Is the Redding 55742 VLD stem compatible with my standard Redding 2-Die set or third-party seating dies?

No, this seating stem is designed exclusively for Redding Competition Seating Dies and is not compatible with Redding Standard 2-Die sets or third-party seating dies from manufacturers like RCBS or Hornady. Trying to cross-use it will result in fitment issues and incorrect seating depths.

What specific bullet types and calibres can I use with the Redding 55742 VLD stem?

This stem is strictly engineered for .22 calibre (.224 inch) bottleneck rifle cartridges, such as .223 Remington, .22 Nosler, and .22 Creedmoor, loading high-BC VLD bullets with secant or hybrid ogives. It cannot be used for other calibres like 6mm or .25, which require their own dedicated seating stems.

When should I choose the Long profile (1 3/16 inches) version over a standard length seating stem?

The Long profile (1 3/16 inches) is explicitly required when handloaders are seating shorter cases or deeply seated long-nosed bullets where a standard stem would force the micrometer adjustment thimble past its usable bottoming travel. If you are loading standard overall lengths in large magnum .22 cases, you would instead need the standard 1-inch length stem.

Do I need any special firearms licences or electrical compliance certifications to purchase this reloading accessory in Australia?

No licences or electrical certifications are required to purchase the Redding 55742 in Australia. Because it is a purely mechanical, un-serialized reloading die component, it does not require mains electricity, has no SAA or RCM compliance mandates, and is freely sold across all Australian states and territories.

VLD Seating Stem - Redding 55742

The Redding Competition Seating Die VLD Seating Stem – .22 Caliber (Long) (Part #55742) is a precision-machined, hardened steel reloading component engineered for .22 calibre (.224 in) rifle cartridges. Standard seating stems contact traditional tangent ogives higher up on the bullet profile, which can cause steep, elongated secant ogives to bottom out and deform the bullet tip. This VLD (Very Low Drag) stem features a deep internal contour and shallow contact angle that interfaces cleanly with the projectile's ogive rather than the tip. Built to preserve the free-floating alignment design of Redding Competition Seating Dies, it maintains consistent cartridge base-to-ogive (CBTO) measurements and minimal runout without requiring electrical power or modifications.

Key Features

VLD Internal Geometry: Deep internal contour contacts the bullet along the ogive, preventing tip damage or irregular seating depths on high-BC secant-ogive projectiles.
Floating Alignment Compatibility: Integrates directly into Redding Competition Seating Dies to support the die's free-floating stem system for low runout.
Hardened Steel Construction: Precision-machined from hardened steel to resist wear and maintain dimensional tolerances across high-volume reloading sessions.
Long Profile Dimension: Features an overall stem length of 1 3/16 inches, providing the required downward reach for shorter case profiles or deeply seated bullets.
Unpowered Mechanical Operation: Installs directly into compatible dies with no electrical requirements or complex assembly.

Specifications

Product Name: Redding Competition Seating Die VLD Seating Stem – .22 Caliber (Long)
Part Number: 55742 (RED55742)
Calibre Compatibility: .22 Calibre (.224 in)
Stem Length: 1 3/16 inches (Long profile)
Packaged Weight: 0.1 lbs (45 g)
Material: Hardened steel
Die Compatibility: Redding Competition Seating Dies exclusively

Who is the Redding 55742 Competition Seating Die Vld Stem For 22 Caliber Long for?

F-Class and PRS Competitors — Requires a seating die stem with a dedicated VLD contour to seat heavy .22 calibre (.224 in) secant-ogive match projectiles without deforming delicate bullet tips or compromising base-to-ogive consistency.
Precision Handloaders — Relies on the 1 3/16 inches stem length inside Redding Competition Seating Dies to maintain proper micrometer adjustment travel when seating bullets deeply or working with shorter .22 calibre cartridge cases.

Less suitable for: Handloaders seating other calibres such as .20, 6mm (.243 in), or .25 calibres, which require dedicated calibre-specific seating stems; users of Redding Standard 2-Die sets or third-party seating dies that require standard threaded stems; or reloaders assembling large magnum .22 cases to long overall lengths, who require a standard 1.0-inch seating stem to prevent the die sleeve from bottoming out.

SKU	RD102732LP
Model #	55742
Brand	Redding
Shipping Weight	0.1000kg

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Redding 55742 Vld Seating Stem 22 Caliber Long Reloading Die

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