Just got a Redding micrometer seating die. Never used a micrometer seating die before and no instructions in the box. Nothing on Redding website shows how to use.

Any tips, I see where it makes sense to set it in press so you can read the mic. Any other thing differant between this and a regular seating die?

Thanks

BigB

When using the Redding Micrometer dies, as you've noticed set the die up to where you can read the numbers.

I'll know ahead of time what seating depth I want using a case micrometer so I just leave the stem out far enough so that it just starts the bullet in and then re-measure the case with the bullet. If say I'm looking for 2.860 and the first seating reads 2.910 just screw the seating dial in .050 and you'll be right on your correct seating depth.
Do be aware that there is variance in the Ogives of most bullets. Rarely will you have exactly the same 2.860 for every single bullet, you'll probably have some 2.859 and 2.861., just try for a reasonably consistant average.

I also like to set them up where they have a fair about of distance to take up with the sliding stem. I haven't measured the exact differences but it seems logical to me that the longer the stem is guiding the bullet the more likely it's going to be seated perfectly straight.

The Micrometer seaters are really nice dies, I hope you enjoy yours....................DJ

I set the micrometer die in my press where I can read the micrometer scale. I then make sure that the setting is on zero. I back off the stem quite a lot and insert a previously prepared "dummy" round with the bullet seated to max length (OAL) with the bullet seated to contact the lands. With the "dummy" inserted into the die the maximum of the press' travel, I then screw the stem down until it contacts the bullet, finger tight. Now your die is set to zero and set to seat a bullet where it will contact the lands. Take the "dummy" out of the die and press. Screw the micrometer down to the distance you want the bullet off the lands and then seat the bullets into your charged cases. It is very easy to vary the seating depth of your cartridge.

You can use the Stony Point setup to find out the maximum OAL for your rifle. I then use a chemical pen for writing on metal and label the "dummy" as to what the OAL length is and what bullet and weight of bullet used.

I forgot to mention that I use Forester Micrometer Dies. I think that the Redding Dies use the same principle, but never having seen a Redding Die, I cannot say that they are the same.

For those of you who have not purchased one of the nifty Micrometer Seaters, you can have the same precision seating by using OCL-to-ODL. It takes an extra Step or two and you need a set of o.oo1" capable Calipers, but you should have them anyhow.

A little slower, but just as precise.

Thanks for the tips, just bought a new varmit rifle in 222 and was going to load a few rounds this weekend.

BigB

Nice dies, easy to use and accurate. I wish I would have known about these before. Makes loading a little easier.

BigB