The Redding 55744 VLD Seating Stem (Long) is a precision-machined steel internal replacement component engineered for Redding Competition Bullet Seating Dies. Standard seating stems feature shallow contours designed for traditional tangent-ogive projectiles, which often cause contact on the meplat or bottom out on the tips of modern Very Low Drag (VLD) bullets. The Redding 55744 features a steeper internal taper angle and reduced opening diameter, allowing the stem to contact the bullet lower on the secant ogive. This eliminates nose deformation, reduces runout, and provides uniform seating depth across match-grade 6mm (.243") rifle handloads.

Key Features

• Optimised VLD Internal Contour: Features an engineered steep internal taper designed specifically to seat secant-ogive, high-ballistic coefficient (high-BC) projectiles without making contact with the delicate bullet meplat.
• Long-Profile Architecture: Machined to Redding's 1-3/16 inch (30.16 mm) long-stem standard to serve as a direct drop-in replacement for standard stem #55044 inside compatible competition seating dies.
• Milled Visual Identifier: Includes an identification groove machined around the outer circumference of the stem body to allow instant visual differentiation from standard-profile stems.
• True Axial Alignment: Integrates with Redding free-floating micrometer die systems to preserve concentricity and maintain uniform Cartridge Overall Length (COAL).

Specifications

• Calibre Compatibility: 6mm / .243 Calibre (e.g., .243 Winchester, 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm GT, 6mm Remington, .243 Ackley Improved)
• Stem Length: 1-3/16 inches (30.16 mm)
• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 55744
• Die System: Redding Competition Bullet Seating Dies (Long stem configuration)
• Physical Weight: Approximately 15 g to 30 g
• Material: Machined steel

Who is the Redding 55744 VLD Seating Stem Long for?

• Precision Rifle Series competitors — who handload 6mm / .243 calibre cartridges and require this 1-3/16 inch (30.16 mm) seating stem to eliminate tip deformation and concentricity runout during rapid, high-volume match preparation.
• Long-range target shooters — who assemble precision ammunition using sharp, secant-ogive 6mm / .243 calibre match projectiles requiring a 1-3/16 inch (30.16 mm) long seating stem that engages the lower ogive rather than the bullet meplat.

Less suitable for: Handloaders assembling shorter 6mm cartridges (such as 6mm BR, 6mm PPC, or 6mm XC), reloading standard tangent-ogive hunting bullets, or using non-micrometer dies; these configurations require a 1-inch short seating stem, a standard-profile stem (#55044), or standard 1/2"-20 threaded non-floating seater die assemblies.