help me get started with Redding Type S neck die set

[labnoti]

I never used this type of die set before. I have the correct size bushing. I dropped the bushing in, screwed it down and backed off 1/16th of a turn to allow the bushing to float for concentricity. The case comes up, the decapping pin decaps if there is a primer there, the neck is run into the bushing and the OD is formed according to the bushing size. Then as the case is going down, the button expands the neck ID. The button can be removed if I'd rather turn necks, but I intend to use the sizing button for practicality.

My bushing is Titanium Nitride, and the button is whatever comes with the set. Do I need to lube neck OD with the Ti Nitride bushing? I understand if I replace the button with a carbide button, I can avoid lubing neck ID.

I also received a body size die, which I can use if the bodies expand too much or the shoulder needs to be pushed back for chambering to be easy. Since I will chamber in the same rifle, I may not have to use it every time. I know I'll need a lube pad if I use it.

The third die is the bullet seater. I don't have an OAL gauge or a modified case. I suppose I could use a bore rod or trial and error to seat the bullet closer to the lands, but I will probably start with a short specification OAL.

 

[Offfhand]

Remove the expander button and replace with the undersize collar on the decapping stem.

 

[Blue68f100]

The internal expander is carbide and does not require lube, but I would recommend using a little to keep the brass from sticking to it. It's best to remove the expander and use the bushing only. If your using a bolt gun you should be fine without turning the necks, unless you have tight chambers. Pulling the expander through is what pulls the necks out of alignment, even thought the expander floats. If you want to use it, use the largest bushing you can so it only opens it up 0.001" .

 

[Walkalong]

the neck is run into the bushing and the OD is formed according to the bushing size. Then as the case is going down, the button expands the neck ID.

Don't use the expander, just get the correct bushing size for your brass neck thickness and desired neck tension. Expanders pulled back up through necks is bad juju. If you desire, use a neck expander like Sinclairs after the bushing.

I just use the bushing with no expansion on stock brass. Don't get too tight with the bushing.

 

[Blue68f100]

I just use the bushing with no expansion on stock brass. Don't get too tight with the bushing.

I back off a min of 1/2 turn. If your using a bolt action gun you can back it off a lot just like a Neck Sizer.

 

[labnoti]

Ok. I'll remove the expander button. My bushing is 0.002" smaller. Bullets are 0.264" and brass is .014", so .264+.028=.292 and bushing is .290. I haven't loaded a cartridge to measure yet, but I don't think that will be too tight.

What about lubing OD with the Ti Nitride bushing? Needed?

How do I seat bullets without shaving brass? Carefully? I'm not to that step yet.

 

[Walkalong]

Good.

No lube needed.

You do lightly chamfer/deburr the case mouths, correct?

You should always try to start them as straight as you can, no matter what kind of seater, sleeved or not.

 

[243winxb]

Some good tech tips at Redding. https://www.redding-reloading.com/online-catalog/118-type-s-bushing-dies Redding Type S Full Length sizing Die.

1. Size stamp on bushing should face towards case neck. Down.
2. Lube from fingers on OD of necks is good. Both types of bushings.
3. Turned necks ,no expander.
4. Unturned necks, use expander. Lube the ID of the necks. Start with a larger bushing. The expander will make contact with some, not all. Change to a .001" smaller bushing till you feel light drag on all brass, as the expander pull thru the lubed neck. The variation in neck wall thickness needs moved to the outside of the neck. The bullet leaves the neck before the neck expands.
5. Sizing 1/2 of the neck produced best accuracy for me, with turned necks.
6. Use the Fl type S die. Keeps case volume the same every loading.
7.if bushing has to size fired brass down more the .008" , this may cause problems. The OD will measure smaller then what the bushing is marked and concentricity/runout may not be good. This may be corrected byy sizing the neck smaller in 2 steps, instead of just one.
8. Remove the expander rod and the FL die can be used as a body die. No sizing of the necks. This is useful if wanting to try a Lee collet type neck sizer die.

 

[243winxb]

I will probably start with a short specification OAL.

Good idea. Most bullets jump to the rifling just fine..

 

[labnoti]

7.if bushing has to size fired brass down more the .008" , this may cause problems. The OD will measure smaller then what the bushing is marked and concentricity/runout may not be good. This may be corrected byy sizing the neck smaller in 2 steps, instead of just one

It looks like I have this situation. The fired case necks are 0.302" OD. I run them into the 0.290" bushing and I get 0.287". A loaded case is 0.288". So while the necks are getting sized perfectly, I might be getting there the wrong way.


As for OAL, it turns out I'll have to run them a bit short to feed from the magazine. If I set the length to just fit the magazine, the cartridge will catch before it tilts to go up the feed ramp. It's a Mauser action so it pretty much has to feed from the magazine. It looks like my OAL is going to end up right where Hornady's longest factory ammo is, as that's about the longest that will feed every time.