Redding micrometer seating dies

[Re-Pete]

I've been looking for one of these in 223 calibre, and I've just discovered that Redding do a micrometer bit that converts a standard seater. At £43 squid, this would be a solution.

The snag is that there are two different types, one for VLD bullets and one for what they term as "standard" bullets. I shoot VLD and SMK's.........

My question is what can the difference be, and does it really matter? Any comments would be appreciated.

Pete

[gunner]

If you dont use the vld seater bit u could end up crushing the tips of your bullets slightly as they more pointier / longer etc . Iv know some people just strip there std seater and machine a deeper hole to allow the extra space needed for vlds - think this what your refer too ? 

[Re-Pete]

Thanks for that, Gunner, you're right................it appears that with longer pointier bullets, the meplat could be bruised by a standard seater.

Pete

[Leeman]

I don't think it matters, people were using standard seating stems with VLD bullets before VLD seating stems became available.   I have Forster/Redding/Whidden seaters, couldn't tell you what the stems are, mixture of different bullets and haven't noticed any problem seating bullets, the BTO are very close when I can be bothered to check them.  As long as the stem touches the ogive, not the bullet tip I don't think it matters.  If it touches, drill the stem out a bit or use some bedding epoxy to form a better match and then drill out.

[Re-Pete]

It seems that the VLD option will work for both..........something to do with the angle of the "cone" that sits on the bullet.

The competition version must take this into account as they only offer the one type.

Pete

[RobinC]

Thanks Pete

You've just saved me some money as well, I was also looking for a comp seater, saw this, and have just ordered one! 

Have Fun

Robin