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That is exactly what it is showing, before it would essentially leave a flat ring around the tip.

I can either get extra stems, or just remove the glue and follow the process for the profile. Robert

Thanks Steve... I just followed the suggestions of others and wanted to document the process and results for the benefit of anyone else who might run into this issue. Robert

All, I made the modification to the seating stem using the hot glue method and was rewarded with a dramatic improvement. My COAL variations went from 0.020 to 0.005 in my sample groups. I documented what I did in the following thread. http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=194010 Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions! Robert

All, I had some issues with high variances in COAL with the 135gr BBI bullets I was using and opened a thread asking for suggestions. It was suggested that I was probably seeing these issues due to the Dillon seating die making contact at the very tip of the bullets instead of further out on the ogive. I decided to try the method discussed of using hot glue to improve contact between the seating stem and the bullet and it has shown a dramatic improvement. My original COAL variance was 0.020 and after the modification it is now a reasonable 0.005 in my sample group. Here is the method I used... I disassembled the seating die and removed the stem and cleaned it some some degreaser. I then filled the seating stem with hot glue while the pin was installed in the stem and quickly inserted the bullet as straight as I could manage. I then removed the bullet and let the hot glue cool completely. I then trimmed up the excess hot glue leaving a flat edge around the stem and also used a drill bit to clear the hole in the center. As you can see the "halo" that was being generated by the bare stem is now gone as well.

I forgot to add that the bullet only makes contract with the stem at the very tip.

So, I took the seating die apart and out of the two sides of the stem, I think I am using the best choice. Disassembled die: The side of the stem I am using: The other side of the stem:

Chandler, I have been doing more reading and it looks like the Dillon seating die has a stem that is reversible, so I will "play" with that later tonight to see if it helps. I am new to all of this, so I am learning as I go.... Robert

Ahh, that makes sense. Should I try the method I have stern mentioned where you use some hot glue in the seating die to improve the contact with the bullet? The Dillon die is leaving a little imprint right around the tip of the bullet.

I measured the length of the bullets themselves after noticing the variations on COAL, which has a spread of nearly 20 thousandths. Based on further reading I'm going to try lubing the cases to see if that helps. I'm loading on a XL650 and the shell plate is snug.

All, I have 1k of the 135gr BBI that I am currently working with. I noticed some pretty significant variations in OAL and started checking each component individually and I am measuring a spread of up to 0.010" on the height of the bullets. Is this a normal variation for a coated round? I am assuming it is just the thickness of the coating that is varying between bullets? Robert

Here are the results of the BBI 135gr with 4.0gr of 7625 through the PPQ. It averaged just over 130pf and steel feels very pleasant. Robert

PS - If you don't want to test with that 7625, I know a place that you can send it. All that I can find locally is Unique and Red Dot. I have high hopes for some of the upcoming gun shows. Robert

Have you noticed a difference between the plating on the Xtreme RN and HP? I saw it reference somewhere that the HP had a thicker playing than the RN... Robert

I did a quick search in that thread and only found one test with 135gr bullets, Xtremes. My numbers seem to correlate, the exception being I am averaging about ~30fps more with the coated bullets, so the 4gr loads should get me right at 130pf. If that is the case I will have to go to 4.1 or above to get a little "room". Robert