Setting Up Redding Seating Die

[CovertGunny]

I'm new to reloading for precision. Here are the steps I've been taking to get my OAL and seating depth and I'll explain my controversy. Using fireformed brass and Berger Match bullets, Redding Comp Seating Die.
1) Determine OAL. I seat a bullet into the lands of my rifle, take my Sinclair OAL gauge and go to base of bullet.
2) Take bullet out and insert fire formed case and take Sinclair again and go to case head.
3) take measurement outside to outside this is my 1st measurement

4) Using a Hornady bushing comparator on my calipers I close the calipers and zero it. Then I insert my bullet base on one end, and tip end into the comparator. This is my 2nd measurement

5) Add the two measurements together this should be my OAL length correct? maybe not? I'll seat a bullet and even with the base of the bullet just barely inserted into the cartridge. I'll measure it again in the same Hornady Comparator and am a good .02 to .03 under what my measurement was when I figured out the OAL. If i extend the bullet any further out the cartridge to reach my magic number it won't happen.

Not really sure how I can't hit my magic number. I swear I think I have the bullet tight up against the lands and the cartridge case pressed far in. Any advice is appreciated, I'm self taught so the only way I learn is from everyone on here and internet.

 

[Buzz]

I don't mess around with the hornady or sinclair tools. I take a piece of brass, barely seat a bullet, lube the bullet, and then chamber and extract it. I measure the base of the case to the ogive using a comparitor and write down the measurement. I pull the bullet and repeat until I get consistent measurements.

I then leave the bullet seated in the case and adjust the die down until it contacts the dummy round. I pull the bullet again and seat it using the die. I measure and adjust the die from there.

If you are only using 1 bullet you can set the micrometer on the die to 0 and adjust the whole die. 0 will indicate jam, so you can easily do jam + or - using the micrometer. If you are gong to be using multiple different weight/styles of bullets, set the 0 at the one you will most commonly use. After that, don't turn the die, only turn the micrometer and note the setting for the jam of the different bullets.

I learned this method from a post on here a while back and it has made my life much easier. Just put a small amount of lube on the bullet each time so it doesn't get stuck in the lands. I don't resize the case each time, but if you seat the bullet more than 5 times or so you may want to think about it. I haven't had the first 3 be off by more than .001 yet and that is good enough for me.

 

[rocketron]

Step #4 measure bullet base to tip (don't use comparitor)

use your comparator to measure dummy round after it is set by #3 and 4

the sinclair tool gives you the measurement the base of the bullet is set in the case. the only way you can get the proper number is by measueing bullet base to tip. the only way useing a comparator will work is if it measures from exactly where bullet makes contact with the rifleing.

if it's a factory rifle with a long free bore you may not be able to load a round to touch the lands.

 

[CovertGunny]

I always hear this talk about got to measure from the ogive. When you have your dummy round from measuring bullet base to tip, then take comparator and measure the length there and this length should be what you aiming for all your rounds coming out of the seating die to match, correct

 

['Freak]

Could be a deal where it is not possible to reach the lands with that projectile while at the same time keeping an adequate length of it still in the case neck, an example would be a factory chambered 204 Ruger. Unless I’m missing it in translation, the whats and how of you say you’re using the Sinclair tool s supposed to work.

 

[rocketron]

I always hear this talk about got to measure from the ogive. When you have your dummy round from measuring bullet base to tip, then take comparator and measure the length there and this length should be what you aiming for all your rounds coming out of the seating die to match, correct

correct

did you try it this way and does the bullet engage the neck?