Bullet Seating Dies

[REDLINE]

Is anyone aware of a 10mm Auto bullet seating die seating stem that doesn't leave a ring around the outside of the bullet just below the top, or crush down the tops of XTP bullets, over top of compressed powder charges?

My 10mm Redding seat die does (crushes the top of the bullet).  As does my Hornady taper crimp seating die (leaves the ring or crushes the top depending on the seating stems used that it comes with).

Is this simply inevitable?

[sqlbullet]

I would start with a call to Hornady to see if they sell a stem with a profile that matches the XTP.  If they don't, next I would talk to RCBS and Lyman with the same question.

If you strike out on all of those, then get a bolt with the right thread pattern, break out your files and make your own.  I have been amazed with what I can make on my make-shift lathe - an old craftsman 1/2" drill that I clamp to my bench.

This is the drill.

[REDLINE]

I think I'll consider that if anyone else can't steer me toward a seating die that works perfectly or better without modification.

My seating stems float in place (both Redding and Hornady) and therefore have no threads like a bolt does, but I suppose it makes no difference if I can customize the ones I have that aren't threaded.

[sqlbullet]

True.  Chances are the ones that are crushing the nose can just be machined out a little to solve the issue.

Have you tried seating/crimping in separate steps?  Or a partial/light crimp on the seat step with compressed loads followed by a tighter crimp in a later step?

I have issues like you describe with the ring forming when sizing cast bullets, but haven't seen them when seating/crimping.  I don't load very many compressed loads in 10mm though.

[The_Shadow]

Redline, my first question is; Are you seating them without appling crimp?  I space my RCBS taper crimp/seater die (has the TC profile and can make some contact on the XTP and other bullets if using too much pressure while seating) at least an eigth of an inch higher (1/8" spacer ring placed under the locking ring so as not to change the lock ring adjustment) than the normal taper crimp position.  This allows easier bullet seating pressure and the sides of the casing are not squeezing the brass against the bullet as it is seated, hence less maring rings on the bullet.  I taper crimp in a seperate step without the seting stem adding any pressure. (backed out)

Using powders like the AA#9 (full case compressed) this added to the pressure of seating the bullet to depth and actually tried to close the HP nose some on the Hornady 200XTP and the Barnes 140gr TAC XP' so compressed loads will exert more pressure to the seating stem as you seat which can show the rings you're talking about.

Another solution is modifing the seat stem by gluing a small/thin metal washer (0.10") in the top of the seater stem to place the pressure directly on the lip of the HP bullet nose and not on the sides.  Just be careful that bullets enter straight.

Good luck!

[EdMc]

As I mentioned in another post about this I used the flat nose bullet seater and had no further problem with the Hornady seating die. I do not use the die to crimp but do that as another step with a Lee FCD.

[REDLINE]

I see what you guy are saying about seating in a separate step and the reasoning behind it.  I've chose not to to this point since I'm using a single stage press and didn't want to add another step in the load process.

I'll do some seating and crimping separately and see how it goes.  Maybe that is my only option.  I'll be curious to see to what extent it helps.  I'm not ready to toy with it at this time, but will post back on how much it helped when I get back around to loading some up.

Do you guys feel there is no seat/crimp die that will seat and crimp in the same stage without the ring or crushed nose effects?

The main reason I ask right now is that I'm planning on buying another die set right now (whether it's today or in the next few days doesn't really matter), but then it occured to me to ask on the forum about this issue in case a seat/crimp die exists that either erases the aforementioned issues or greatly reduces the issues while seating and crimping in the same stage.

I was just going to get another Redding die set like I have now because I love the smoothness compared to my Hornady die set, but if a better die set exists that would alleviate the aforementioned issues, I'ld be willing to give it a try.

[EdMc]

Can't answer your question on other die sets. I use the Lee FCD in a single stage RCBS single stage. The Lee die is a quick set up and doesn't take long. YMMV

[DM1906]

The problem isn't, so much, the die set, but the compressed charge stack.  I recommend, in any case with auto cartridges, seating and crimping in separate steps.  Single stage loading or not, what good is fast (less slow), if the end product is less than it can be.  If it's too slow, go progressive or turret.

I do a LOT of load development, many in the upper atmosphere range of full pressure with seemingly impossible combinations to attain a desired result.  This often requires compressed charges, some very compressed (110%+).  If this is damaging bullets while seating, you can pre-compress the charge (I know....adds another step).  Use a brass, aluminum or copper rod, near the bullet diameter (slightly under, so it doesn't expand the case), about 1/2" long, set the needed depth, and press as you would for seating.  Ideally, the up end of the rod should match the seating stem profile for greatest consistency.  Doing this eliminates all bullet deformation associated with compressed powder charges.

......Or, use a recipe that doesn't compress the powder.

[gcarr]

I had the same problem with my redding seater. It went away when I switched to their competition seated with the micrometer. That die has no crimp function though, and I know you said you didn't want an extra step. Just passing on that it solved my problem.