I've recently picked one of these up without instructions and as it's my nature to ask questions first and hopefully avoid making a tit of myself later, here goes:

1. Do the micrometer marks mean anything or are they simply subjective reference marks unrelated to either inches or millimetres?

2. Is there a way of setting the seating depth other than the usual "screw it in, try it, move it a bit and try again" method?

(Seems to me that if the answer to 1. was that the marks measured say COL in inches, I could dial up the required seating depth.)

Thanks guys

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tikka 3 barrels

The marks indicate thousandsths (.001) of an inch. To a point, you still have to use the screw it in and try it a little method, but you have a "scale" to go by. They are usually pretty accurate but I usually make an extra adjustment and leave the C.O.L a little long the first try. This just prevents seating the bullet to deep

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May your chambers be true to your bores.

Pete
Give RCBS a call and they will mail you out a set of instructions. The nice thing about the RCBS competition seating dies is you can order other sleeves and seating parts to handle other calibers from RCBS. You can look at them on line on their web site.

Thanks guys for the quick replies.

Dennis - I'm off to the RCBS website now but ar you saying I might be able to use the same seater for .243, .303 Brit and .308? That would represent a good investment

YEP

I USE MINE FOR .223, 22-250 AND .243.

IF THEY CAN'T HELP YOU WITH INSTRUCTIONS I'LL SCAN MINE AND SEND THEM TO YOU.

DENNIS

Dennis,

Thanks on both counts - I'd visited RCBS' website and the information there sorta suggests that different calibres take different dies but maybe I didn't look closely enough. I've asked them about instructions and who knows but if you're prepared to scan and email them to me, I'd be very much obliged.

Having now set up the die for my favourite .22/250 bullet and the col which suits my rifle, I was slightly surprised that I was right up at the top of the micrometer's adjustment - this with the usual first step of winding the die body in until it touches the shell holder with the latter at the top of its travel. I've still got available adjustment so it's no problem.

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tikka 3 barrels

Sounds like you are lacking the extended shellholder,that is used in conjunction with RCBS Competition seating dies...............

Big Stick,

No, it isn't that thanks.

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tikka 3 barrels

Pete

I'm sorry if I didn't make my self clear. I use mine just for seating not for sizing. I'll try to send you a scan of the instructions from work.

Dennis

Dennis,

S'okay - no misunderstanding. So far I haven't even looked at the f/l sizer but have started playing with the mic seater.

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tikka 3 barrels