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Where to source different bullet seating stems?

Mean_Man

Mean_Man

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 14, 2024
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Georgia
#1
IMG_6482.jpeg

This is no where near acceptable… 169gr SMK on the left, 174gr ELD-VT on the right.

My guess is the seating stem has to narrow of a “cup” for the nose of the bullet? What’s the best way to resolve this? I have heard you can get different stems for different bullet profiles?
 
#2
Depends who the seating die is from. Hornady is one who offers stems for various profiles. Unlike RCBS who does not offer stems, and wants your stem and several bullets plus fee.

Or a drill, diamond lapping paste and some bullets and hone it yourself. I chuck the bullets and hold the stem. If you have a lathe even better.
 
#3
Mean_Man said:
View attachment 8718668
This is no where near acceptable… 169gr SMK on the left, 174gr ELD-VT on the right.

My guess is the seating stem has to narrow of a “cup” for the nose of the bullet? What’s the best way to resolve this? I have heard you can get different stems for different bullet profiles?
Click to expand...
You experiencing quite a bit of pressure when seating those bullets (which might not be felt when using presses like Forster's Co Ax)?

What I did to elevate any ring from the seating process is to spin a bullet coated with some polishing compound into the seating stem, using an electric drill. I no longer have this issue, even when seating is firmer than it should be. This is the compound I used:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JR2B6K?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
 
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#4
Mean_Man said:
View attachment 8718668
This is no where near acceptable… 169gr SMK on the left, 174gr ELD-VT on the right.

My guess is the seating stem has to narrow of a “cup” for the nose of the bullet? What’s the best way to resolve this? I have heard you can get different stems for different bullet profiles?
Click to expand...
Redding also makes VLD stems.

What die are you using?
 
#6
Baron23 said:
Redding also makes VLD stems.

What die are you using?
Click to expand...
After my Lyman die got a stuck case and was damaged trying to get it out, I just got a Lee seating die. (.308) luckily I have two as they were so um affordable. So I’ll remove the stem from the second one and see what I can do with some lapping compound. I have a lathe but… it’s a cobbled together old make shift thing, works fairly well but I have to change pillows to adjust speed, and need some more tooling for anything serious.
 
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#7
That's a lot of neck tension. Is this for a semi auto?

The seater is only making contact in that small area. As stated, you can lap it, or try a dab of JB Weld with a release agent on the bullet. Leave the bullet in the seater until the JB Weld cures. That's how a good friend fixed this issue.
 
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#12
padom said:
What is your sized case neck diameter? What is your loaded neck diameter. Looks like excessive neck tension which is pretty common with big box store dies to work with all different types of brass....
Click to expand...
I’ll measure and post it up when I get a chance. I recently started weighing and sorting all components, and noticed the M118 brass is HEAVY. So that may have something to do with the neck tension being higher? Just more meat in the case shoulder and neck?
 
#13
Mean_Man said:
I’ll measure and post it up when I get a chance. I recently started weighing and sorting all components, and noticed the M118 brass is HEAVY. So that may have something to do with the neck tension being higher? Just more meat in the case shoulder and neck?
Click to expand...
It could have thicker brass in neck area.

Another thing is that everytime you fire brass it gets harder which can affect neck tension.
 
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