REDDING Competition Bullet Seating Die vs Bullet Seating Micrometer, Handguns

[kenhwind]

I have and use the Redding bullet seating micrometer in most of my dies where I might use different bullets so that I can pre-set the seating die.

When I bought my Redding 30-06 and 308 dies, I purchased the "Premium Die Set" which included the Bullet Seating Micrometer.

I have added the bullet seating micrometer to several of my Redding handguns dies.

My question, mostly out of curiosity, is there a significant advantage to the Competition Seating Die (Straightwall) over the Bullet Seating Micrometer?

For precision rifle loads I'm sure there is but I'm referring to general pistol loads.

 

[K22]

No.

Having shot NRA Precision Pistol for many years, a standard 3 die pistol set is all you need to produce competition grade pistol reloads.

In my experience, the two key elements are the bullet / powder you select and producing a uniform / proper crimp assuming you have a quality pistol and the necessary marksmanship skills.

 

[kenhwind]

No.

Having shot NRA Precision Pistol for many years, a standard 3 die pistol set is all you need to produce competition grade pistol reloads.

In my experience, the two key elements are the bullet / powder you select and producing a uniform / proper crimp assuming you have a quality pistol and the necessary marksmanship skills.

Yeah, I was thinking "No" too.

I did look at the Redding web site and their "Anatomy of a Die" and didn't see anything that stood out.

I am in the market for Redding 44 Mag/Spl dies and a new set from one of the venders is reasonably priced. Because I sometimes use different bullets, I am considering getting the Bullet Seating Micrometer too.

 

[K22]

Yeah, I was thinking "No" too.

I did look at the Redding web site and their "Anatomy of a Die" and didn't see anything that stood out.

I am in the market for Redding 44 Mag/Spl dies and a new set from one of the venders is reasonably priced. Because I sometimes use different bullets, I am considering getting the Bullet Seating Micrometer too.

You really do not need to spend the extra money for a Bullet Seating Micrometer Die. I have seated literally thousands of 38 special, 357 magnum, and 44 magnum bullets over the past 50+ years using standard 3 pistol die sets.

Just seat the bullet in the middle of the cannelure for jacketed bullets then apply a roll crimp. This can be done in one operation if you set up your seating die correctly. The key is to achieve a smooth roll crimp into the cannelure without bulging the case but with enough crimp to prevent bullet movement upon recoil.

There is another crimping method that employs a taper crimp die. This can be used for light target load with lead bullet, especially swaged lead bullets known for their accuracy such as the 148-grain hollow base swage wadcutter in the 38 caliber. This can also be used for bullets without cannelures to provide adequate neck tension to prevent bullet movement under recoil.

 

[SSL]

Roll crimp is perfect for revolver cartridges, but the taper crimp is more used with semi-auto or rimless rounds that need to headspace on the case mouth. Probably the best thing you can do for straight wall cartridges is to seat and crimp in two separate steps. Keeps from shaving bullets (especially cast bullets) and gives more consistent crimp.

 

[kenhwind]

Roll crimp is perfect for revolver cartridges, but the taper crimp is more used with semi-auto or rimless rounds that need to headspace on the case mouth. Probably the best thing you can do for straight wall cartridges is to seat and crimp in two separate steps. Keeps from shaving bullets (especially cast bullets) and gives more consistent crimp.

The Dillon 550 press does just that.