Thread: Hornady seating die

Originally Posted by caberslash

Maybe not quite so elegant a fix as machining the stem, but I've used epoxy and a lubed ELDM/X bullet to match my seating stem to the ogive, works gud

As for 'micro adjust', I load up a dummy/reference round and crimp the bullet in a bit tighter than usual (checking OAL not altered) then each time I need to replicate that load, just wind out the finger adjustable part of the seating die, raise the ram all the way, and then screw the adjuster back down till in firm contact with the reference round.

Been very accurate for me, cheap too!

I also use a dummy round as a reference, I then back the die adjustment out about 1/4 turn and work my way back in till the ogive length desired is met, especially when working with compressed loads you as I am, you may find the die setting is different to seating an empty case, well at least that's what I have found. I can only assume the compressed load creates more resistance ? I don't crimp my live rounds.

Originally Posted by dannyb

I also use a dummy round as a reference, I then back the die adjustment out about 1/4 turn and work my way back in till the ogive length desired is met, especially when working with compressed loads you as I am, you may find the die setting is different to seating an empty case, well at least that's what I have found. I can only assume the compressed load creates more resistance ? I don't crimp my live rounds.

Do you use a drop tube or case vibrator to settle the powder a bit more on a compressed load?

This guy shows lapping a seating stem with a bullet
https://youtu.be/e13lGcTDCxE

Originally Posted by caberslash

Do you use a drop tube or case vibrator to settle the powder a bit more on a compressed load?

This guy shows lapping a seating stem with a bullet
https://youtu.be/e13lGcTDCxE

Drop tube, but don't find it that effective to be honest and if you pour the powder in too quick it all gets clogged up. Often end up tapping the case on the bench a couple times to settle the powder

@dannyb good to know, thanks.

I bought the Hornady die set for my 300 Blackout which is still being assembled, it comes with two seating stems that is handy
Have only played around making cases and dummy rounds so far but it is easy to work with, will probably buy the micro adjustment
as well I have a lot of different bullet styles to try.

Was looking at the .312 seating die but does that mean it won't seat cast .314's?

Has anyone used hornady seating dies for cast bullets?