@ 04:47 am (GMT) |
Paul LevermanI just loaded up another batch of 243Win (another experimental load) and found that after all this time, the bullet seater was actually seating the bullet from the tip, not the ogive. Kind of disconcerting, however, looking back in the journal, I found that run-out was still minimized. This in itself is testimony to the quality of Lee tooling.I have contacted Lee Precision about obtaining a custom seating plug to match the profile of the bullet (108gr ELD-M). Just thought I'd mention this, as I don't think I had ever considered this an area of concern. The photo shows which bullets it doesn't fit. Doesn't leave a lot of options. |
@ 11:07 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Lee Precision Bullet Seater PlugHi Paul, we have been experimenting with this within the 7mm Practical die sets. The Practical dies feature a custom seater. This took a bit to get right because if you allow the plug to control the projectile a long way down the ogive, the die itself (regardless of brand) runs out of adjustment when having to deal with the full gamut of projectile designs. We have found that the ideal position is roughly 1/4 to 1/3 down the ogive (down from the tip). If you go halfway down the ogive, you begin to lose functionality. Plus, the grip at this point tends to be more firm / non yileding and will not allow the projectile to self center (even though one might envisage the opposite).Note that an existing button can be drilled out on a lathe. Simply measure the bullet ogive diameter roughly a quarter way down the ogive, a drill the central hole of the plug to this diameter. Be sure to polish the inner plug afterwards by whatever means possible. If concentricity is still an issue, open the plug slightly further but do not make a huge jump. If concentricity remains a concern after this, look to other factors such as neck turning and neck tension etc. |
@ 06:04 pm (GMT) |
Paul LevermanRe: Lee Precision Bullet Seater PlugThanks, Nathan. I had considered drilling the plug, but thought that I would wait and see what Lee had to say. If they can get a plug to work on the majority of these bullets, I'll probably let them handle it, thinking that their tooling is just a little more accurate than mine. If they come back with "one bullet one plug" I'll more than likely try it myself. If I ruin the plug, I had to buy a new one anyway. |
@ 11:05 pm (GMT) |
Paul LevermanRe: Lee Precision Bullet Seater PlugI received my plugs in last nights mail. Turns out that two were needed, so I have my bases covered for the bullets I use. I think what surprised me the most was that the Sierra 85gr. needed it's own plug. Not that I expected all the ogives to fit in one, but that such a generic bullet shape needed a custom fit. So, the fun begins, more bench time, more testing, more loads, more shooting. As a side note, also received word that my 30mm rings (hard to find the extra-high) are on the way for the Sightron, they should be here by the end of the week. |
@ 10:15 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Lee Precision Bullet Seater PlugGood stuff Paul. They are pretty good to deal with. |