VLD seating options

[letrbuck]

After hearing so many good things about accuracy and performance of Berger VLD hunting bullets I decided to buy a box of the 168 vlds to try in my 280 rem.

I have 2 different seating dies for 280 rem, Lee and RCBS. I pulled both apart to see if the seating stems would work with the Bergers. Not even close! Since I had the dies pulled apart I figured I would check some of my other 7mm bullets. 162 amax was bad with both, and 150 swifts were OK in the RCBS but not so great in the Lee.

I know my best option for a seating die is probably a Redding micrometer, but I see that Lee offers this: Custom Bullet Seating Plug - Lee Precision (anyone ever sent in a bullet to Lee for this service?)

Are there any other good options out there for long or VLD style bullets? I see Hornady makes a replacement seater stem to use with A-max bullets that I would assume would work good with Bergers as well. I have never used Hornady dies, any comments on them?

 

[Mikecr]

Before tossing seater plugs, you might smartly drill holes a bit deeper.
That is, enough to clear offending interference(very little diameter & depth change).
Nothing to lose

 

[dsculley]

Drilling the seater plug is recommended by Lee. Lee will also make a custom seater plug for you.

 

[Grumulkin]

I have 2 different seating dies for 280 rem, Lee and RCBS. I pulled both apart to see if the seating stems would work with the Bergers. Not even close! Since I had the dies pulled apart I figured I would check some of my other 7mm bullets. 162 amax was bad with both, and 150 swifts were OK in the RCBS but not so great in the Lee.

What is the reason you feel the seating stems won't work? I've used VLDs in several rifles and never had a problem with the seating stems.

 

[letrbuck]

only the very tip of the bullet contacts the seating stem, instead of the ogive. This could potentially cause alignment problems and would vary seating depth since berger tips are not consistent

 

[Grumulkin]

If I were you, I would try seating some and see if there really was a problem.

 

[FEENIX]

If I were you, I would try seating some and see if there really was a problem.

Yep! Can also try >>> COMPETITION LONG VLD SEATER STEMS | Sinclair Intl

 

[longbowelk]

Yep! Can also try >>> COMPETITION LONG VLD SEATER STEMS | Sinclair Intl

Will these just swap out the stems in the RCBS or Redding dies? Interchangeable?

 

[FEENIX]

Will these just swap out the stems in the RCBS or Redding dies? Interchangeable?

That's a good question, perhaps somebody else can chime in or best addressed it to Redding's CS.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

Yep! Can also try >>> COMPETITION LONG VLD SEATER STEMS | Sinclair Intl

Would that be the correct seater for a Redding S type Competition seater die?

 

[FEENIX]

Would that be the correct seater for a Redding S type Competition seater die?

Check out the chart >>> Competition Bullet Seating Die - Redding Reloading Equipment: reloading equipment for rifles, handguns, pistols, revolvers and SAECO bullet casting equipment

 

[FEENIX]

Would that be the correct seater for a Redding S type Competition seater die?

Check out the chart >>> http://www.redding-reloading.com/online-catalog/19-type-s-die-chart

 

[longbowelk]

I would hope to find a solution for accurately seating the tipped bullets such as Accubonds than having to pay $176.for the competition seating die.

 

[Dosh]

I've read articles of form/fitting a seater stem with epoxy to the VLD. A concern would be the epoxy wearing or cracking. Obvious solution is to buy the VLD stem, next best would be drilling existing stem and last would be the epoxy route. I've not had a seating issue with the exception of Hornady dies and a drill press was the remedy. One would think die manufacturers would get on the band wagon with their own version of a VLD stem since the proliferation of VLD type bullets. They are missing out on extra revenue.