seating depth ?

[rebs]

I read that Berger 80.5 fullbore bullets are not fussy about seating depth. So if I am seating 20 off the lands what would be an acceptable plus or minus range to allow ? Could I allow three thousands or more in either direction ?

 

[Ccrider]

I read that Berger 80.5 fullbore bullets are not fussy about seating depth. So if I am seating 20 off the lands what would be an acceptable plus or minus range to allow ? Could I allow three thousands or more in either direction ?

Don’t expect a definitive answer to your question. You will only know if you test this for your rifle.

 

[rebs]

Don’t expect a definitive answer to your question. You will only know if you test this for your rifle.

I was just asking on the average, in general

 

[Ccrider]

I was just asking on the average, in general

There is not an average or in general. The window may be .001 or it could be .005 or .01.

 

[rebs]

There is not an average or in general. The window may be .001 or it could be .005 or .01.

I understand, Thank you

 

[6Creed73]

As mentioned, a seating ladder is the only way to know. I start all my rounds .010 off the lands and seat in .005 increments until I get the group I like.

 

[mikecr]

Could I allow three thousands or more in either direction ?

Why would you do that?

 

[Bill Norris]

rebs Could I allow three thousands or more in either direction ?​

You could TEST .003 either direction and maybe find a better group but "allowing" .003 would not give you a true picture by no means. SOME Short Range B R shooters say that even .001 will make a difference in groups.

 

[JB10]

I have heard a lot of people say that the hornady eldm were not sensitive also. .010 made all the difference for me. Tightened my group drastically.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I have heard a lot of people say that the hornady eldm were not sensitive also. .010 made all the difference for me. Tightened my group drastically.

Did they like a lot of jump in your rifle?

 

[rebs]

the reason I asked this is because I am having a hard time getting the seating depth exact. I am usually off by .005 in either direction.

 

[6Creed73]

the reason I asked this is because I am having a hard time getting the seating depth exact. I am usually off by .005 in either direction.

That's a spread of .010. That's a lot if you're talking about precision rounds. Something is off with your process or die, or press, or something.

 

[rebs]

I am thinking about buying an arbor press and Wilson inline seater die to try and get more consistent seating depth

 

[Rocketvapor]

What press/dies/measuring device are you using presently?

 

[rebs]

What press/dies/measuring device are you using presently?

RCBS single stage press, Hornady seater die with micrometer top and digital caliper

 

[JFrank]

RCBS single stage press, Hornady seater die with micrometer top and digital caliper

Hornday seaters are surprisingly accurate.

 

[6BRA]

Hornday seaters are surprisingly accurate.

Even the best bullets are surprisingly different...where the seater contacts vs where your comparator contacts. The best seater ever made will not seat a box of bullets the same. Now what. Change your thoughts.

 

[rebs]

Even the best bullets are surprisingly different...where the seater contacts vs where your comparator contacts. The best seater ever made will not seat a box of bullets the same. Now what. Change your thoughts.

what would you suggest to get more accurate seating ?

 

[Eagle Six]

If you are getting plus/minus .005" seating depth you would be wasting time and components doing a seating depth test. I would want to examine my process, the Berger bullets and Hornady seater die combination is probably not the cause.

 

[Rocketvapor]

I run 85.5 Bergers with the Hornady VLD/ELD seater.
I check each and everyone (except trigger time rounds) with the Hornady length gauge and a Dial caliper. Will hit anything long again.
Bullets for match use are first sorted OAL, then weight checked.
Sorting OAL of the bullet and checking BTO seems to help consistency.