Redding Competition Dies: Correct bullet seating?

[Diabolus]

I'm seating some .223 bullets that have had their tips pointed using the Whidden die set.

I'm having to seat around 2.75 then using the adjustment to dial in to 2.260".

It's taking about 3-4 times to get seated right at 2.260" OAL.

Does it usually take this many attempts to get it dialed in at just the right OAL?

I assume its due to the variation in the meplat. Next time I will sort the bullets to size, but wanted to get some opinions here first.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Re: Redding Competition Dies: Correct bullet seating?

I like to measure the OAL based on the ogive. Have you tried measuring the length of the bullets to see if you're getting variation?

 

[Diabolus]

Re: Redding Competition Dies: Correct bullet seating?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ShtrRdy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like to measure the OAL based on the ogive. Have you tried measuring the length of the bullets to see if you're getting variation? </div></div>

Yes, I am getting variation. I should have sorted the bullets then it wouldn't have been such an issue.

I'm loading .223 to the magazine max (2.260) so measuring off the ogive isn't an option right now. When I go to some smaller grain bullets, I will be measuring off the ogive - I agree with you, a much better way to measure.

 

[clmayfield]

Re: Redding Competition Dies: Correct bullet seating?

Don't sort by bullet length. You will just need to find the appropriate setting to insure that ALL bullets are less than mag length. And yes, that will take 5 - 10 bullets. Remember, you will also need to leave yourself some "cushion" for reliable feeding.