I just recently purchased a set of Redding neck dies for my 300 Win mag. I'm having trouble getting the bullet seating consistent. I am loading 180 grn. Hornaday Interbonds and 180grn. Woodleighs.

I can get the Interbonds pretty consistent, but can't seem to do so with the Woodlieghs. I'd be greatful for any advice.

Thanks much.

Bill

Sorry Bill, I guess you'll have to eplain your problem in a bit more detail?? What inconsistency are you worried about?? Seating resistance, final cartridge length or what?? And how does this problem (presumably?) relate to your new Redding neck dies??

Confused - mike

The inconsistency has to to with the final length. The Redding die portion of the problem is that when I think that the adjustment is set, the next round will come out a different length.

I'm assuming that there is probably operator error, but I don't have that problem with the RCBS dies. I think that the Redding is a good die, I just want to solve the problem. Thanks for your response.

Bill

Bill, I'm still not convinced I have understood your problem entirely, but I'm guessing you have problems with varying OACL (Over All Cartridge Length) once you have seated the bullet?? I.e. one finished round (with bullet seated) does not measure the same as the same as the next, correct??

I don't know what level of variance you are observing, but depending on bullet type, it is quite common to observe .001-.005" of variance in OACL, say. A lot of this variance often arises from varying bullet tips, i.e. when you measure from case head to bullet tip. The better way to measure OACL is to use a "bullet comparator". This gizmo will allow you to measure to the point of the bullet ogive where the bullet touches the comparator - which will approximate where on the bullet and the lands will touch. If you don't have a bullet comparator, this may be a worthwhile addition to your bag of reloading gadgets.

One thing I still have not quite understood, is that you seem to be comparing Redding neck sizing dies to RCBS (FL or NS) dies. But the sizer only has a limited influence on the OACL, so I don't see the immediate connection between (perceived) inconsistencies in OACL and the sizer used??

Or are you really trying to tell us, that you have a Redding SEATING die (as opposed to neck die), and with this die, you seem to be getting varying OACL - something you did not observe with your RCBS seater?? Other than the change in dies, you are using the same bullets, the same amount of powder etc etc??

- mike

Mike:

Thanks for your questions. I apologize for the confusion and my lack of detail. Yes-it is a 2 die set (neck and seating). Given the slight variance you mention, it is probably nothing to sweat. And your are correct, a comparator would be much more precise.

I guess what I'm noticing is the variance in the seating and probably had not noticed it previously with the RCBS and just paid extra close attention on the Redding.

Thanks agai,

Bill