NEW: Universal Bullet Seating Die from Frankford Arsenal

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One bullet seating die for pretty much any bottleneck rifle cartridge from 22 cal to 338? Is this possible? Yes- and it's one of the new products for 2020 from Frankford Arsenal. Let's get hands-on!
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The following Ultimate Reloader partners are featured in this video:
- Frankford Arsenal
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[@stetsonspurs4680]

Id like to see an updated video showing how consistent the bullet seating depths are using this Universal die. Especially after changing from one caliber to another. Thanks!

[@chisum8167]

In my experience, things that claim to do everything, only suck at doing anything

[@teucer4]

I thought so too but I was pleasantly surprised!

[@barryd.thomassr.9156]

Ordered Mine today, before I saw this Video. Your content is Outstanding! Concise, to the point with Great Information!

[@someguy5543]

Thanks for the information. I just got one today. Definitely worth it, and the window makes it easy to place a bullet. Sped up my loading time a lot.

[@davecollins2097]

Good idea for a beginner, and there are plenty of people that would be very happy with it, who just want to reload on a budget, and aren't necessarily seeking benchrest bugholes. Frankford has some excellent marketing ideas. Easy enough for them or someone else to make different stems or just supply spares with a wide, large hole that can be filled with epoxy to suit whatever bullet they want to use it for.

[@MF-ml8eh]

I bought a set of these to reload wildcat cartridges for which there are no dies available, With this set and a universal hornady neck sizer die for each bullet diameter you can reload anything. It works well with my 6.5x54R.

[@allenturner8543]

Just ordered one after watching your video really like the idea and it'll save money on my dies down the road tks buddy watch you all the time!

[@waynebrown2546]

just bought mine this week. I love it for some of my vintage rounds as sometime you can only find seat and crimp combo dies (redding 32 rem) where it is really challenging especially if you don't crimp and using OLDDDD brass. with the drop tube it really makes it easier when you have lingering carpal tunnel issues and don't have all of the feeling you need to seat and hold the bullet on the up stroke.

[@2charlesbryant]

Glad to see this tool produced and the inovations being introduced.

[@lanceschul]

I like the Redding Premium Die sets. The seating die has a micro adjust seating stem. Works great!

[@davidgardner4787]

How consistent were seating depths for each of the 5 rounds? This is what's most important.

[@Braunschweiger89]

I would agree.

[@s10v8dude]

That is the main thing I wanted to know as well

[@TdotOfiddler]

Cut scene. Doesn't measure. My guess is the depths were way off.

[@ssj4crono]

I agree with this question, resulting overall length would be more in line with measuring the efficiency of the seating die than runout imo

[@TheHybridHunter307]

I bought this for the heck of it. Seating depths for .223Rem with 69gr TMK's were spot on through 100rds so far. Seating 215gr Berger Hybrids in my 300WM were a nightmare to say the least. Some would be perfect, others would seat too deep on the same exact setting. My guess is it's how the ogive is interfacing with the stem. I have some 200gr Eld X I might try to seat just to see if it's the hybrid ogive that's causing issues

[@musd8807]

Bullet runout as the author said in the video / bullet runout shown by the indicator (video author divides the results by two): 1) 0.002"/0.005" 2) 0.0015"/0.003" 3) 0.002"/0.004" 4) 0.002+" - 0.005" 5) 0.001" - 0.0025". In general, it is correct to measure at the tip of the bullet.

[@cs_yt]

Also, how the stem contacts the ogive can make a difference. I use mostly Hornady seating dies and a stem that matches the projectile profile. I even go further and polish the inside of the stems to avoid any marking on the bullet. I think the idea is good, but it should have multiple stems, plus what is pointed out on another comment regarding consistence between each round.

[@greasydot]

Nice idea. I make a chamber seating die from my reamer much like the Wilson seating die with a micro top. Guess I will always be old school. Thanks for sharing!

[@paulhirschmann6226]

I've had tge frankford arsenal universal seating die for a couple of years and love it

[@ronndepiro7595]

A very good overview, mine is being shipped on 8/12 and will be used for 6.5, 308 and 223 at which time I'll add my overall experience .

[@kennethtephabock5634]

Updated video of the bullets range test thank you for all you do

[@Sturgeonmeister]

I'm starting to get into reloading and appreciate all of your reloading videos.

[@MScholtz]

That m-press has been growing roots on the shelf behind you. When you picked it up to use it must have thought wait you're picking me coach.

