Wilson dies for semi auto

[Mike_R]

I have been reading Zediker's book Handloading for Competition (learning alot) and I have been interested in using wilson seating dies. I was thinking about trying one out in .223 to improve my runout (its horrible, standard RCBS seater) but I load .223 for my AR15. I would like to be able to bring an arbor press and hand die along for load development because my access to ranges over 100 yards is somewhat limited at the moment.

He mentions (and several other sources as well) that the hand dies don't always work well with higher constriction(Im guessing like that neccesary for mag fed AR rounds)loads.

My question is has anyone on here used the hand dies with success with relatively high neck tension cases? Im planning on tuning constriction with a redding S FL die but Im trying to figure out if a hand die would work for seating at the range for load development etc.
Anyone been successful (or not) with loading for an AR using a wilson die? Any input would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

[biglou13]

Re: Wilson dies for semi auto

seating at range fine.

its the case sizing thats an issue. you are full legnth sizing brass each time?

as long as brass is properly sized wilson seater die will be great at range

but i have to tell you there is a lot more to TIR total indicated runout than just seating a bullet.

is brass consistient, is neck round, is pill round, what is yoour brass prep,are you turning, trimming, etc. etc.. .......

? are you single loading, or mag feeding, custom bbl?

once you get into TIR, your dancing with bench rest realm.

i have a feeling your over thinking it.

its an AR first step is find pill/ powder/case it likes FIRST
this should improve accuracy. followed by lots of time at range vs lots of time measuring TIR

post load data. stick data. speed, groups, some one here will point you in right direction.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Wilson dies for semi auto

I would recommend against Wilson dies all together for semi auto use, buy some Redding or Forster dies and improve on your reloading techniques.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Wilson dies for semi auto

Get the Forster dies...and a RCBS hand operated press for loading at the range. Altho...with the AR15 I think you are REALLY too anal. JMHO

 

[Mike_R]

Re: Wilson dies for semi auto

I full length size the brass every time on a Rock Chucker Supreme. I understand that the best seater in the world probably won't do anything to improve runout on a case with a bad neck but what I'm looking for is a seater that I know won't contribute to additional runout the way my standard RCBS one does. I have the Forster Ultra set with Micrometer head for my 7mm Rem mag and its great, but I just was considering experimenting with something else.

Im putting together a new upper with a thick wall reciever, float tube and a WOA 1 in 7 DMR barrel. Previous combos that have worked well for me are the hornady 52 gr match and nosler cc 77 gr projectiles with varget in winchester cases. Ill work up loads again for the new barrel. Both these bullets are happy with the jump and less sensitive to runout than the berger 80s.

I understand there are advantages (speed) to sticking with 7/8-14 dies but my question is if hand dies are any more problematic than a sliding sleeve type die for seating a match projectile with the neck tension needed to maintain bullet position in a cycling AR15.

Not trying to be hard headed, I appreciate the advice, and I don't plan on fussing with runout all the time, Id just like to know that my seater isn't wrecking what semblance of runout I might have through varying levels of case prep. The Forster and Redding are known performers, as are the wilsons in lower constriction rounds, but has anyone used them successfully with a tighter neck constriction than say .002?

 

[Brasscow]

Re: Wilson dies for semi auto

I've never successfully used them with more than .002" neck tension. I've used them with more than .002, it just took a shit load of pressure to seat it and left a ring mark on the ogive of the bullet.

This was for .308, not .223 FYI.

You could use the wilson die and a mallet instead of an arbor press. It wouldn't change the ring mark on the meplat issue, but might save you an arbor press or your palm. Just a thought.

Good luck.

 

[Mike_R]

Re: Wilson dies for semi auto

Thank you that is exactly what I needed to know.

Maybe a modified bullet seating stem would solve the ring mark?
If I opened it up to contact the bullet lower or had someone modify the stem like the special hornady amax seating stems that might help with the ring issue.

I might just get the forster set in .223 but I am still curious about the wilson dies. Maybe Ill try both.

Thanks again.