New Area 419 ZERO M-series sizing die

[jelenko]

Does having the die make 'hard' contact with the shell holder improve consistency of the shoulder set back?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Does having the die make 'hard' contact with the shell holder improve consistency of the shoulder set back?

Yes. It flexes the press more consistently

 

[xswanted]

I have their aluminum powder cup for the auto throw & auto trickler setup, and the damn handle is held in place with a single tiny hex head screw that is constantly coming loose. Forgive me for not being the biggest fan. View attachment 1392881

Dave

I would think some loctite would fix that.

I’ve not used one so I can’t comment but what I’ve owned from Area 419 is quite good stuff.

 

[Dave M.]

I would think some loctite would fix that.

I’ve not used one so I can’t comment but what I’ve owned from Area 419 is quite good stuff.

Lol. You’d think so, but it doesn’t. I’ve tried loctite blue, then loctite red. Eventually comes loose, which is odd because it sees zero vibration and very little stress. The handle should have two screws one on either side of the centerline, currently there is one screw in the center of the handle and has a propensity to rotate. I wish I could weld, I’d just weld the handle to the cup. But for $70, I should not have to weld or JB Weld the damn cup.

 

[rijndael]

Strange. I'd try and get a replacement.

 

[drop_point]

Lol. You’d think so, but it doesn’t. I’ve tried loctite blue, then loctite red. Eventually comes loose, which is odd because it sees zero vibration and very little stress. The handle should have two screws one on either side of the centerline, currently there is one screw in the center of the handle and has a propensity to rotate. I wish I could weld, I’d just weld the handle to the cup. But for $70, I should not have to weld or JB Weld the damn cup.

Have you contacted Area 419 for resolution?

 

[rpierce]

And you did give Whidden a call and ask to get the problem die replaced?

yes. i had a few replacements and none were satisfactory. im not the only one that had issues with their 300 norma improved dies. several other people did as well for their norma improved versions.

 

[muleystalker]

And you did give Whidden a call and ask to get the problem die replaced?

I know several people that have had Custom Whidden dies made had problems, sent them back 2-3times, one finally got it sorted out ok but the other 2 never worked. I have several Whidden off the shelf dies, 2 have been good one had issues and needed to be sent back and replaced. I'm not trying to bad mouth them but its not as simple as people think to have them make a custom die with repeatable results.

 

[muleystalker]

In the video with Gavin at the end it kind of seemed to me that they were hinting that this die is going to be able to be converted to a Micro top Seating die also just by changing a few parts. If so that adds a little more value to the die to help with the cost. In a video I saw the other day they also stated you will be able to buy different cartridge sleeves and mandrel so you could have one die and use for multiple cartridges. You will also be able to get Steve blanks so someone could ream their own sleeve.

 

[DiRTY DOG]

In the video with Gavin at the end it kind of seemed to me that they were hinting that this die is going to be able to be converted to a Micro top Seating die also just by changing a few parts. If so that adds a little more value to the die to help with the cost. In a video I saw the other day they also stated you will be able to buy different cartridge sleeves and mandrel so you could have one die and use for multiple cartridges. You will also be able to get Steve blanks so someone could ream their own sleeve.

Not everybody wants a "transformer" die that does it all but requires disassembly and re-assembly (and set up) every time you use it. Personally, I'd rather pay more for seperate dies to "set it and forget it" when it comes to sizing dies and seating dies. Setting up the die every time when switching between sizing and seating seems like a real inconvenience and invites errors.

 

[Benchrest Braxton]

i’d rather see an arbor die, once you seat on an arbor press/amp press its hard to go back. i like being able to feel or see the seating force accurately

edit: this is in response to a swappable micrometer top for seating

 

[Dusty Stevens]

i’d rather see an arbor die, once you seat on an arbor press/amp press its hard to go back. i like being able to feel or see the seating force accurately

edit: this is in response to a swappable micrometer top for seating

Try the 21st century seating die. Very nice arbor press hand die

 

[Nicklas]

If the micrometer adjustable HS is the big deal, why not just spend $55 on a Whidden Universal Click Adjustable Lock Ring? 1 click = 0.001".

 

[muleystalker]

Not everybody wants a "transformer" die that does it all but requires disassembly and re-assembly (and set up) every time you use it. Personally, I'd rather pay more for seperate dies to "set it and forget it" when it comes to sizing dies and seating dies. Setting up the die every time when switching between sizing and seating seems like a real inconvenience and invites errors.

I gotcha, But I never said everybody wants one, I was just adding to the conversation and pointing out what no one else had acknowledged thats all. As has already been stated above this is not for everyone , some will buy it and others like you won't but that doesn't mean it's not a good product or not needed just because some think its over priced. I'm not saying I'm going to go out and buy one but I will say it looks like it is very well made and thought out and it addresses a lot in one die. It's good to have people trying to innovate and improve on things instead of just sitting around selling the same 70-80 year old design. This is good for our sport, some may not like the price and thats ok, they don't have to buy one but for those that see value in it and want to buy one thats great. I do like the idea of the mandrel style expander instead of using a separate mandrel die, it cuts down on one extra step and that means saved time and my time is worth a lot to me.

 

[drop_point]

I agree 100%! Glad we are seeing somebody working to improve on the old design. Some people were satisfied with the horse and buggy, but I'm sure glad there was innovation along the way. This may not be necessary, but it is an improvement. Hopefully prices come down with time or I'll have to keep my horse.

 

[rijndael]

If the micrometer adjustable HS is the big deal, why not just spend $55 on a Whidden Universal Click Adjustable Lock Ring? 1 click = 0.001".

The PMA one is nice as well.

 

[Nicklas]

The PMA one is nice as well.

Link?

 

[rijndael]

Link?

PMA Micro Die Adjuster w/ Thumb Screw Upgrade

The highest quality, most innovative reloading tools and shooting supplies for precision riflemen. Unparalleled customer service. Shop Now - PMA Tool

www.pmatool.com

 

[Bill K]

My RCBS, Hornady, Redding, C&H and Lee dies have worked for me, for over 70 yrs and do just fine. I would never spend that much for a sizing die alone.
But I know there are some that will, which is fine.

 

[JimSC]

here's a common sense question. When the case is enclosed in a FL sizing die that is a press fit is it not ? So how does "press flex" bend the neck when it is completely enclosed by the die. Some of you must be wearing blue tights with a big red S on the chest to be bending that cast iron press and steel die every sizing

Anyway just sized a bunch of 6 ARC before lunch , thinking of this thread I checked the shoulder bump on 15. All were less than .0005 difference measured with a Starrett mechanical caliper. They were sized with a Lee Turret press