Precision bullet seating die recommendation

[Stein]

Well, I just had an unfortunate event where my Lee Breech Lock just broke a part off when I was seating a die and it must have somehow messed up the die.  I re-installed the die in my turret press and no matter what I do it massively crushes the case.  I tried installing it 5 times and the die is definitely messed up.

The good news in all this is that I wasn't overly happy with my setup as I would have trouble getting the consistent length I was looking for.  I seat my 30-06 bullets to 2.743 and will reject anything over or under by more than .001", not sure if this is logical or the best idea, just what I do.  I measure with a micrometer and the Hornady COAL gauge sized for the caliber.

Anyway, any suggestions on a good precision die?  I don't benchrest, just want something that is more consistent than the standard Lee.  Looking at Midway, the following choices pop up:

Redding Competition - $133
RCBS Gold Medal - $99
RCBS Competition - $75
Forster Bench Rest - $55
Hornady Custom Grade - $25
Hornady Match Grade - $80 @ Cabelas
Redding - $39
RCBS - $27

[Bill W]

you might check to verify that the die isn't misaligned with the ram.  That would definitely crush your cases.  The other thing would be if the post inside the die is bent.

On the topic of new dies you need to determine if you want full length resizing dies or neck sizing dies.   My preference for neck dies is the Redding bushing die that allows me to minimize the "work" on the cartridge neck.  It's pricier that way but gives good results.   The standard Redding FL dies are also an excellent option.

[kisfish]

I bought a rcbs comp die to try out and that's all I buy anymore. Just my two cents. Once you try it you will love it.

[jasnt]

I like my redding bushing dies. Rcbs is a close 2nd

[b23]

All of mine are either Redding Competition seating dies or the Forster benchrest seating die.  The micro adjuster makes life easier when you are fine tuning your seating depth and I always like to use seating dies with the sliding sleeve that supports the case.

[yorketransport]

I’ve had pretty good luck with the RCBS competition seater. I also really like all the Hornady seating dies. You can always throw the micrometer stem on there too for a couple bucks.

I think my favorite seater is just a standard Redding seating die that I use for my 284. If I’m consistent with the press stroke the seating depths are within .003” (+/- .0015” from the standard depth). That’s also assuming that neck tension is consistent enough to maintain an equal seating force in each case.

[jay.sharkbait]

My solution for precision seating depth has been a dial indicator on a base of of some kind. It makes any basic die set into uber cool operator grade viper bat slayer dies.....

And we all know how important the Viper Bat Slayer upgrade is....

[Oh Mah]

Dies do get worn and sloppy,If mine start getting inconsistent their in the trash.I too have a dial indicator on a mag base that i set depth with,Then check C.O.A.L with each round.

[aaronoto]

Redding Competition with the micrometer dial, you won't use anything else afterwards!  I didn't think the micrometer dial would be that accurate, but it's very accurate and easy to get seating dialed in to the .001".

[Biggerhammer]

The Forester has a HUGE following with the Benchrest guys.

[dog]

Most Benchrest guys are using Wilson seaters and an arbor press. That is what I would recommend if you want really straight ammo.

[Bill W]

The Forester has a HUGE following with the Benchrest guys.

I would venture that's because of the Forster press.   I've considered one of those.

[BULLBLASTER]

I like Redding micrometer seating dies.

[timberfaller]

  second that on the L.E. Wilson!!   You can get them threaded if need be.   Just stop in their shop in Cashmere.

Wilson and an abhor press, great way to go,  not such a cluttered reload bench!!

[mountainman]

second that on the L.E. Wilson!!   You can get them threaded if need be.   Just stop in their shop in Cashmere.

Wilson and an abhor press, great way to go,  not such a cluttered reload bench!!

👆yeah that!

[Stein]

I ended up fixing it and wanted to post here in case someone finds this thread in the future.

When I moved the die to my turret press, I grabbed the directions to make sure I had it set up right as it has been probably six or seven years since I set it up and haven't moved it since.  I mistakenly grabbed the directions that came with the Lee .243 dies, not the 30-06 dies.  The .243 die is set by running the ram up and screwing the die until it contacts the shell holder.  On the 30-06 dies, you have a case in the shell holder and screw the die down until it touches the case mouth.

I had the die screwed in way too far and the crimp feature was crushing the case.  I set it up right and am back in business.

It seems strange to me that some are different than others within the Lee line, but I looked at the directions side by side for 10 minutes and it's clear as day.

Anyway, I'm back in business.