A seating dies seat to a consistent length, without any damage (appropriate steam), align cases and projectile, possibly crimp (if the die is capable and set up appropriately). In this article, we are going to cover basic seating dies for all beginners step by step so that they can decide which will be the best options for them.
So, let’s get started…
- Starting with one of the most basic lee dies. This die has included the die body itself, a very basic seating stem, as well as the adjustment screw that you can easily turn with your thumb. It utilizes an o-ring to provide retention and keep it from moving. Overall it’s a functional die and the adjustment is relatively coarse. You can visit https://www.xxl-reloading.com/ for more information about that.
- Another very similar die is the RCBS seating die. The seating stem adjustment on this die is slightly different, it has a nut lock ring and the threaded rod that goes through the die body to adjust your overall length. However, it is very similar to the lee die. One of the biggest differences for this particular die is it has a TC for taper crimp. This die can be operated exactly like the lee die is not providing a crimp but this also can screw it down just a little bit further. Once you get your projectile seating depth set you can have this die crimp your case as well if you desire or back your season out and do your taper crimp in a separate step.
- The next one is the Hornady die. This is the most standard die that comes with a horny custom die set. Instead of supporting the entire case during the seating process, this collar goes over the neck of the case to help keep your projectile and neck aligned during the seating process. The horny die is very similar to the other dies as far as the die body, seating stem, and adjuster are concerned except for the addition of the sliding collar. The availability of custom dies stems depending on what die set you to get either the custom grade or the match grade. If you’re using multiple projectiles being able to seek custom die lengths and adjusting very quickly then a Hornady die is a great choice.
- Going down the line the next die is Forster bench rest die. This die has a custom sleeve that supports the entire case during the seating process. It holds it very tight with very little slope and the projectile is well aligned during the seating process as well this allows for a very little run-out. Like other dies, the Forster has a lock screw along with an adjustable seating stem. For coarse adjustment obviously, you might spend a little bit of time dialing it in but once it’s dialed in it is locked in. The case support is very good and it’s very easy to get good results with this die.
- Moving on to our next style of die is Wilson chamber-type cedar. This type of dive seems to be favored by various people in the shooting community. This particular model has a micrometer version and also has a non-micrometer version of the same style of die that’s a little bit less expensive. In this chamber seeing style comes with a base, the case and projectile are loaded from the bottom of the unit. With this die, you don’t need to remove and typically this type of die is used with an arbor press. It comes with a standard seating stem and there’s also a VLD seating stem available. Moreover, you’re not going to be able to use this style of dye in a progressive press but speed isn’t what this is designed for consistency what you’re looking for.
The next one is the Hornady die. This is the most standard die that comes with a horny custom die set. Instead of supporting the entire case during the seating process, this collar goes over the neck of the case to help keep your projectile and neck aligned during the seating process. The horny die is very similar to the other dies as far as the die body, seating stem, and adjuster are concerned except for the addition of the sliding collar. The availability of custom dies stems depends on what die set you to get either the custom grade or the match grade. If you’re using multiple projectiles being able to seek custom die lengths and adjusting very quickly then a Hornady die is a great choice. Digital Micrometer are great tools for measuring to very precise tolerances. They can measure both inside and outside diameters, as well as depth. Electronic micrometers, like this Mitutoyo Digital Pocket Micrometer, typically come with a built-in LED display to simplify taking measurements in low light conditions.
Generally, most people have a very common question: which one should I pick? Well, if you’re using any type of a standard seating press the Wilson chamber seater is going to be out again that’s going to require some type of an arbor press. all these options are probably going to work to some degree. So you have to figure out which seating dies you need. For better understanding, you may do more research online, may read different companies’ manuals, take advice from seniors, watch die-related videos, etc.
