Pistol Toolhead Set Up (Page
8)
Station 4 - General
Information on Bullet Seating
The purpose of the seating
die Figure 62 is to insert the bullet into the case and to push it down
into the case the proper amount. How far the bullet is pushed into the case will determine
the overall length (OAL). Several factors go into determining the proper OAL - such as,
the maximum recommended OAL, listed in the reloading manual, and the type of bullet being
loaded. The type of bullet can determine the OAL in one of two ways. If the bullet has
what is called a cannelure, or crimping groove (items A&B in Figure 63),
this will determine the proper OAL. If the bullet you're using doesn't have a cannelure or
a crimping groove (item C in Figure 63), then you'll need to refer to
your reloading manual for the suggested OAL. The purpose of the cannelure and
crimping groove is to secure the bullet by giving the mouth of the case a place to go
(without deforming the bullet) when being crimped. When the bullet is properly seated, the
mouth of the cartridge case should be near the top of the cannelure/crimping groove Figure 64.
Refer to your reloading manual. Under the section specified for the caliber you're
loading, you'll find a schematic of the cartridge. For example, .38 Special lists a
maximum OAL of 1.55" (Lyman Reloading Handbook). If you're seating the bullet
to the cannelure/crimping groove, the OAL should be well within the maximum OAL listed,
however, use a set of dial calipers to check it. If the bullet you're using doesn't have a
cannelure/crimping groove, refer to the specific type of bullet you're using in the
reloading manual. For example - if you're loading a 158gr 38sp JHP and it doesn't
have a cannelure/ crimping groove, use the suggested OAL of 1.480 (Lyman Reloading
Handbook).
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