Today’s installment in the How-To series will be about how to use a bullet seating die? 3 easy steps. Lucky for us, no matter what manufacturer’s product you choose, they almost all operate in the same manner. So that means this article should be as close to a one-size-fits-all as I can get

Knowing how to use a bullet seating die correctly is essential. It has a significant effect on accuracy, precision, and safety.

Now with that out of the way, let us begin, shall we?

Step one:
Install the bullet seating die.

Thread the bullet seating die shallowly into your reloading press without locking its lock ring. Next, place the correct caliber shell holder on the press shell plate, and raise the ram.

Rotate the die clockwise until it makes contact with the shell holder. Then, tighten the reloading die lock ring.

Lower the ram.

Step two:
Adjust your bullet seating stem knob.

What is a bullet-seating stem?

The seating stem is a part on the inside of a seating die that makes contact with your projectile. Adjusting the bullet seating stem knob up or down allows you to reach your desired bullet length.

Rotate the stem counterclockwise so it won’t contact your projectile initially.

Place a bullet in your case and raise the press arm.

Rotate the stem clockwise until it contacts the bullet. Now you have a zero point.

Step three:
Almost done.

Now it is time to grab your set of calipers and the correct bullet comparator. I wrote a short article on this subject and highly recommend reading it before continuing.

How to use a set of calipers? (Click here)

Starting from your zero point, slightly adjust the bullet seating stem clockwise, seating the bullet deeper into the case. Then, using your calipers, take a measurement.

Repeat this process until you have achieved your desired measurement. You can lock your setting down with the stems lock nut at that point.

That’s it; you are now in business.

Food for thought.

If you have an in-line seating die made for use in an arbor press, skip step one, it’s pretty self-explanatory from that point on.

If you have a die with a micrometer top, you can get close to your desired seating depth and easily dial in your final number.

You can also lap your seating stem to fit your specific projectile if you desire the ultimate precision. (Down the rabbit hole)

I hope this article on how to use a bullet seating die has found you in good spirits.

Remember, shoot better than me. Mac R.

Disclaimer: Reloading/handloading can be hazardous to your health, like many things in life. You take full responsibility when performing these procedures. 5 Gun Nation is not liable for your decisions. Don’t be an idiot; if you are, it is not our problem.