjust your micrometer seating dies for different bullet weights of the same caliber. I have begun to take a close up pic of the die setting while recording what I need (grains, bullet make, Ogive) while including OAL in my phones note app. So far it’s been easy and consistent to swap between different bullets types by referencing my phone.

I try to record in my log as well but the picture I feel gives me more confidence in my ability to replicate the setting and is a nice visual reference

 

[a-dog]

If I'm switching between different bullet weights, brands, or lots in the same caliber, measure the base to ogive for each load and record that. When switching, set the seater long, measure, then adjust as needed. It's much easier to seat a bullet deeper than it is to pull, resize the neck, and seat again.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

I mark the tick and revolution in different colors that correspond to the bullet. Or, in my case, same bullet but one gun is mag length the other one is long since I single feed it.

 

[Fast14riot]

Sounds like you need to switch all your note keeping to digital. I did a few years ago, can add pics from my phone of targets, die settings, lot numbers, plus type in whatever I want and have access online anywhere.

Keeping notes is important. However you can make keeping notes easy, is more importanter, lol!

Cloud storage, thumb drive backup, airgap, raid drives, notebooks, binders, post-its, just keeping regular notes is so useful and however you do it is fine.

Don't worry about how others do it. Just do it and keep track.

 

[ELR LVR]

I was wondering what tips/tricks everyone is using to quick adjust your micrometer seating dies for different bullet weights of the same caliber. I have begun to take a close up pic of the die setting while recording what I need (grains, bullet make, Ogive) while including OAL in my phones note app. So far it’s been easy and consistent to swap between different bullets types by referencing my phone.

I try to record in my log as well but the picture I feel gives me more confidence in my ability to replicate the setting and is a nice visual reference

Use the depth gauge of your calipers
Top of Adjustment knob to a reference point - usually top of Die Lock Nut
---
Write on tape and apply to Die Box for different bullets

 

[Fast14riot]

Another thought, buy a second seating die. I have a seating die for each of my match rifles, even ones with the same chambering shooting the same bullet. If you dont go through multiple barrels a year it is pretty efficient. Even if you do, you only have to worry about 1 die.

 

[jimmymac]

I would measure the die in some fashion that is repeatable and record that dimension.

You may want to consider a Sinclair/Wilson arbor seater die if you like to test things and change bullets. An awesome feature of that die is the ease of recording it provides for exact and repeatable CBTO dimension when switching between bullets. I can switch bullets, bullet lots, etc. and dial right back to where I need it for any given barrel and bullet combo. Huge time saver and the micrometer top is dead nuts. Worth the cost of admission. Good luck to you.

 

[Steve Donlon]

I write on a piece of paper what the last bullet I seated was and leave it in the die box so I know where the die is set. Then I know how much I need to reset the die for a different bullet. I keep records because my memory is not the same as it was.

 

[Syncrowave]

If I'm switching between different bullet weights, brands, or lots in the same caliber, measure the base to ogive for each load and record that. When switching, set the seater long, measure, then adjust as needed.

That's pretty much exactly the same thing I do.
And I record all the data (BTO length, etc) by hand in my range/reloading notebook, since every time I trust an electronic gizmo (like a phone) with that info, it leaves me in the lurch. YMMV.

 

[Sigfla]

If I'm switching between different bullet weights, brands, or lots in the same caliber, measure the base to ogive for each load and record that. When switching, set the seater long, measure, then adjust as needed. It's much easier to seat a bullet deeper than it is to pull, resize the neck, and seat again.

Essentially right now that’s what I am doing. I go a few ticks over on my micrometer then measure and confirm. So far it’s been very consistent but I haven’t loaded huge lots.

 

[Sigfla]

I mark the tick and revolution in different colors that correspond to the bullet. Or, in my case, same bullet but one gun is mag length the other one is long since I single feed it.

Great idea

 

[Sigfla]

Another thought, buy a second seating die. I have a seating die for each of my match rifles, even ones with the same chambering shooting the same bullet. If you dont go through multiple barrels a year it is pretty efficient. Even if you do, you only have to worry about 1 die.

That solution is the best but also most $$, lol! With my T-7 I could set up 1 turret for each caliber with multiple seating dies per bullet. That could get expensive

 

[Fast14riot]

That solution is the best but also most $$, lol! With my T-7 I could set up 1 turret for each caliber with multiple seating dies per bullet. That could get expensive

Arbor dies are cheaper. For threaded the Hornady seating dies are nice without costing as much as a Redding comp seater. I generally don't shoot more than 2 bullets in a single gun, but I do have multiple guns in the same chambering and have a seating die for each gun.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

That solution is the best but also most $$, lol! With my T-7 I could set up 1 turret for each caliber with multiple seating dies per bullet. That could get expensive

Yeah serious thats expensive. Micrometer dies are so easy to adjust I cant see a need. I hate adjust sizing dies though. I would totally do 1 per gun.

 

[Hipshoot]

I make up dummy rounds with the BTO marked on the case with a Sharpie. Adjust the die to the dummy round, then back off 10/1000" then adjust down again to my BTO length.

Hip

 

[seagate]

I make up dummy rounds with the BTO marked on the case with a Sharpie. Adjust the die to the dummy round, then back off 10/1000" then adjust down again to my BTO length.

Hip

This has worked for years for me but the sharpie rubs off sometimes.

 

[Hipshoot]

This has worked for years for me but the sharpie rubs off sometimes.

I clean the case with Hoppes and rubbing alcohol first!

 

[seagate]

I clean the case with Hoppes and rubbing alcohol first!

THANKS.Ill try it