[@kennethtephabock5634]

I just bought one thanks for all you do

[@mattlord2906]

I love mine for doing 300 blackout. Got the recommendation from Johnny's reloading bench. Like the universal option

[@user-xc5om1fl5s]

First off your videos are the best I have seen for people who reload. I’m so tired of listing to people who just like to hear themselves talk. You say what need to be said and that’s it. I have been reloading for 30 years now and I am always learning something new that’s makes the process easier . Your videos have helped me a great deal and I respect your knowledge and insight. I reload for hunting purposes so “bug holes” are not what I’m looking for but nice respectable groups are a plus. So the one thing I struggle with is consistent OACL. I’m using mostly RCBS and Hornady Dies. I’m hoping that this seating die with take care of their issues. Thank you again. Respectfully Russell

[@brandoninaz]

Highly unlikely. I experienced over .010” in variation with 6mm ARC. Notice the lack of commentary on depth consistency in this video.

[@RWeeks-hx9ut]

I like the idea, especially having one micrometer seating die for all calibers. The price point is great as well.

[@beestoe993]

I picked up one of these and I love it for making hunting ammunition. If I were making ammo for competition there are better options, but IMO is is every bit as good as a run of the mill RCBS die and superior in some aspects. Like another comment said, my motivation was for a wildcat that I don't have a seater die for. But I'm glad I got this system, its a keeper IMO.

[@TTiger86268]

Frankford armory has been really bringing out some ingenious items. Have their platinum wet tumbler, universal de-primer, case trimmer and prep center, and a few other items. This looks interesting as well. If they could figure out a universal sizing die, the two would be all you need.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

That new bulletpuller looks pretty cool too

[@82SchoolBoy]

This is really just a knock off of the rcbs line of dies such as the competition, gold medal, and match master series. All FA did was give ya the extra bits and call it universal.

[@Greyzonecompliant]

One technical problem is that the seating stems are made for 3 different caliber ranges. The long one for 224-257. If you load a 6.5 Grendel or 300 blackout the stem is made to tight. And not optimized for thicker calibers. 9 stems instead of 3 would solve the problem. Or a kit with those extra 6 to be sold as an add-on

[@tonygslc801]

I ordered one from Midway USA in early June but it still has not arrived yet, I'm hoping it will get here soon. 🙏 I can't wait I'm super excited 👊😎🇺🇸

[@chrisbearnson9578]

Great buy for the guy just starting out, wish I would have had available 6 months ago. Oh well hind sight right😉

[@richardahmyt8683]

Thanks for the runout, was curious.

[@jonperley9722]

I just received mine today going to use it tomorrow!

[@edwardlance2379]

Unless there is slop or looseness in the internal parts, a seating die doesn't move once it is set. However, there are other factors that determine seating consistency: the shape of the seating stem end where it contacts the bullet. Bullet design has been changing a fair bit over the last decade as shooters gravitate toward long, secant ogive bullets for long range shooting. If you aren't familiar with secant and tangent ogives, secants tend to be longer and more slender. This in itself, provides potential for greater variances over a tangent ogive bullet since the consistency relies on a longer distance from the tip to the major diameter. Where and how the seating die stem contacts the bullet matters for consistency. If you've ever used a bullet comparator, you'll notice the insert seats right near the very beginning of the ogive where the bullet begins to curve inward from the major diameter. A seating stem typically contacts the bullet much closer to the tip. For any seating die, seating depth consistency relies primarily on the alignment of the stem, tightness and where the stem contacts the bullet. I have used many different seating does and even the expensive competition dies weren't always consistent depending the bullet used. My Lee seating die for 243 has proven to be incredibly consistent, but that is because the I'm not running very long, secant ogive bullets in that caliber. In reality, manufacturers could greatly improve depth consistency by simply grinding better stems, or adding different stem profiles to better match bullets for any given caliber. Runout has always been (and I suspect always will be) a point of contention. I know champion level shooters who say runout is no concern to them, unless it is obviously extreme. Either way, concentricity involves more variables than seating depth consistency, it has to do with the die, the shell holder, the case, and the press head. In my personal experience, I've painstakenly loaded ammo and corrected runout and have noticed no accuracy differences with ammo that has measurable runout. Unless the runout is obvious and extreme, I don't even measure it or care about it.

[@CHenry1951]

Looks really cool, too bad I have a horde of dies cartridge specific already ......... but pretty cool !!

