Vickerman seating dies

[Bulseyetom]

I bought a Vickerman die last year in 28 caliber for a wildcat that a seating die was not available for. I love the thing and was really thinking about getting caliber inserts for 24 and 25 caliber as well. Does anybody else have an opinion, good or bad, on the Vickerman dies? Thanks, Tom

 

[LCazador]

I've been using the Vickerman bullet seating die since 1964 . The original die used a shell holder adapter for the shorter cases like the 222 , so when the new company bought the old Vickerman design I was pleased to hear that they had a shell holder/adapter that simplified the seating process . It is great tool at a great price if you have several calibers including wildcats to load . It offers accurate straight line seating , and on calibers like the 17s it a simple to just insert the very small bullet in the window in front of the die and seat it home ! I have checked the run out with this tool and it is as good as any of the competition seaters available for 7/8X14 thread presses . I will still favor the Wilson inline hand dies and custom hand dies such as Jones dies for serious match work .

 

[jscandale]

Never hear of the die. Any chance you can post a picture or explain how it's different? I'd like to know more.

Thanks,
JS

 

[JohnHenry]

http://gmwvickerman.com/

 

[Bulseyetom]

JS, they work slicker than anything as you just feed the bullet into an open slot. I find it easier to use than even my Wilson dies. They are caliber specific so any 24 cal will work I think. They machined mine for an Ackley 40 degree shoulder to ensure a good fit. The quality of the die is excellent. I went with the micrometer version just cuz I wanted to. I sold my run-out tool so I had no idea how straight they seat but the principal looks pretty accurate and as was reported above seems to work good enough for all but the finest match loads for BR Competition. Thanks guys. Tom

 

[22BRGUY]

Good topic...I have one of these in 6mm and have yet to use it. It seems I will need an extended shell holder for it so I am looking around for one of those or maybe putting it up for sale. I read some articles a couple years back that indicated their runout to be slightly more than the redding comp dies but on target they shot as well or better than anything else.
Thanks for topic

 

[Frederick Peterman]

Old post, but new comment. Have used Vickerman Straight Line seating die for several years, but last night something was wrong. Case was "sloppy " fit in shell holder. Destroyed 3 or 4 cases before figuring out problem. I had previously loaded 22-250 cases for my brother with usuall results. Consulted web site. Had wrong shell holder . Was using the 22-250 shellholder for 223/5.56. Everything else was ok. BUT, wasn't paying attention . No harm, no foul. Old experienced reloaders STILL have to watch details !

 

[Gun Smith]

Ponsness Warren Company in Idaho makes a similar die. Called the Cal Die, or at least it used to be called that. I've used one for years loading 30/06, and .308/7.62 for my Garands and M1A's. Very slick, just drop the bullet in and seat. No crooked bullets, nor pinched fingers. The bullet sleeve slides insides the die body, whereas the Vickerman style uses a spring loaded sleeve, at least the ones that I have had. Don't know about the newer Vicks. I still have an original Vickerman in .35 cal.

 

[nmkid]

So, on this die, all you change is the stem for specific caliber? Do you only need one body?

 

[KMart]

There are old Vickerman dies and newer manufactured ones. This is the site for the new ones

https://www.vickermandie.com/

Dayton Machine Shop
Owner & Machinist: Bob Gemmell
PO Box 25
Dayton, WA 99328
509-382-4159
Fax: 509-382-4288
Cell: 509-386-0452
Email: daytonmachineshop@gmail.com

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The high dollar rcbs micrometer dies have a window on the side. Theyre regular 7/8 threaded dies

 

[LCazador]

So, on this die, all you change is the stem for specific caliber? Do you only need one body?

Yep, you order one die in a specific caliber and then add the extra calibers. It a two piece seating stem. You will also need a shell holder extension with some calibers.