L.E. Wilson Micrometer Seating Die
The L.E. Wilson Micrometer Seating Die is an inline seating die that has set the standard in precision reloading for decades. This hand die is used with an arbor press and offers unparalleled accuracy when seating bullets, resulting in minimal runout and consistent cartridges of the highest quality.
Inline seating for maximum concentricity
The unique design of the Wilson seating die holds both the case and bullet in perfect alignment during the seating process. Unlike conventional dies used on a reloading press, this inline configuration mimics the alignment of a rifle chamber. The result is bullets that exhibit virtually no runout, which directly contributes to better precision at long range.
The die is manufactured from high-quality stainless steel and features laser-engraved markings. The chamber-shaped bore is machined with extreme precision, fully supporting your case during seating. This prevents deformation and ensures even neck tension loading.
Micrometer scale for precision adjustment
The integrated micrometer allows you to adjust bullet depth in increments of 0.001 inch (0.025mm). The scale is clearly readable and features tactile click stops, allowing you to make precise adjustments even without looking. This feature is particularly valuable during load development when you want to test different seating depths at the range to find the optimal jump to the lands.
For larger adjustments, the top features 3/8"-24 TPI threading. You can quickly raise or lower the seating stem, then use the micrometer scale for fine-tuning. This dual system combines speed with precision.
Ideal for arbor press use
The Wilson seating die is designed for use with an arbor press, not a conventional reloading press. Using an arbor press gives you much more feel during the seating process. You immediately sense when the bullet enters the neck and how much force is required to seat it to the desired depth. This tactile feedback is invaluable for identifying cases with abnormal neck tension.
When you combine the Wilson die with an arbor press equipped with a force gauge, such as the 21st Century Hydro Press, you can even measure seating pressure. By sorting cartridges based on equal seating pressure, you significantly improve the consistency of your ammunition, which translates to smaller groups on target.
Precision where it matters
For shooters engaged in benchrest shooting, F-Class competitions, or long-range precision, the Wilson micrometer seating die is a logical investment. The die eliminates a significant variable in the reloading process by ensuring that every bullet is seated perfectly straight with minimal runout.
The consistency this die provides is measurable. Where conventional seating dies often produce runout of 0.002-0.005 inch, Wilson dies routinely deliver runout of less than 0.001 inch. For long-range shooting, where every thousandth counts, this makes a tangible difference in your accuracy.
Flexible and expandable system
The Wilson seating die is available for virtually every common caliber. Each die is specifically chambered for one cartridge, ensuring the best fit. For those who reload multiple calibers, it's simple to purchase additional dies. Switching between calibers takes just seconds.
The seating stems are interchangeable and available in various profiles for different bullet shapes. A VLD seating stem, for example, has a narrower tip that better suits boat tail bullets with long ogives. Using the correct seating stem prevents damage to the tip of your expensive match bullets.
Built for the long term
L.E. Wilson has been producing precision reloading dies in the United States since 1938. The quality and durability of their products are legendary in the reloading community. A Wilson die literally lasts a lifetime with normal use. The stainless steel material resists rust and wear, and the laser-engraved markings remain perfectly legible.
Maintenance is minimal. Periodic cleaning with a dry patch through the bore is sufficient to remove powder residue and dirt. The micrometer mechanism is sealed against contamination and requires no special lubrication.
Mobile and practical
A major advantage of the Wilson seating die is its mobility. You can easily take the die and a small arbor press to the range. This allows you to test different seating depths during a training day and immediately see the results on target. This practical approach saves time and components compared to loading multiple test variations at home.
The compact dimensions also make it possible to store a complete set of Wilson dies for multiple calibers in a relatively small space. Each die takes up barely more room than a standard reloading die.
