Redding Competition Seating Die installation instructions

[Jicko]

I'd like to know where can I find installation instruction for my Redding Competition Seating die?

It is 308WIN, I am using it with Hornady LNL bushing, and RCBS RCII press.

[Franksremote]

It shoulda come in the packaging. Setup as any other seating die as far as distance to shellplate, load a "dummy" cartridge, measure and then use the supplied allen wrench to adjust the "zero" for the OAL to what you measured. From there, it should be dead nuts adjustment-wise provided you use the same brass, etc.

GREAT die, very concentric seating, easily adjustable and holds settings well. Due to differences in casings, etc, I've found it easier to "zero" then just write down the settings for different bullet shapes and sizes vs trying to just use the micrometer readings; ie 1.200 with moly 180's is different than jacketed 180s due to differences in cannelure, etc. easier to just set moly for 1.200 and note that FMJ is 1.2500 (just an example) on the micrometer even though OAL is still 1.2000 on both. Cha know?

[Jicko]

My dies don't have any instructions. :-( Maybe I should give them a call tomorrow.

But it is DEAD crazy accurate.

I randomly tried a dummy round. 175SMK. It came out to be 2.844", then I was thinking, let me dial down 0.024" with the micrometer......and seat again.... gosh... it came out exaclty 2.820"

[Franksremote]

My dies don't have any instructions. :-( Maybe I should give them a call tomorrow.

But it is DEAD crazy accurate.

I randomly tried a dummy round. 175SMK. It came out to be 2.844", then I was thinking, let me dial down 0.044" with the micrometer......and seat again.... gosh... it came out exaclty 2.820"

Put an allen wrench into the slot and twist until it matches the OAL you have. From there you're g2g, can't beat a $60 die that performs as advertised

[EastBayRidge]

FYI, here's a problem I had when I first started using it, and Redding's suggested solution, promptly emailed, which works well:

PROBLEM:

I've been having problems with the .308 competition seating die - 155 gr Lapua Scenar (not moly) have been sticking as I try to load them to a 2.775 and 2.80 OAL over 45.5 gr of Varget in once-fired, neck sized Lapua cases, to the point that I have to take a small pair of forceps and remove the bullets manually (scratching them in the process).

I've tried dripping some case lube down the die, but that doesn't seem to work. I only recently purchased the die, and have loaded maybe 10 rounds before (into virgin brass), and those didn't present a problem. Any thoughts ?

REDDING'S ANSWER:

Thank you for using Redding Reloading Equipment. Remove the micrometer assembly from the top of the die and pick the seat stem out of the top of the sliding sleeve. Apply a light coating of case lube to the interior of the seat stem with a Q-tip. The bullets are sticking because the shape of the bullet is a very close match for the shape of the interior of the seat stem.

[rksimple]

FYI, here's a problem I had when I first started using it, and Redding's suggested solution, promptly emailed, which works well:

PROBLEM:

I've been having problems with the .308 competition seating die - 155 gr Lapua Scenar (not moly) have been sticking as I try to load them to a 2.775 and 2.80 OAL over 45.5 gr of Varget in once-fired, neck sized Lapua cases, to the point that I have to take a small pair of forceps and remove the bullets manually (scratching them in the process).

I've tried dripping some case lube down the die, but that doesn't seem to work. I only recently purchased the die, and have loaded maybe 10 rounds before (into virgin brass), and those didn't present a problem. Any thoughts ?

REDDING'S ANSWER:

Thank you for using Redding Reloading Equipment. Remove the micrometer assembly from the top of the die and pick the seat stem out of the top of the sliding sleeve. Apply a light coating of case lube to the interior of the seat stem with a Q-tip. The bullets are sticking because the shape of the bullet is a very close match for the shape of the interior of the seat stem.

Thanks for the info. I use 155 scenars exclusively and have never had a problem in the redding comp seater. If it happens now I know.

[Ugly Dwarf]

Did You Get Your Answer?

My dies don't have any instructions. :-( Maybe I should give them a call tomorrow.

But it is DEAD crazy accurate.

I randomly tried a dummy round. 175SMK. It came out to be 2.844", then I was thinking, let me dial down 0.024" with the micrometer......and seat again.... gosh... it came out exaclty 2.820"

Jicko,

Did you get an answer to your questions? Did you get your instructions from Redding?

If not, you should call Redding and ask them to mail the instructions to you. The Tech Support number is 607-753-3331.

I've had occasion to work with them a few times and have been 100% satisfied with their responses - even the time the problem was created by operator error... Who knew minute lube would gum up the inside of a sizing die and that occasional cleaning with a brush and solvent was in order?!!! (oops) Next you're going to tell me I need to clean my guns.

FYI, I looked at their site (perhaps you did too) and did not see downloadable (.pdf) copies of their instructions.

Good luck.

Dwarf