Newbie Help

[Schmoops]

As I venture into reloading for the first time I could use some advice.

I’m planning to load long pointy bullets, using the often recommended Frankford Arsenal universal seating die.

Am I correct in thinking that I’ll only need a resizing die for each caliber? If that’s the case, does anyone have a bead on where to buy those dies on their own, or should I just be looking at the standard two-die sets?

Thank you!

 

[Backcast88]

I have no experience with the Universal Seating die but I build 2 die sets based on my personal preferences.

I like Redding Competition seater dies so I can buy different seating stems based on the bullets I want to shoot. And then I buy Forster FL sizing dies separately.

So, yes you can buy sizing dies separately. I would recommend Forster or Redding.

You can buy them from most online places that sell reloading components or directly from Forster.

 

[Sizthediz]

How many caliber are you reloading for? Im not exactly sure how that universal seating die is going to work but if you use it to seat multiple caliber you MOST likely are going to have to reset the seating die EVERY time you change caliber. The goal is to find a load and overall length your rifle likes with a powder and a bullet and LEAVE it there for easy repeatability. Personally being new buy a set of dies for that specific rifle set them up make your ammo and shoot and have fun. Don't complicate things.
Good luck. Be careful

 

[he_lives]

As I venture into reloading for the first time I could use some advice.

I’m planning to load long pointy bullets, using the often recommended Frankford Arsenal universal seating die.

Am I correct in thinking that I’ll only need a resizing die for each caliber? If that’s the case, does anyone have a bead on where to buy those dies on their own, or should I just be looking at the standard two-die sets?

Thank you!

I don't have experience with the universal seating die you're looking at, it could be great. In my experience, "universal" typically equates to a tool being okay at some tasks, but not great at doing anything exceedingly well. In other words, you're accepting a compromise.

If you're going to take on the investment and time commitment to reload, tools specific to your purpose are recommended.

At a minimum, I think it would be worth getting something similar to the Hornady or RCBS 2-die sets for the calibers you plan to reload. If you plan to reload for two calibers of the same bullet diameter (say 6.5cm and 6.5prc) I would buy a two die set for 6.5cm, a 6.5prc sizing die, then use the seating die interchangeably between the two. If you go with Hornady, you can buy a micrometer seating stem and swap that around between all the seating dies as well.

I'd buy the dies specific to your expectations. I've had good luck with Hornady and RCBS dies for my hunting ammo accuracy expectations.

For semi auto and pistol, I've also loaded a ton of rounds using Lee sizing dies, which can be had for around $20.

Since you're just getting started, I'd guess that the dies you intend to use will make very little difference in your final results.

 

[Schmoops]

I have no experience with the Universal Seating die but I build 2 die sets based on my personal preferences.

I like Redding Competition seater dies so I can buy different seating stems based on the bullets I want to shoot. And then I buy Forster FL sizing dies separately.

So, yes you can buy sizing dies separately. I would recommend Forster or Redding.

You can buy them from most online places that sell reloading components or directly from Forster.

I appreciate it, thanks!

The Universal Seating die is recommended by Form and others as it doesn’t deform TMK & similar bullets like other dies can.

It *seems* like full length resizing is full length resizing, so I may just get a basic RCBS or similar set and use the sizing die from that for each caliber. I’ll dig into Forster and Redding to see if that route makes more sense!

 

[he_lives]

I have needed to swap out a couple seating stems with the vld style stems to prevent tip deformation. They're relatively inexpensive.

 

[Schmoops]

I have needed to swap out a couple seating stems with the vld style stems to prevent tip deformation. They're relatively inexpensive.

The FA universal die has those VLD components included

 

[wind gypsy]

As I venture into reloading for the first time I could use some advice.

I’m planning to load long pointy bullets, using the often recommended Frankford Arsenal universal seating die.

Am I correct in thinking that I’ll only need a resizing die for each caliber? If that’s the case, does anyone have a bead on where to buy those dies on their own, or should I just be looking at the standard two-die sets?

Thank you!

Most any sizeable online retailer should sell sizing die only without a 2 or more die set. That's how i buy all of my dies.

 

[Grillnugz]

Hornady seater dies are inexpensive and you can replace the bullet seating stem for eld/vld. Some dies even come with multiple, my 7prc or 223 set came with an extra stem. I like having dies specific for rifles, much easier/faster to set up.

 

[Benchrest Braxton]

Universal is awesome. I love my short action customs infinity die (arbor press seating). With the exception of cheytac and bmg bolt face, there isn't a cartridge I cannot load for from 22 fireball through 338 lapua improved. Super easy to take a few measurements off the die and know where to set it when swapping calibers.

Dedicated seating dies can be convenient but not necessary.

 

[DonE911]

I personally don't do the universal seaters....

For my rifle calibers I have Forster competition dies that I really like and have a dedicated set for each rifle. I have 2 sets for 6.5cm because I have 2 rifles in that caliber.... once the dies are set they stay set for that particular rifle. Some like redding or rcbs ect.

For high volume AR rounds I use the same set for all rifles. Same with handguns.

 

[Schmoops]

Most any sizeable online retailer should sell sizing die only without a 2 or more die set. That's how i buy all of my dies.

Do you have a retailer recommendation? I’m seeing either two-die sets or reeeeeal expensive single full length sizing dies on most websites.

 

[Schmoops]

Universal is awesome. I love my short action customs infinity die (arbor press seating). With the exception of cheytac and bmg bolt face, there isn't a cartridge I cannot load for from 22 fireball through 338 lapua improved. Super easy to take a few measurements off the die and know where to set it when swapping calibers.

Dedicated seating dies can be convenient but not necessary.

Amazon had it on sale so I snagged one!

 

[Taudisio]

I use the Frankfort. No issues. You do have to change out the stem and adjust it when changing calibers, but it works as it should. I have to adjust the seating die from a die set every time anyway so there isn’t much difference, unless you are using a turret press and you just set it and forget it. I’ve reloaded thousands of rounds from 223 up to 30 nosler. Shot bug hole groups and long range with the ammo it seated. The kit and a full length resizing die for each caliber and you are good to go. Single dies are about half the price of buying a die set. If I were shooting bench rest competitions or something similar I would go a different route. For hunting and plinking, you will save money and still make custom ammo.