redding micromiter die question

[harleybug]

Im reloading 180 grain bergers for a 7 mag and trying to get dies for it. The redding micromiter dies say not for compressed loads and im using retumbo wich calls for 105 percent fill. So what should i do. I was told that the rcbs dies wont work for vld bullets so im confused on what dies to get. Berger says redding but if they wont work on compressed loads them were do i go from here. I bought 2 8 pound jugs of retumbo so i dont want to change powder.

 

[Canadian Bushman]

The reason they dont recommend compressed loads with the micrometer seater is to avoid damaging the fine, precise threads (usually 40 pitch).

A small amount of force to compress a load will likely not harm anything. I use compressed loads with a redding micrometer seater regularly. My loads produce a very faint crunch. I dont know how to define too much force or know the amount it would take to damage the seater but i imagine it would be more than a practical amount.

I imagine if you minimal FL size and use a drop tube you will be just fine.

 

[Gene]

I use these Redding dies in several calibers, with no problems. If you are fussy about accurate OAL's do not use compressed loads. Once seated against the powder column, the bullet will be pushed upward a few thous leaving your seating depth inconsistent.

BTW, with full case powder dropping, use the longest fill tube you can find and pour slowly.

 

[barefooter56]

Im reloading 180 grain bergers for a 7 mag and trying to get dies for it. The redding micromiter dies say not for compressed loads and im using retumbo wich calls for 105 percent fill. So what should i do. I was told that the rcbs dies wont work for vld bullets so im confused on what dies to get. Berger says redding but if they wont work on compressed loads them were do i go from here. I bought 2 8 pound jugs of retumbo so i dont want to change powder.

harleybug,
The reason is that the seating stem will split in some cases. IF your rifle is accurate with the 105% fill ratio ( which is an approximate not absolute) then use a log drop tube in conjunction with some type of vibratory device ( old electric tooth brush?) to pack the powder charge tighter in the cartridge case. Also the 105% approximate fill ratio is based on a magazine length round so depending on weather the rifle action is long or short the round MAY not fit or cycle through the magazine depending on the seating depth where you find an accuracy node. The farther you seat the bullet out. The more capacity you add to the cartridge case which MAY get you to where the load is not compressed any more. Find your seating depth accuracy node at the lowest powder charge listed for the bullet/powder/cartridge combination you are testing. Then work your load back up in 1/2 grain increments until you get to 2 grains below MAX then reduce to 1/10th grain increments. All the while you will be checking for pressure signs and your accuracy. I know this is conservative but its for safety reasons. In short the 105% fill ratio MAY not be an issue. Only testing will give you the answer.

 

[harleybug]

The berger manual called for 105 percent thats the only reason why i asked. So it thrue me off with the redding dies saying no compressed loads so i didnt want to order the wrong dies.[FLOATLEFT][/FLOATLEFT]

 

[Canadian Bushman]

Barefooter is correct,
It is in fact the thin edge of the seating stem redding is concerned about not the threads.

I apologize for the poor information.

Also my micrometer head has .05" per rev which would make it a 20 tpi thd which is actually a rather coarse thread.