Modifying seating stems to seat VLD style bullets

[Sleepertruckguy]

What is the easiest/most effective way to modify your seating stem to seat VLD style bullets so I don't bottom out on the nose of the bullet.
It is for an RCBS match master seating die. I know I can send the stem to RCBS and they will make a new stem for me, I just don't feel like waiting 2 months, there must be an easy way to make this work. Are people just drilling out the inside of the seating stems?

 

[TheOfficeT-Rex]

Are people just drilling out the inside of the seating stems?

Yes. Its the only way to stop bottom out.

Some people correct poor bullet fit by chucking a bullet in a drill and using lapping compound but that never worked too great for me. It did remove the seating marks and coke bottling but I never felt like I could get it just right.

 

[Sleepertruckguy]

Anyone know the correct drill bit size to drill out a 6mm seating stem to accept Berger hybrid target?

 

[spife7980]

Less than .237

 

[Bantam1]

I found a Dremel stone bit that was roughly bullet shaped and close to the size I needed. I used that and then did the bullet lapping trick after. It worked perfectly for the long 223 bullets that I kept getting marks and other issues with. Lately I just buy the "VLD" stem for the Redding dies I use and it seemed to solve the issues. I might need to lightly polish the opening a little, but typically no issue.

 

[Sleepertruckguy]

All set, drilled it out and cleaned up any burrs, came out perfect