freakshow10mm Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 I have a S1050 set up for 9mm and currently load using Redding Pro Series dies (exclusively for all my loading). Thinking a lot about replacing the standard seater die in that set with the Competition seater die. I'm a commercial reloader, so cost isn't an issue here. I would like to hear experiences with this die regarding OAL control, runout control, and repeatability of setting for new seating depth (for different bullet weights/profiles) if you would, please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfie Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 I run the comp. seating dies in all my tool heads. I'm an engineer and have an OC personality, so when I set out for 1.130 I'm disappointed when the average of the lot is not 1.130. The die does not guarantee that you'll have exacting OAL but the the average is where it needs to be and other factors could be contributing to the variations. Anyway, the micrometer adjustment works awesome and the return to zero capability is just what you would expect. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boz1911 Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 I use one exclusively. After over a year I haven't made any adjustments. My 9mm COL still checks at 1.170. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmurch Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 +1 best seating die. Mine has also remained consistant OAL with over 5,000 .223 rounds. Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 I have often thought of getting one of these dies. I think they would be great if you tinker alot with oal's. But I can't see the sense in them if you are going to load thousands upon thousands of the exact same load. My Dillon seater die stays constant all year as well. But when I move it I will admit it is a PITA to get right again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freakshow10mm Posted October 1, 2010 Author Share Posted October 1, 2010 Excellent information gentlemen. Thank you. Looks like it will be a good investment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freakshow10mm Posted October 1, 2010 Author Share Posted October 1, 2010 I have often thought of getting one of these dies. I think they would be great if you tinker alot with oal's. But I can't see the sense in them if you are going to load thousands upon thousands of the exact same load. My Dillon seater die stays constant all year as well. But when I move it I will admit it is a PITA to get right again. Well, I load a 147gr in the 9mm and only that weight. But I load a Xtreme plated RN, a Gold Dot JHP, a Zero JHP, a Zero FMJ, and possibly will add a Montana Gold CMJ to that lineup. The Comp die seems like making those adjustment would be quicker and easier versus the standard die. I like reference points when I make settings. I'm aiming to get one of those UniqueTek micrometer powder bar deals too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfie Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 Dillon makes a product but its limited to what it can do. My Dillon holds my Redding dies flawlessly. My Redding dies make flawless ammo. I have the Uniquetek powder bar and love it for all the same reasons as my comp seating die. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcs Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 I use the competition die on all my 650 toolheads/calibers. Well worth the $$$ IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 I have often thought of getting one of these dies. I think they would be great if you tinker alot with oal's. But I can't see the sense in them if you are going to load thousands upon thousands of the exact same load. My Dillon seater die stays constant all year as well. But when I move it I will admit it is a PITA to get right again. Well, I load a 147gr in the 9mm and only that weight. But I load a Xtreme plated RN, a Gold Dot JHP, a Zero JHP, a Zero FMJ, and possibly will add a Montana Gold CMJ to that lineup. The Comp die seems like making those adjustment would be quicker and easier versus the standard die. I like reference points when I make settings. I'm aiming to get one of those UniqueTek micrometer powder bar deals too. Freakshow, The Competition die is made for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raz-0 Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 It's a good die. Probably the msot useful it ahs been for me is when changing bullet profiles (or when my bullet of choice has the manufacturer change them on me). It's pretty much make one cartridge, measure it, turn X increments, done. Which is nice. Plus you know it isn't adding any crimp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Miles Posted October 1, 2010 Share Posted October 1, 2010 I use the Redding Competition Bullet Seating die for all my calibers. Yeah, it's nice that you can change the OAL with a twist of it's micrometer head but more important to me is it's ability to center the bullet in the case every time. No more lopsided rounds that cause my guns not to go into battery. Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freakshow10mm Posted October 4, 2010 Author Share Posted October 4, 2010 Yes, looks like the die will be a good purchase. I'll save up and buy one to replace my standard Redding Pro seater. Thanks everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzShooter Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Love the Redding Competition Seater. My bullets come out much better and my groups have improved a lot since using it. It's well worth the expense. I use two different bullets in my .38s and all I need to do is turn the micrometer setting to the known number and I'm all set for the different bullet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoSTViKiNG Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 I have a 1050 and I am using the Redding Competition seater die. Absolutely recommendable!!! Controlling the seating depth is easy now, it was a PITA before. And, as a side effect: Bullets are now seated absolutely straigt. I load ARES bullets (http://www.ares-gun.sk/) which were not seated straight with the original Dillon die, resulting in a sort of bellying-out-effect and thus rounds which were out of spec (didn't fit the gauge). These probs are now all gone! Another good thing is the Micrometer Powderbar from Uniquetek (http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1231) With these two upgrades I can now set the press from one to another "recipe" without any hassle and measuring (I check before loading, of course) as the scales are very accurate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARKAVELI Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 So what do you all do with your dillon dies(to those who use or have used dillon dies) can they be traded back to Dillon pre used as store credit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drysideshooter Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 I own both Redding comp. seater dies and Forster ultra's. They both do an excellent job. It was Forster that pioneered the sliding sleeve design that was later copied by Redding. You may want to consider the Forster die as it's less expensive than the Redding and considered to be it's equal. Here is a link to an article comparing the two: My link I do quite a bit of precision rifle reloading and use a runout tester to check bullet runout. The difference between dies like the Redding comp and Forster ultra and more common dies in terms of runout is really eye opening. These dies are also much, much more consistent from round to round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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