micrometer seating die

[tcr1146]

Gentlemen: I have loaded off and on for 45+ years for both rifle and pistol! Although I never got so far as bench rest, I always strived for max accuracy from my varmint rifles and even deer rifles. I have always used stand rcbs seating dies. I would like to graduate to the micrometer seating dies for 4 varmint rifles of 222 cal, 22-250 (2 different rifles) and a 22.250 ack improved. Do I have to buy separate seating dies for each or will one micrometer die work for all? Thanks, Tom

 

[fguffey]

All of my seating dies are micro adjust. I use a height/depth micrometer to measure the height of the seating stem above the die, then zero. I have Gold Medal and competition RCBS seating dies. To save money I purchased die bodies then checked to see how many small parts had to be added to seat bullets in different calibers. In the old days one die body was sold with seating stems to cover a wide range of seating jobs.

F. Guffey

 

[Lapua40X]

My experience with micrometer seating dies has convinced me that they are not worth the investment.
No two bullets are identical so they are addressed by the seating stem differently. That means I have to cull my bullets in order to get the same results within the tolerance variables of the die in any single set of loads.
I've found that if I cull my bullets and take the little extra time required to set my Wilson seating die to the seating depth I want the results are well within what one might reasonably expect.
Just sayin ...... ;D

 

[quartermaster]

To me, they are well worth the investment. You don't have to go up and down guessing where you are. Measure once and adjust and mine are right on the money, no matter what bullet I am using.

As far as their adaptability to other calibers, that would depend on the manufacturer of your dies. A call would get your answer quickly. Years and years ago when I used to use Hornady dies. They had a micrometer head that was interchangeable with all their seating dies.

QM

 

[SmokinJoe]

IMO, you would be best served with at least 2 dies, one for the 222 & another for the 22-250 cals. You can buy either standard Wilson die & something like a Sinclair micro top, or just buy the Wilson SS micro die complete. Rusting is a problem with standard Wilson dies if you are in a humid climate (I am), so the SS dies may be the way to go. If you are a real anal type person, get separate dies for each chambering, then you can set 'em & forget 'em until you change bullets or the throat wears to the point of needing to seat the bullets out a little more.

 

[justinp61]

I use a RCBS micrometer seating die for my 22-250. When I started loading for 260 Remington I bought a new stem, bullet guide and use the same body and micrometer. I think the 222 and 22-250 use different bodies. The micrometer, seater stem and bullet guide are the same.

 

[zipollini]

I use this on all my Wilson seating dies.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/reloading-dies/replacement-parts-amp-upgrades/sinclair-l-e-wilson-micrometer-seater-top-prod36021.aspx

 

[Joe R]

Lapua40X said:
My experience with micrometer seating dies has convinced me that they are not worth the investment.
No two bullets are identical so they are addressed by the seating stem differently. That means I have to cull my bullets in order to get the same results within the tolerance variables of the die in any single set of loads.
I've found that if I cull my bullets and take the little extra time required to set my Wilson seating die to the seating depth I want the results are well within what one might reasonably expect.
Just sayin ...... ;D

Nailed it.

 

['Freak]

Are you thinkin’ a conventional 7/8”–14 threaded seater die and adding to it the convenience of micrometer depth adjustment by its lonesome? Or, buying a new seater with both the micrometer adjustment and with a sliding chamber guiding the case body and neck so it’s concentric with the bullet throughout the process?

Then there is the Wilson chamber like straight-line seater dies that would be used on an arbor press if using a press? They can be had without micrometer or comes with a Wilson micrometer or add a Sinclair micrometer later or a really nice one that comes with an ever fancier Sinclair micrometer with .0005” clicks.