Neck size method preference - have specifics

[shadow9]

To keep it brief - since I'm only loading for ONE rifle, I'm primarily neck-sizing. However, I want to have minimum runout in case prep, and have found that there are three options for this:

- Use the Lee Collet Die, and handle shoulder bump with a Redding Body die.
- Have a Lee FL die customized to match a fired round from your chamber.
- Buy a Redding Type S die (FL preferred, keep the body in spec), and change out bushings accordingly.

Given that I'm reloading for one rifle, but will be using multiple types of brass, what would y'all recommend?

 

[Curator]

Lee Collet die, Lee Factory Crimp die. After a couple of reloads run-out and neck thickness will be minimized. Make sure all brass is the same manufacture.

 

[Centurian22]

I've been very happy with my lee collet neck die so far. But haven't done alot of loading on it yet or to the level of precision it appears you are striving for. Have gotten .8" groups at 100yards in my "entry level" savage axis .308 though.

 

[KingM]

I use the Lee collet die for everything from my guns except the auto loader. I use a Lee FL die for everything new to me. I have never had to set the shoulder back on any of my cartridges fired in my bolt rifles. They get bumped back all I need by turning the bolt cam down.

 

[USSR]

I have the Redding Competition Die Sets for 3 cartridges: .308, .30-06, and 6.5x55. I use a total of four dies to FL resize and load my ammo. First, I use a Lyman Universal Decapping die to remove spent primers. Then I use the body die that comes in the Competition Die Set to resize the body and bump back the shoulder. Then I use the neck sizing die with the bushing that gives me the exact amount of neck tension that I want. And finally, I use the micrometer seater die to seat my bullets. This is how I reloaded for 1,000 yard competition, and I continue to load this way even when loading for non-precision platforms such as my M1 Garands.

Don

 

[jb27]

Lee Collet die - run through press, turn case 1/2 rotation, run through press again. Then follow this by using Redding Body die set to bump shoulder back 0.001.

Or

Look up Harrell Precision and their custom sizing dies. Have a die made custom to your chamber that uses bushings for neck size.

I use both methods for different calibers and both produce very concentric ammo. I assume you already have a concentricity gauge. If not, resist the temptation to get the Hornady one and pick up a Sinclair.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

I use mostly Redding dies including competition dies with micrometer adjustments, type S neck only and type S full length and even small base.

BUT to answer the specific question my suggestion is a modified die from Forster honed to fit the application -

CUSTOM neck honing of Forster FULL LENGTH SIZING or NECK SIZING DIE to your specification. We custom hone the inside neck diameter by using a diamond stoning process. We enlarge the inside diameter to prevent over-sizing of the case neck due to thick neck walls. You may require this service for two reasons: 1) If you use some brands of brass cases, such as Norma or Lapua, which have thicker neck walls. 2) If you do not intend to outside neck turn case necks that have thickened after repeated firings. Please specify desired inside neck diameter. Note: 1) No more than .008" stock removal from your existing die neck diameter is possible. 2) Honing is done in increments of one half thousandth of an inch (.0005"), meaning that your specified inside diameter must be either.XXX0" or .XXX5".
$12.00 plus actual return shipping cost & insurance Please allow 1-3 weeks.

Does the job and it's not a bad price.

Forster will do a full range of customs including

CUSTOM P-30 DIE CHAMBER BLANK includes specially machined bullet channel to customer specification. Usually needed for use with your larger diameter, cast bullets. Specify exact diameter of internal bullet channel desired.
Retail price of P-30 + $10 machining Fee + shipping. Please allow 2-6 weeks.

CUSTOM J-30 SEATING STEM to fit specific bullet ogive's shape.
You should supply 2-3 sample bullets. (all customer property will be returned)

 

[Offfhand]

The Redding bushing type dies are certainly first rate and I use for many of the calibers I load. For benchrest calibers I use body sizing dies supplied by Steven Accuracy combined with carbide neck bushings. Attached is a photo of benchrest sizing setup.

 

[spitballer]

Consider a Wilson neck sizer and an arbor press from Harbor Freight.

 

[243winxb]

multiple types of brass

Buy a Redding Type S die (FL preferred, keep the body in spec), and change out bushings accordingly.

 

[steve4102]

IMO, the way to go is with the Lee Collet die and the Redding body die.

I have a couple Redding Type S bushing dies and IME they increase bullet runout not decrease it.

Any imperfections in the Neck walls will be transferred to the inside of the neck. This can cause excess bullet runout. Using my Redding Bushing dies I can get very concentric brass with very little Neck runout before the bullet is seated. After the bullet is seating there can be excessive bullet runout.

The Lee Collet die is different. The case mouth is sized around a mandrel, so the inside of the case neck is concentric and any imperfections or variation in neck wall thickness are transfered to the outside of the neck. Testing Neck runout before a bullet is seated my show excessive runout of the case, but once the bullet is seated, there is very little Bullet runout.

If you want concentric empty cases, get the Redding. If you want concentric loaded rounds, get the Lee.

You can also get both and see for yourself. Get the Lee Collet die, they are inexpensive. Also purchase a Redding Busing die. When you find that the Lee die is superior to the Bushing die you can just remove the bushings and expander stem and use it as a body die.

 

[taliv]

i load almost exactly as described by USSR, except I combine the shoulder bump and neck sizing into one die with the FL neck die

 

[USSR]

Any imperfections in the Neck walls will be transferred to the inside of the neck. This can cause excess bullet runout.

Sorry, Steve, but seating a bullet acts just like a mandrel in that the inside dimension becomes the same as the outside dimension of the bullet being seated, and the "imperfections" in the neck walls end up in the same exact place as with the collet die; on the outside. If you are getting runout, then there is either a problem with your particular die or your loading method. The guys who I shot with in 1,000 yard competition almost to a man used Redding bushing dies, and their scores certainly didn't suffer.

Don

 

[Walkalong]

I am sizing my .308 match rounds like taliv, using a Redding FL bushing type sizer. I am seating with a Forster match seater. I am getting .00025 and under run out.

For Benchrest I was sizing like offhand posted, using a custom FL bushing style die with carbide bushings. A big plus one for Steven's Accuracy.

The only guarantee of getting excellent run out is to check each step, starting with the fired brass case. Get rid of bad dies, or make the manufacturer replace them.

No one brand can claim to be the best every time.

The Lee Collet die can work very well, assuming the other steps are done well.

 

[ess45]

Lee Collet die, Lee Factory Crimp die. After a couple of reloads run-out and neck thickness will be minimized. Make sure all brass is the same manufacture.

Also use Lee Collet die but do not crimp for bolt action.
Redding body die after several firing.