Redding Micrometer top add on

[shaggy10000]

Does anyone have any insight into the difference between the add on micrometer top and the one that comes on the Competition dies?

Obviously the parts appear slightly different based off the pictures, But even under the "notes" on the add on top it says "Not for use with Redding Competition Seating Dies"
What im looking at is that the add on top $40, and the $45 standard seating die together are a whole lot cheaper than the $200 competition seater.

I help out with a small group of high school kids shooting F-class, The micrometer top dies are a life saver for the kids to set up. Sometimes they have to share presses, They may need to reset a die every time they use it. That and micrometer top dies are already expensive, and cost saving is a plus.

Redding Competition seater as purchased
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018047052?pid=523672

Redding standard seater
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012570742?pid=393228

Redding add on Micrometer top
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101263582?pid=269962

 

[Ned Ludd]

For the "best" answer, I'd give Redding a call:

• 1089 Starr Road
• Cortland, NY 13045
• Phone (607) 753-3331
• FAX (607) 756-8445

 

[jobhopper66]

I would imagine the micrometer tops are the same in operation but you won't be getting the benefit of the sliding sleeve that comes with the competition seater. I didn't realize the competition seaters were getting so expensive. I myself would be looking at buying the Forster micrometer seater for a whole lot less and I think you will find your results will be the same. Just my 2 cents.
Ray

 

[Bc'z]

Looks like the competition seater has the spring loaded alignment sleeve, where the standard does not.

 

[dcali]

The dies are different. The competition series has a spring loaded sleeve that is absent from the normal ones.

Edit: lol. Looks like I'm late to the party.

 

[jobhopper66]

^^^^Better late than never. That's why I brought up the Forster micrometer seaters. You get the micrometer top and the spring loaded alignment sleeve for less money.

 

[Texas10]

What are you getting for another $80 over this set?https://www.brownells.com/reloading...es/gold-medal-match-seater-die-prod55192.aspx

I keep dummy cartridges labeled with bullet make/model and action serial number and seated to touch, for set up purposes and checking throat erosion. If using dies for multiple like chambers, this would save you a lot of time.

Place the dummy in the shell holder, rise the ram, and screw the seating stem down to touch. You can do it about as fast as you can read about doing it.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I think itll be a fine die. Call whidden and see if you can get a discount for the kids. Their dies work very well and have both the sleeve and micrometer. The aluminum body is very light and you can get inserts for other calibers as they advance. Or get them a std wilson and they can add a sinclair micrometer later. No worry with mounting a press- they can use a shared arbor press on any table

 

[Fast14riot]

Or for about $100 you can get a Wilson mic top chamber type seating die

 

[shaggy10000]

Thanks for the replies all. The spring loaded alignment sleeve is what i was missing. That explains it. That said, i was looking at the forester mic top seater earlier as well. It looks like for the same money as swapping parts in the standard redding you get a better die with the forester.

 

[shaggy10000]

What are you getting for another $80 over this set?https://www.brownells.com/reloading...es/gold-medal-match-seater-die-prod55192.aspx

I keep dummy cartridges labeled with bullet make/model and action serial number and seated to touch, for set up purposes and checking throat erosion. If using dies for multiple like chambers, this would save you a lot of time.

Place the dummy in the shell holder, rise the ram, and screw the seating stem down to touch. You can do it about as fast as you can read about doing it.

That's another good option, In this case i'm not seeing one for a straight .284 win which is what we are currently looking to add, but we do a lot of 6.5 x 47's as well and they do have one for that.

We do dummy rounds like you mentioned for each rifle. I've found that even then we have to tweak them a little to get the seating depth right on.
If this were just my home setup that i was using by myself with my experience to play on this would not even be an issue. But now take that, add 12 presses and up to 19 or so teenage juniors who are brand new at this and it can become overwhelming for 2 coaches to get to all the questions in the short time we have given each day. Since we are a high school rifle team we have to work within the after school practice hours before everyone has to catch a bus or ride home. The little things can make all the difference