Thread: Micrometer Dies

Can someone school me on micrometer Dies.
I like to tinker with different bullets in my rifles and find it a pain "going back" to the original seating depths once I'm done tinkering.
I use Lee ultimate dies currently but only really like the neck collet die not the seater that has an adjuster that is easily knocked out of setting.
Any brands or models someone can recommend?

Redding, Wilson and Forster are my preference for micrometer dies. All mine are Redding and Forster. Would love to try Wilson but need an arbor press.
To use these dies well you really need something to give a reference. i.e. a micrometer and ogive gauge (Hornady LNL bullet comparator etc) or your flying blind. Some bullets are more consistent than others. For example the 85 HPBT I run in the 243 are often 0.020" in variation. If your using a 0.010" jump then you could be anything from just right to 0.010" jam. Quite a difference.
The micrometer is nice to return to for seating different bullets as they return to same point every time. Typically they're are a better seater with floating sleeve that make for better concentricity.

+1 Redding

Thanks james, I currently use the hornady OAL and comparator set up from hornady. I see workshop innovation sell some micro meter dies, bit pricey? 185$ ish

Originally Posted by Timmay

Thanks james, I currently use the hornady OAL and comparator set up from hornady. I see workshop innovation sell some micro meter dies, bit pricey? 185$ ish

I really like the Forster seating dies. Most of my dies are bought as Redding sets, as I think the Redding sets are better with body bump and type S neck dies (and, the Wilson bushes are better I think, which fit the Redding but not the Forster).
See what they are like cost wise for Forster over Redding seater. I think Forster are often cheaper. Both use the sliding sleeve. Julian is a great guy to deal with.

Originally Posted by Timmay

Thanks james, I currently use the hornady OAL and comparator set up from hornady. I see workshop innovation sell some micro meter dies, bit pricey? 185$ ish

Hornady make an add on MicroJust seating stem if you have their standard seating die just pop one on.

Originally Posted by kiwijames

Redding, Wilson and Forster are my preference for micrometer dies. All mine are Redding and Forster. Would love to try Wilson but need an arbor press.
To use these dies well you really need something to give a reference. i.e. a micrometer and ogive gauge (Hornady LNL bullet comparator etc) or your flying blind. Some bullets are more consistent than others. For example the 85 HPBT I run in the 243 are often 0.020" in variation. If your using a 0.010" jump then you could be anything from just right to 0.010" jam. Quite a difference.
The micrometer is nice to return to for seating different bullets as they return to same point every time. Typically they're are a better seater with floating sleeve that make for better concentricity.

Are you seating long and then dialling the micrometer the last 25 thou for every projectile ?

If for example the projectiles differ by up to 5 thou then seat 10 thou long and dial the remainder after measuring the seated projectile

It gets tedious for every one but its worth it.

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

Are you seating long and then dialling the micrometer the last 25 thou for every projectile ?

If for example the projectiles differ by up to 5 thou then seat 10 thou long and dial the remainder after measuring the seated projectile

It gets tedious for every one but its worth it.

Which is the whole point.