[@quietm4]

I appreciate all the content you put out, but what really needs to be evaluated is long term usage...anything can work once, immediately after you pull it out of the box. I think we would all appreciate reviews after you have loaded/prepped several hundred rounds with items such as the Hornady Prep Trio, the Lyman Case Prep Express, Hornady Vibratory Trickler, etc.

[@johnknouse8846]

Just got this die. Only been through one loading (20 rounds of 6.5 CM), but I think it’s going to be a real good addition. At some point I want to test how accurate the seating depth adjustment markings are.

[@Dayattherange]

FYI The adjustment knob is way thicker than it looks great quality but it does not work with the RCBS Summit Press.

[@obadiahswaffer8031]

I usually just do a non seated bullet in a case and use a sharpie marker. Works great for my 03a3 Springfield. One ragged hole at upto 200 yards

[@cbhill1]

That bullet runout doesn’t seem like anything to get too excited about. I’ve got a Sinclair digital concentricity gauge and I’m consistently getting runout of 0.0005, or better with my RCBS Summit press and RCBS Match master seating die for 6.5 CM. I guess if I were loading for my AR that’s probably good enough. Very cool idea.

[@DonziGT230]

+ or - 2 thou is an interesting way to make .004" runout sound better than it is. Would also be nice to know what the OAL consistency was. Most universal tools that can do lots of things do them poorly.

[@SAUM76]

That's what I was thinking. Sometimes (0.005) but when you get free stuff it's hard to talk bad about the company. Doesn't help the people who watch this and then turn around and buy one.

[@jillbluerei4806]

This guy obviously found that by rubber-stamping everything he gets for review, he'll get more free stuff. Shill

[@boricuaarecibo9259]

I was thinking the same thing I saw runout higher than 2 thou I saw more like 5 thou on at least one

[@DimaProk]

@@boricuaarecibo9259 Yeah, like 3 of them out of 5.

[@kountrytiger1999]

i have worked with mic's over 25 years i seen 5 thousand difference on couple of those and i agree with the question How consistent were seating depths for each of the 5 rounds?

[@OzarkPrecisioNZ]

Have started using the FA gear here in NZ, loving it so far... M-Press, Intellidropper, stainless Tumbler sep/dryer and the Hand primer, have you done a review on this?

[@davidunderwood3605]

Would find this usefull.. Your runout could also be in the neck of your case which is a must start place to check and adjust before loading and seating. This set will save money on buying a mic die in every caliber one might load and I have allways liked window dies as they add to accuracy of the process. Fortune Cookie 45 just produced a good video on neck sizing and removing some case neck runout without turning them on run of mill 30-06 cases.

[@natesavage-gcsports9464]

more interested in the short action precision dies. would love if you would do a video on those.

[@rcmawby]

Gaven, I am just wondering about the amount of tension on the neck? I pulled some bullets to change to a new powder load that I found was more accurate. I noticed that some only took four or five hits with a bullet pulling hammer, and others took 10 or 12. Is there something that you would recommend two make sure they’re all about the same? I did purchase the Frankfurt arsenal M press after looking a lot of your videos as well as this bullet seater.

[@mattmoser5861]

Can you apply a crimp with this die? I would prefer a crimp for any magazine fed round that is seated to the maximum length allowed by the magazine. In some magazines, if the bullet creeps out of the case mouth under recoil this can cause feeding issues in the magazine. I've had this issue with Hornady dies that index off the case shoulder.

[@lucasrose8272]

Looks awesome, just not sure if it would be a regularly purchased product as most people by dies in sets specific to the cartridge they wish to load. The question I would want to know is are they going to sell sets of sizing dies both bushing and conventional in common case designs to compliment this kit. Curious little tool set just interested to see where the are going with the concept

[@IWatchedWhat]

I wish they had made a .172 insert, but I know that is a very small market segment. I will be picking one up soon to have for my normal calibers.

[@ksdronegunner8855]

That would be a great product for a new Reloader. I am way too far along in my reloading program, but might be something to recommend to people wanting to start out on a budget.

[@Nam_9456]

How easy is it to get the readings on the "thimble" i assume its like a standard micrometer? Good video but I feel that this should have been covered as well..

[@yansilva8921]

I've always liked the concept and use of the RCBS windowed bullet seating die especially when seating flat bottom bullets. However, I only purchased one of them (223) because of the cost. Having a universal windowed seating die solves that problem. Now, in reference to bullet runout, I did spring for the Forster Ultra for each caliber. That die does tighten up concentricity around. 001". So, you might ask, why have both? Simply stated, a windowed die allows easy START of flat based bullets. Seat the bullet just into the case mouth with the universal and finalize with the Forster Ultra and you'll have the best of both worlds!

