Redding Bushing Sizes

[Jaywalker]

I thought I'd share the email exchange I had with Redding over selecting a bushing size:

From Me:
I've just decided to take up reloading, after 30 years away, and have found things are different, though I don't recall everything I used to know.
I understand Redding is the current choice as "best dies," so I started looking for your stuff. I discovered that your bushing dies seem to be excellent, but that I can't really buy them, due to my inability to specify the right bushing size. I've read your Tech Tips, and realize there is more than one way to determine the size, but all require a micrometer, which I do not have access to (and except for this, no need).
I'll be starting with new Lapua brass. Have you considered offering a service of accepting sample brass from folks like me, and recommending the right bushing size?

From Redding:
Thank you for your interest in Redding Reloading Equipment. You can also take the measurements with an accurate caliper, which no reloader should be without.

Regards,
Patrick T. Ryan

Redding Reloading Equipment
1089 Starr Road
Cortland, NY 13045

From Me
Patrick,
I would have thought so, too, but your Tech Tips say that it isn't accurate. "Be aware that you may not select the correct bushing on the first try when sing a caliper to measure neck wall thickness, due to the reduced measuring accuracy of the caliper."
Exchanges for missing the right size?

From Redding
No, sorry.

Regards,
Patrick T. Ryan

(End)

Well, I can't say I blame them, but it makes Redding a hard thing to buy for a newbie.

Jaywalker

 

[Steve Smith]

Tell me about it...I have about 5 extra bushings...none are the right size.

 

[jw29650]

I also am interested in the Redding bushing dies. What bushing sizes are being used for Lake City .223 brass? I measured with my caliper and have about decided on .254.

Thanks

JW

 

[Steve Smith]

I think you are way over with your .254...IIRC my "best" bushing was a .247 using LC .223

 

[jw29650]

Steve,

You were right. I used a .245 bushing. Thanks for your input.

JW

 

[Mantis]

Measure the outside neck diameter from one of your loaded rounds and subtract .003. In my case, my .223's are loaded with 69g Sierras and LC brass. The outside diameter is .247 less .003 = a .244 bushing. Calipers work just fine for me to get the measurements.

 

[swifter]

Jaywalker,

try this: Using your (steel) dial calipers, measure your bullet. Do several for an average. Carefully slip the jaws of your caliper into the case mouth and measure the wall thickness. It will not be as close as a tubing mic, but you should get a usable number, unless the casemouth is really battered. again, go for some averaging. multiply the wall thickness by 2, add the bullet diameter, and subtract 0.003" from the result. That should be your bushing size. I order one a couple thou larger, and one smaller when I do it.

Or just get a Lee collett Die and forget the bushing. Its almost as good for less$$$$$$...

BTW: Any of you gents that have 'extra' bushings in .224/.243, in TiN, I'll take 'em off your hands for 1/2 price... I can always use extras...

Tom

 

[Steve Smith]

Swifter, weren't you and I supposed to do a trade at Perry? If not, I have some TiN bushings I'll sell. Lemee think of a price.

PM me if interested.