I just received my Sinclair Concentricity Gauge. I have been checking my loading set up for various cartridges and I have found that my 6.5x55's need help, a lot of help.

My original set up was RCBS FL sizer and RCBS seater. This would produce loads with Norma and Lapua brass from .007 to .016 runout with 140gr Partitions, even with the expander removed.

I also have a 3 die set from Lee. Sizing the brass with the Lee Collet die and seating with the RCBS seater reduces runout to .006 to .009, better, but not great. I replaced the RCBS seater with the Lee seater. Runout with the Lee collet and the Lee seater averages .0035.

So, here is what I decided to do. Shit can the RCBS dies. Purchase a Redding Body Die in 6.5x55. Size with the Lee Collet Die and the Redding Body Die.

I am not to sure about the quality of the Lee Seater. How do they perform for the rest of you? If I am going to purchase new dies anyway, should I just replace the Lee seater as well. Maybe a Forster Comp. seater?

Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by steve4102:
I So, here is what I decided to do. . . . Purchase a Redding Body Die in 6.5x55. Size with the Lee Collet Die and the Redding Body Die.

That's the sizing setup I use for my Swede.

FWIW I never really liked the seater that Lee packages with their collet die. For some reason you see a lot of Wilson inline seaters in 6.5x55 Wilson on eBay, and they usually go for $15 - $20. That's what I use with the body/collet die set and it has all but eliminated runout.

P.S. You don't need an expensive arbor press to use the Wilson seater. I use an old bottle capper!

Hey steve

You are definitely on the right track. The best seating die IMO is the RCBS Competition Seater. They are a little expensive but the sliding collet and the side loading of the bullet makes them my favorite. I get one in every caliber if they are available and I monitor runout. I think it helps greatly when the bullet is started straight to begin with. They are the only die that has the side loading into the collet. All the others you have to hold the bullet on top of the case and raise it up into the die. The bullet is not straight to begin with.

I do have one Redding Competition Seater Die in 280 AI and it does not introduce much runout and has the micrometer on top like the RCBS. But if they offered the RCBS in 280AI that's what I would have for it too.