Lee Precision 38-40 Winchester Rifle Precision Micrometer Bullet Seat Die

The Lee Precision 38-40 Winchester Rifle Precision Micrometer Bullet Seat Die brings precision reloading control to classic rifle cartridges without requiring a premium price tag. Built for handloaders who demand repeatable, uniform seating depth, this die uses a micrometer adjustment system that reads in thousandths of an inch—just like a precision depth micrometer—so you can dial in your exact seating depth and return to it shot after shot. Whether you're loading for a Sharps, Winchester, or other 38-40 rifle, consistent bullet seating is foundational to accuracy, and this die delivers that consistency with a straightforward, intuitive design.

The heart of this die is its floating bullet guide, which keeps the case mouth and bullet perfectly aligned during seating. That guide has radial clearance built in, allowing both the case and guide to center themselves naturally around the bullet seater screw, which minimizes bullet runout—the enemy of accuracy. The micrometer thimble and body are laser-engraved for easy reading, and the seating stem itself is machined and burnished to handle nearly any bullet point style without deforming or marking the projectile.

One of Lee's smart touches here is the reversible floating bullet guide: unthread it, flip it, and reinstall it to enable seating and crimping in the same stroke—a feature that saves steps and die space on your press. Pair this with a quality reloading press, and you've got a straightforward path to accurate, repeatable 38-40 loads. If you're working up loads for target practice, hunting, or competition with a classic rifle cartridge, this die rewards careful technique with the accuracy that counts downrange.

Key Features

• Precision micrometer adjustment with laser-engraved thimble and body, marked in thousandths of an inch for repeatable seating depth
• Floating bullet guide with radial clearance ensures bullet and case alignment, reducing runout
• Machined and burnished seating stem handles various bullet point styles without damage
• Dead length seating: shell holder contact provides uniform seating depth
• Reversible floating guide allows seating and crimping in one die—an exclusive Lee feature
• Infinitely adjustable for precision control

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this die work with both seating and crimping?

Yes. The floating bullet guide is reversible—unthread it and reinstall it to enable simultaneous seating and crimping in a single die stroke. This is an exclusive feature to Lee's precision micrometer dies.

How do I use the micrometer adjustment?

The laser-engraved micrometer thimble reads in thousandths of an inch, just like a precision depth micrometer. Set your desired seating depth, lock it down, and return to that exact setting on future batches for uniform, repeatable results.

Will this die mark or damage my bullets?

The seating stem is machined and burnished specifically to seat nearly any bullet point style without marking or damaging the projectile, thanks to its smooth, precision finish.

What's the advantage of the floating bullet guide?

The floating guide with radial clearance allows the case and guide to align perfectly with the bullet seater screw. This alignment reduces bullet runout—a key factor in accuracy—and ensures consistent seating depth across all your rounds.