Bullet seating becomes measurable
The AMP Press is the bullet seating press from AMP, the makers of the well known AMP annealer. Where a normal arbor press has you seating by feel, the AMP Press measures exactly how much force and distance are involved in seating every bullet. That turns seating into a measurable, repeatable process instead of a matter of hand pressure and experience. For the precision reloader who wants to control loads in detail, this is the tool that shows what really happens inside the case neck.
How the measurement works
At the heart of the press are a motor driven ram, a load cell and a distance sensor. The 12V DC motor seats every bullet with a repeatable stroke in both speed and force, so the human variable is taken out. The load cell measures seating force up to 200 kilograms, and the distance sensor records position to within 0.001 inch. As it seats, the press builds a Force/Distance graph in which you see the whole movement. From that graph the software calculates the Total Work Done, the integrated force over distance, shown as the area under the curve. That way you see at a glance whether a load is out of line.
What makes the difference
Consistent neck tension is one of the most important factors behind low velocity spread, and it is exactly that tension the AMP Press makes visible and controllable. In the graph you recognise problems that would otherwise go unnoticed, such as an insufficiently chamfered case mouth or variation in neck tension between cases. You store every measurement, sort them by a wide range of variables and compare new loads with earlier ones, so you see precisely how your load behaves over time.
Features in detail
12V DC motor
The ram on the AMP Press is driven by a high torque DC motor. This ensures a repeatable stroke in both speed and force is applied to the die when seating, which removes the human error that occurs with conventional hand-operated arbor presses. Because it is a 12V DC motor, the press is easily powered by batteries, so you can also use it in more remote locations such as at the range.
Bluetooth
The AMP Press is Bluetooth capable, allowing wireless communication with your preferred device. Bluetooth is enabled after the initial release, and in the interim the computer connection is by USB cable.
Load cell
The AMP Press comes with a precision load cell that delivers exact measurements of seating force up to 200 kilograms. The face of the load cell is surrounded by a retainer that guides the die to the center of the cell, ensuring a repeatable measurement on every case. The cell is so accurate that minute case to case variations are magnified and shown in incredible detail.
Two interchangeable ram lengths
Adjustable for many die sizes. The AMP Press comes with two interchangeable ram lengths, which allow a wide range of cartridge dies to be used.
Position sensor
The position of the ram is calculated using a position sensor, accurate to 0.001 inch. This lets you display the distance to seat bullets against force for the first time, which is especially useful for highlighting discrepancies such as trim length and chamfer consistency. It also allows the Total Work to be calculated and applied to the plot as a sorting option.
Compatibility and what is included
Important to know, the AMP Press works only with inline seating dies, the seating dies you also use in an arbor press. Standard 7/8-14 threaded dies do not fit. An excellent choice is the Sinclair micrometer seating die by L.E. Wilson, which you order separately in the caliber of your choice. The press comes with two interchangeable ram lengths that cover a wide range of calibers, and you create a profile per caliber in the software. In the box you get the press, a simulation die to practise and set up with, a USB cable, the manual and a USB drive with software and license key. Please note that the actual seating die and a computer are not included. The software runs on PC and Mac over USB, with Bluetooth to be added later.
Who the AMP Press is for
This press is made for the serious precision reloader and the competition shooter in disciplines like F-Class, benchrest, PRS and ELR, who want to base their loading process on data rather than feel. Anyone doing load development who wants to rule out every variable gains a level of control with the AMP Press that simply cannot be reached by hand. Combine the AMP Press with an AMP annealer and you address two of the biggest variables in your reloading process at once, the condition of your case neck and the neck tension at seating.
Specifications
Type: motor driven bullet seating press with force and distance measurement
Load cell: measures seating force up to 200 kg
Distance sensor: accurate to 0.001 inch (about 0.025 mm)
Motor: high-torque 12V DC, repeatable stroke in speed and force
Data: Force/Distance graph and Total Work Done, store, sort and compare
Software: PC and Mac over USB, Bluetooth to follow
System requirements: Windows 10 or greater, macOS 10.14 or greater (iPad, iPhone and Android not supported)
Compatibility: inline seating dies, two interchangeable ram lengths
Power: mains or battery for use in the field
In the box: press, simulation die, USB cable, manual, USB drive with software and license
Not included: seating die and computer
Manufacturer: AMP (Annealing Made Perfect)
