seating stem interchangablity

just for fun · Aug 3, 2015

Nephew came over this this weekend to learn how to reload! Great day-another convert! He brought all his own supplies, including Hornady 225 grain 44 magnum bullets. These are the ones with the red plastic (?) tip. Seating these bullets with RCBS dies somewhat squashed the tip!
So I'm asking for a little advice.(1) Are Hornady seating stems available without buying the complete seating die and are the threads the same as those on RCBS seating die? (2) Are Hornady seating die designed to seat their plastic tip bullets? (3) Is drilling out the interior of my seating stem a viable option?

OKFC05 · Aug 3, 2015

Seating these bullets with RCBS dies somewhat squashed the tip!

Over the years, I have accumulated several different RCBS dies and seating stems that fit them, including cone shaped stems that fit neatly over the Hornady plastic tips and cause no damage. Offhand I can't recall where or what decade I acquired them, but RCBS might be the place to start. Good luck.

BLUEDOT37 · Aug 4, 2015

just for fun said:
Are Hornady seating stems available without buying the complete seating die and are the threads the same as those on RCBS seating die?

I believe so. I just saw that mentioned when I was looking thru some catalogs/manuals a couple days ago. Off-hand I don't remember which but I'm pretty sure it was Hornady's catalog. I'd call Hornady & ask. Let us know what they say.

Both brand's die body threads are the same, 7/8" x 14tpi, but I doubt a Hornady seating stem will fit in a RCBS die.

I just loaded some 500 Mags with Hornady's 300gr FTX & was surprised the rubber tip looked fine after seating, especially considering how tuff those cases are. I have loaded FTXs in other cases & they looked noticeably squished however.

.

PS: Hornady listed a FTX Bullet Seating Stem for the 44Mag (#397117), & other calibers, in their catalog. It was $4.31 in the 2012 catalog.

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lebomm · Aug 4, 2015

If you seat a pointed bullet with a SWC stem, it will almost certainly result in a new "meplat" on the point. You may have better luck using a spitzer stem for a rifle die, but in any case, you'll have to match dies and parts by brand. My bet is that if you write RCBS, describe your problem with all specifics of caliber, case, bullet, etc. they may just send you the stem you need, no charge (MAY!). Their Customer Service is first-rate.

Larry

scooter123 · Aug 4, 2015

The RCBS Seating Dies are typically supplied with a stem for round nose bullets and another for flat typed bullets. If you take the round nose stem and drill the recess with a standard 60 degree Center Drill you'll have a stem that works perfectly with the Hornady FTX bullets. BTW, I used a Lathe at work to drill mine in order to have that recess on center, so if you don't have a lather handy I would suggest talking to a local machinist. It's only about 2 minutes of work at most so shouldn't cost too much. You might also give RCBS a call and see if they will sell you an extra stem for your die set already center drilled for the Hornady FTX.

Final note, I am not real impressed with the Hornady FTX in 357 Magnum because the case capacity with this bullet is limited enough to limit the produced velocities a LOT. Out of a 20 inch barrel the best velocity I was able to get was 1500 fps. Compare that to Hornady's 140 grain XTP out of the same barrel at 1875 fps and you'll understand why I am not impressed with the FTX bullet.

just for fun · Aug 4, 2015

scooter123 said:
The RCBS Seating Dies are typically supplied with a stem for round nose bullets and another for flat typed bullets. If you take the round nose stem and drill the recess with a standard 60 degree Center Drill you'll have a stem that works perfectly with the Hornady FTX bullets. BTW, I used a Lathe at work to drill mine in order to have that recess on center, so if you don't have a lather handy I would suggest talking to a local machinist. It's only about 2 minutes of work at most so shouldn't cost too much. You might also give RCBS a call and see if they will sell you an extra stem for your die set already center drilled for the Hornady FTX.

Final note, I am not real impressed with the Hornady FTX in 357 Magnum because the case capacity with this bullet is limited enough to limit the produced velocities a LOT. Out of a 20 inch barrel the best velocity I was able to get was 1500 fps. Compare that to Hornady's 140 grain XTP out of the same barrel at 1875 fps and you'll understand why I am not impressed with the FTX bullet.

To all thank you for all your replies. Called RCBS first thing this morning and useable seating stem is on the way! To me that is way and above what anyone should expect any company to do!
This is the second time that RCBS has come to bat for me, a little nobody out in the middle of nowhere! I could not entertain the thought of buying/using another reloading equipment supplier.
In regards to nephew's bullet selection- it's one of those Ford/Chevy things, once you made up your mind anything anybody says will not change your prospective. What is it the man is oft quoted saying "I made up my mind don't confuse me with facts!" In this case his money his choice, But I agree with you!

BLUEDOT37 · Aug 7, 2015

BLUEDOT37 said:
I just loaded some 500 Mags with Hornady's 300gr FTX & was surprised the rubber tip looked fine after seating, especially considering how tuff those cases are. I have loaded FTXs in other cases & they looked noticeably squished however.

.
Just a quick follow-up, I loaded some JHP 500 Mags (no FTX available locally) yesterday using my Lee seating die & thought to look at the seating stem face & it has a recessed center, which explains why the FTX weren't flattened by it. A quick check of my other Lee seating dies all were flat faced & didn't have that same recessed center.

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gwpercle · Aug 7, 2015

You can also custom fit bullet nose to stem with a small dab of epoxy putty. Clean the stem cavity and lube the bullet nose so it doesn't stick...perfect fit can be achieved without a lathe.

Gary

seating stem interchangablity

just for fun

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OKFC05

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BLUEDOT37

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lebomm

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just for fun

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