Trying to seat 35gr V-max for 22 K-Hornet but cases keep collapsing. It doesn't do it with 40gr.I noticed that the bullet tip does not fit snuggly in the RCBS seating stem as does the 40gr.Is there another stem available or can the one I have be modified?

Hey there fellow k-hornet reloader...I just started using the 35 grain Hornady V-Max bullets myself. I am using RCBS dies, too. I ruined a couple of cases whem I wasn't "really" careful about starting the bullet into the case. Gotta watch those fingers, too. I found that just being very careful will get the bullet into the case without damaging the brass or the fingers. I haven't had any problem with the seater die as is. All it does is push the bullet into the case. The plastic tip on the bullet seems tough enough to withstand contact of the seating die plunger. What kind of powder are you using? And How much of it? How long is you barrel?

Use a VLD case mouth chamfering tool.........

Get a .221 Fireball. Solves all the brass problems of the flimsy Hornet cases.

I don't recall the address, however, there is an article online about the Forster Ultra bullet seater and it's use on the .22 Hornet. The Forster Ultra, or benchrest for that matter, supports the entire case as the bullet is seated as opposed to just the bullet tip and case neck. It was implied in the article that a seater of this design, the other being a Redding Competition, is a real boon for reloading the Hornet. I have an Ultra die set for the Hornet, however, I have as of yet not used them. FWIW.
Regards, Matt.

[This message has been edited by Matt in Virginia (edited 01-25-2002).]

Hey Hutt, I agree with Big Stick about the Lyman VLD tool - excellent. It is carbide, so just barely ream the inside of the mouth, or it will cut it right on down.

After you do the inside of the neck with the chamfering tool, I'd also recommend you polish it. I use "0000 Steel Wool" wrapped around a 22cal Bore Brush. Unscrew the VLD cutter from it's wooden handle and screw the Bore Brush into it. DO NOT spin this in a drill.

You only need to give it a couple of twists and it is as slick as Clinton's Lies(well...almost that slick).

I began doing the 0000 Steel Wool polishing when I noticed the Moly Coating on my bullets getting scratched during Seating. This also eliminated that problem.

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Good hunting and clean 1-shot kills, Hot Core

Thanks guys! I think I will do the VLD trick.A phone call with RCBS suggested that I send in the die with 5 sample bullets and for $12.00 + shipping they would make one up.