[@MScholtz]

I think I'd like to see this idea in a mandrel neck sizing die.

[@rdchris6146]

It’s on my Christmas wish list

[@Jeff_Seely]

I have one and I love it (for what it is and why I bought it). Would I entrust it for competitive shooting? I probably wouldn't for BR. I have a concentricity gauge as well and if I turn the necks on my brass, it gives me ~.001in par-centricity and concentricity for which I am ecstatic about those results. Those are 6.5mm Creedoors with 147gr ELD bullets and I was pleasantly surprised that the COAL repeatability is outstanding and is usually

[@stevendee2831]

Great content .

[@Blak_Da_Gunsmyth]

Just received mine in the mail today. Will be setting it up sometime this weekend for .308. Keep you posted.

[@bennybarrett01]

How did it work on your .308? Also, would this die fit on a Lyman Press?

[@Blak_Da_Gunsmyth]

@@bennybarrett01 it worked lovely. You get a chance to dial in the seating. Yes. This will work for a Lyman press.

[@sauce6092]

So...should i purchase one of these, or go for lee dead length dies with custom seating plugs? With this question i think we'd love to see a bullet seating/ sizing die SHOOTOUT from most popular manufacturers. Thanks for the knowledgeable vids!

[@jake501967]

Would I be able to leave this die body in my turret press permanently, write down the mic reading for say 25-06 diameter and then the micrometer reading for 30-06 and go back and forth while getting the same seating depths respectively? Then I could pretty much dedicate that 4 station turret press to those 2 rifles. (I don’t crimp the 25 and lee factory crimp the 30)

[@thatoneguy454c]

I'm sold. Ordering one right meow

[@greggarmin9426]

It’s probably ok for someone just reloading to save a few dollars. Think I’ll stick with L.E Wilson

[@adamturnbull1258]

Interesting, looking at a micrometer seating die, how does this go though switching calibres that use the same projectile ie 222/223. 6.5 creedmoor/ prc. Shoulder differences is what I want to know or is this only touching neck

[@teucer4]

Does not crimp.

[@arthurdevain754]

Such technology might benefit Bench-Rest competitors who shoot many different calibers, but I severely doubt that anyone else would be able to measure an improvement directly attributable to using this expensive equipment. Those who congratulate themselves for using only the most expensive tools, go ahead!

[@wildcat_reloading]

I bought a hornady seating die, still need to use it.

[@alfaman105]

Hi Gavin, have you tried the Universal Bullet Seating Die in a progressive Press? I would be interested to see how it went in the Lee Load-Master.

[@adamturnbull1258]

Also seating depths, accuracy?

[@smokedbrisket3033]

hmmm...well, guess i'll hang on to what I have, since I have a few bigger than 338.

[@Stevesmith-yw7cr]

Yeah great idea but how do you reload bullets when you can't get primers anywhere? Will anyone come up with an electronic ignition for bullets?

[@Ensign_Cthulhu]

No .312 option? .303 British might be niche in the US, but it's bigger in Canada and Australia, and Mosin is fairly widespread.

[@byronjoneal6603]

How can I get that stand, I have the Frankford Arsenal Press but I need a stand like the one you have. Where can I get one? Thanks Byron

[@robertlawrence833]

What were the case neck runouts before you seated the bullets? What were the seating depth measurements of all the rounds? Bullet runout may have been due to neck runout and there were no base to ogive measurements taken to determine how consistent seating depth was.

[@ironDsteele]

^This

[@btsantiago52]

RCBS MatchMaster Completion Seating Dies is similar to Frankford Universal Seating Die, You have to purchase the complete RCBS seating die for each caliber. RCBS could have made their seating die universal by including necessary bushings.

[@robertbucknell6180]

So, how does this compare with say a Lee bullet seating die for concentricity and bullet seating depths? If I spring for one of these will I see an incremental,improvement in the consistency of my reloads?

[@anthonymurphy2540]

I use a dillon 550 and my dies are set up, but right now i can Get my hands on a sig357 die set so I was thinking about this product.

[@MikeStJohn-du5ue]

Interesting, I may have to try this.

[@ctech01]

Forster Micro Seating Dies, The best........ In the be gaining I bought a few Frankford Arsenal reloading tools just to find out that I should have bought some other Brand.

