First Impressions of Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug
The Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug is a deceptively simple tool that promises a significant upgrade to the precision and consistency of handloaded ammunition. Redding Reloading is a name synonymous with quality reloading equipment, and this micrometer seating plug is no exception. It’s designed to replace the standard seating plug in compatible Redding Reloading seating dies, offering a finer degree of adjustment for bullet seating depth.
Having spent over a decade meticulously crafting ammunition for various rifles and handguns, I’ve chased the elusive perfect load, always seeking incremental improvements in accuracy. The frustration of inconsistent seating depths, even with seemingly precise dies, is a familiar one, and this micrometer promised to mitigate that. My hope was that it would streamline the reloading process and provide tighter tolerances, ultimately resulting in more consistent and accurate ammunition.
Upon unboxing, the Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug immediately impressed me with its robust construction. The micrometer is weighty, suggesting quality materials and precise machining. The numbers are clearly etched and easy to read. My initial thought was, “This feels like a serious piece of equipment.”
Compared to standard seating plugs, or even other aftermarket seating plugs without a micrometer adjustment, the Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug stood out. I considered the Forster Bench Rest Seating Die and the Hornady Seating Adjustment Screw, but ultimately chose the Redding Reloading option due to my positive experience with other Redding Reloading products and the promise of its precise adjustment. I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype and delivered on its promise of enhanced accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my home reloading bench, focusing on developing a new load for my .308 Winchester precision rifle. I methodically worked up loads, carefully adjusting the Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug to achieve precise seating depths. The micrometer adjustment was intuitive and allowed for very fine adjustments, something nearly impossible with a standard seating plug.
The difference was immediately apparent. The feel of seating the bullets was much more consistent than with the standard seating plug. There was no longer the slight variation in resistance that I had grown accustomed to. The Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug offered a smooth and controlled seating process.
After carefully reloading 20 rounds, I headed to my local shooting range, where the conditions were ideal: calm winds and clear skies. I noticed a definite improvement in seating depth consistency during the reloading process compared to the seating die’s standard seating plug. I was impressed by the ease of adjustment and the improved consistency. There were no malfunctions with the reloaded ammunition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug continues to perform flawlessly. There are no signs of wear and tear on the micrometer or the flat seating plug. It remains as precise and consistent as it was on day one.
Maintaining the Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug is straightforward. A light wipe-down with a clean cloth after each reloading session is all that’s needed. I also apply a small amount of gun oil to the threads of the micrometer occasionally. This ensures smooth and effortless adjustment.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard seating plugs, the Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug is a significant upgrade. It has made load development faster and easier, and I’m confident that it has contributed to improved accuracy in my rifles. It has surpassed my expectations and has become an indispensable part of my reloading process.
Breaking Down the Features of Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Redding Reloading. This highlights the manufacturer known for quality reloading equipment.
- Compatibility: Designed for use with most standard Redding Reloading Seating Dies. This ensures widespread compatibility within the Redding Reloading product line.
- Seating Plug Type: Features a flat seat plug. The flat seating plug makes contact with the bullet’s meplat (tip) and is best suited for flat-nosed bullets, like those commonly found in handgun and straight-walled rifle cartridges.
- Micrometer Adjustment: Allows for precise adjustment of bullet seating depth. This facilitates fine-tuning loads for optimal accuracy and consistency.
- Quantity: Comes as a single unit. This is important to note for reloaders who may need multiple micrometers for different calibers.
These specifications are critical for reloaders seeking precise control over bullet seating depth. A micrometer adjustment offers a level of precision that standard seating plugs cannot provide. This is especially important for reloaders seeking to achieve optimal accuracy and consistency in their ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug excels at its core function: precisely seating bullets to a consistent depth. The micrometer allows for extremely fine adjustments, enabling reloaders to dial in the perfect seating depth for their specific bullet and firearm. It’s great for seating bullets at .001″ increments.
One of the strengths of the micrometer is its ease of use. The adjustments are intuitive, and the numbers are easy to read, making it simple to achieve the desired seating depth. A minor weakness is that the flat seat plug is best suited for flat-nosed bullets and may not be ideal for pointed bullets, potentially causing slight deformation of the bullet tip during seating. The performance exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug is excellent. It is constructed from high-quality materials and features precise machining. The micrometer has a solid feel in the hand and inspires confidence in its durability.
The design is user-friendly. The micrometer is easy to install and adjust, and the numbers are clearly visible. There is no significant learning curve. It is a simple, effective design, making it a pleasure to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug is built to last. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure that it can withstand years of use. Proper care should make it last for generations.
Maintaining the micrometer is easy. Simply wiping it down with a clean cloth after each use and applying a small amount of gun oil to the threads occasionally will keep it in optimal condition. It is a low-maintenance tool that provides long-lasting performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it’s designed to be compatible with existing Redding Reloading seating dies. This is a huge plus.
While there are no specific customization options for the Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug, reloaders can pair it with various Redding Reloading seating dies to achieve the desired bullet seating profile. It’s also important to make sure that you have the correct bullet seating die for your specific caliber. The micrometer seating plug is often sold separately from the seating die.
Pros and Cons of Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug
Pros
- Extremely precise seating depth adjustment. Allows for fine-tuning of loads for optimal accuracy.
- Consistent seating depth. Helps to eliminate variations in ammunition performance.
- High-quality construction. Built to last for years of reliable service.
- Easy to use. Intuitive design and clear markings make it simple to adjust.
- Improved Ammunition Consistency. Tighter tolerances achieved with the micrometer improve the consistency of the ammunition.
Cons
- Flat seating plug is not ideal for pointed bullets. Could potentially cause slight deformation of the bullet tip.
- May require separate purchase of seating die. It is not a standalone product.
Who Should Buy Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug?
The Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug is perfect for reloaders who are serious about accuracy and consistency. This includes competitive shooters, precision rifle enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to develop the most accurate loads possible for their firearms. Also, anyone reloading ammunition with flat-nosed bullets will benefit most.
Those who are primarily focused on high-volume reloading and are less concerned with achieving the absolute maximum accuracy may not find the Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug necessary. For basic reloading tasks, a standard seating plug may suffice. However, the added precision and consistency will benefit any reloader.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality caliper for accurately measuring overall cartridge length (COAL). This ensures that the seating depth is precisely what you intend. A quality set of reloading dies is also recommended, preferably from Redding Reloading to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
Conclusion on Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug
The Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug is a valuable tool for any reloader seeking to improve the accuracy and consistency of their ammunition. Its precise micrometer adjustment and robust construction make it a worthwhile investment. It’s especially valuable for those using flat-nosed bullets.
At $63.99, the price is justified by the performance and durability of the product. It’s an investment in the quality of your handloads and ultimately, your shooting performance. It may be slightly more expensive than a standard seating plug, but is worth the extra cost.
I would absolutely recommend the Redding Reloading Bullet Seating Micrometer w/Flat Seat Plug to any serious reloader. It has significantly improved my load development process and has contributed to improved accuracy in my firearms. Upgrade your reloading bench today and experience the difference that precise bullet seating can make!