Wilson Seater Stems and VLD Bullets

[ThunderDownUnder]

I just got a new Wilson Stainless Seater in 22BR and checked out the stem to see if it engaged on the ogive to seat the bullet. I was disappointing to find that it pushes directly onto the end of the bullet and not the ogive. This will no doubt flatten the point of the bullet slightly when pushing down on the bullet to seat it.

Anyone have any experience seating VLD bullets using the Wilson seater stems or know of a fix?

Ian

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

Its hollow but not long enough to engage the ogive before it contacts the bullet tip!

Ian

 

[queen_stick]

Can you drill it out so the hollow is deeper? I had to do that on a Lee seating die stem when I loaded VLD's in in my 25-06. Just throw it in the drill press clamp so it's straight, and drill it out.

Wilson gets you pretty good for a replacement stem. I just ordered one for a customer die I had made. All I needed was the stem.... not even the top that the stem threads in to... $30 shipped!!! You could almost buy an entire die that includes the top and a stem for that much.

Walt

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

Lynn, I'm using Berger 90gr Target VLD (22423) bullets.

Walt, I thought about drilling the seating stem out but one the right size would be a better solution. As a last resort I will drill it out if Wilson dont provide a seater stem suitable for the 90gr Bergers.

Ian

 

[skeetlee]

This is a somewhat common occurrence. Wilson will send you the proper part for for your seater just give them a call. That's what i had to do. Lee

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

The VLD seater stems are available but they dont come as the standard stem in the seater die. It would be nice if Wilson would add the VLD stem part numbers and availability to their website so we all could quote part numbers to order these VLD seater stems.

Ian

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

Thanks Lynn!
Its really appreciated getting such a response from a fellow shooter on the other side of the world.
Ian

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

Thanks again Lynn!
PM sent.

Ian

 

[camac]

Ian
Wilson sent me your new seater stem in todays mail.It appears to only be around 0.573 deep but it has a very genorous radius on it.
When you receive it get some valve lapping compound and a couple of the bullets you plan on using and lap it in for a perfect fit.Spin the bullets with a drill nd keep adding the grinding compound until its a good fit.
Don't forget to send me your exact mailing address as it should look on a large envelope as I'm not familar with your postal service.
Lynn

Great tip Lyn. I machine all my stems out but never thought of "lapping" in the correct bullet shape.
A small point from a machining perspective -it is slightly better to turn the stem (in minimum runout drill or lathe) I understand the stem may not fit all the way down in drill head so may not be worth mentioning but by turning the work rather than the hone you end up with a more concentric job. ideally you want the hollow concentric with outside of stem but be careful not to damage outside of stem.

Another tip for drilling out stem for accuracy. Put drill bit upide down in drill press with about 1 inch or so hanging down. Lower press into vice and do up vice on drill bit stem. undo chuck and let press up again (this ensures drill is in align with chuck) Then place stem in drill chuck and away you go. If done correctly can giveyou a very accurate job if you don't have a lathe
Cheers