[@mikebolton3816]

Very interesting!

[@heathatkinson9491]

any chance of a complimentary one of these dies mate har dto find here in australia but i,d love one lol

[@jimwood8427]

Maybe this was addressed in the comments; what do you do to seat a bullet when you don't have a dummy round to initially set the die? How is this die such a saver over a standard seating die?

[@JungleJim82]

trying to figure out if this can be used for handgun rounds or is this made for rifle rounds?

[@jasondevault5066]

Will this work on the Lee breech lock hand press?

[@teamrhino24]

Will these work on the hornady A-tips?

[@rodneykeck4631]

Does not come with an owner's manual. Frankford referred me to this video. Which I am already watching your video. Still have quite a few questions.Brand new to reloading just getting everything together.

[@patrikstrandquist1875]

I could see this tool for people who just start reloading, but have many different calibers to reload. Veteran reloaders usualy have the bulllet seaters they need. Also, You usualy get the bullet seater with the forming die. I only reload 6.5 CM for now, so its not a tool for me.

[@bodiewest9202]

pretty cool!

[@precisionreloader2598]

It is as good as any seater out there. Run out is a neck issue for the most part not the bullet. Not all bullets are concentric of course. The brass shown was as bad a 4/1000'ths of swing. I find no fault with this seating die system at all. Great video.

[@D70340]

BINGO!!!!

[@curtgivens8943]

Oh, well, another Franklin sort of "Universal" device. I shoot a bunch of stuff bigger than 338 and while this would help with 223 and 264 it wouldn't do anything for the 40s and 45s. Sort of like the universal case trimer as long as the case has a shoulder.

[@kurtjanzen7391]

Saying +/-.002 sounds good, but in reality one of those rounds looked like it had .005” TIR (total indicator reading), which is a better way of saying it. Maybe if the die wasn’t flopping around in the press it would have made a better showing of itself.

[@walterschmidt5204]

Can this FA seating die be used on a Forster Co-Ax press?

[@1911geek]

I will look into this

[@brianwood1726]

what do you personally think about hydroforming

[@chuckmullins9989]

The problem I have with bullet seating with my Redding Match bushing seating die is that the resultant depth is never the same from one shell to the next. I constantly have to move the micrometer up and down. That's why I was wondering why you did not measure the seating depth after you seated the bullet. Why? or Why did you not?

[@jeffgrossman6835]

Nice would like see them make it also for 17 & 20 cal.

[@yansilva8921]

Absolutely 💯 %!

[@MoxeeReloadingInstructor]

Does it shrink your group size? That is the most important measurement.

[@jonathanklein383]

Given manufacturers ship dies in sets and i don't have to swap parts to use them i can't see how i would need this, but cool idea.

[@tommcqueen3145]

Looks like it would be good with a portable hand loading presses

[@JacksonMalcolm]

if there were a way to build in repeatable caliber swaps i think this would take off. but as it is, wouldn't you have to do a complete die set up every load session/caliber change?

[@D70340]

Sure you would have to reset it for different calibers. A good reloader will check and dial in their setup regardless of this design anyway. This FA die is for people that are looking to have something that is NOT a one trick pony. This seating die will cover ALOT of calibers for the simple man. Anyone looking for something better than this product is not your average every day reloader/shooter anyway.

[@kylewardrobe924]

Could that seating die be used with the hornady lock and load iron press? Or only with the Frankford arsenal press?

[@eisenshift5930]

It's a standard form factor die. Can't think of any reason you couldn't.

[@DanielBoone337]

Like just about everyone else in this thread I'd really like to know what the OAL differences were between all the bullets you ran through it.

[@michaelcarrillo4250]

curious will this do the 204 ruger

[@derrickbunn9686]

Runout of the bullet - I would like to see what the runout on the case was like first.

[@OnTheFritz602]

That was my first thought as well.

[@fzsblackmagick5166]

I'm trying to understand how what he's measuring says anything about the press/die. How does measuring the accuracy of the circumference of the bullet say anything about what the press/die did? Does the die actually shape the bullet somewhat? I always thought it just pressed into the cartridge.

[@HHHOFFLER]

@@fzsblackmagick5166 He's measuring the consentricity or how "straight" the bullet was seated into the brass. Bullet diameter will remain constant with quality products

[@paulruncieman9306]

how do you like that press??

[@jacklucas7265]

In my experience the window bullet insert doesn't work well with boat tail bullets.