Redding custom body die

[Jughead88]

Hey all. Im wondering if anyone has had redding build them a custom body die. Although i probably wont reload them more than 3-4 times, my 6.5 hi-power needs one! Im wondering what their lead time and cost is. They are on vacation right now or i would call. Im not finished load testing yet, but getting good 100 yd groups with ww760 (55 gr- 3,450 fps). Thanks, jug

 

[Bart B.]

What specific way do you want to resize your fired case bodies?

Redding's full bushing dies will work well, just use an oversize bushing so your case necks don't get touched.

A friend used a .358 Win. full length sizng die to resize his .308 Win. case bodies. Another used a .270 one to body size his .25-06 cases.

 

[Jughead88]

Thanks, i understand what your saying. The one thing about the rws case is the base diameter has been mikeing at .4705 to .471 in diameter. Most all of our 06 based cases are .466 to .468 bases. I think they will be hard to shrink that far since this brass is so hard. My fired diameter just above the web is .473. im sure to do a full length pass i will have to have one cut. Thanks, jug

 

[Bart B.]

The case rim and extractor groove area don't expand much upon firing. And no sizing die I know of shrinks that bottom 2/10ths inch of the case length at its head. The large diameter pressure ring is typically about 1/10th inch in front of the extractor groove. That's shown in post 20 in this thread: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=785750 No sizing die I know of reduces case diameters between that point and the case head.

I wouldn't size that .473" diameter (pressure ring?) down more than .002" to somewhere between .4715 and .4720". Otherwise, that part of the brass will be work hardened and short case life will be at hand.

Besides, the less clearance there is between the case body's back end to the chamber wall, the better centered that part of the case will be in the chamber when its fired. There needs to be about .001" minimum clearance for reliable functioning.
Your chamber's about .474" diameter at that point where the case is .473."

So, I think a standard full length sizing die is in order. The smaller diameter case rim and web area are just fine. I've had some like that myself; no effect on anything.

What cartridge are you reloading for?

 

[Jughead88]

Bart, it has forward dimensions of the 6.5 creedmoor, only 2.5 inch case length. I wondered about using a 06 class pistol die (45acp?). To size the base, then run the case through my creedmoor sizer for the forward sizing. I would have to make a bushing to fit between the shellholder and the die to set the shoulder setback for headspace. Other than that, custom die im afraid.
Thanks, jug

 

[Bart B.]

Jug,

I'd have a custom full length sizing die made that sizes fired case body diameters down .001" with its neck .002" smaller than a loaded round's neck diameter. It'll resize cases with the straightest necks giving best accuracy and long case life when set to bump fired case shoulders back .002".

 

[Jughead88]

I agree. I dont want to size the base, then size the front 2/3 of case. Would much rather go with 1 pass. I have 3 fired cases ready to go to someone. Should i request .001 smaller on diameter plus .002 bump? The necks on this brass is thick. I dont have to turn em though. Found out that a .292 bushing gives adequate tension. Standard cm sizer is too tight on bullet seat. Do you think i should go with a redding type s? Im running these on the warm side on loads. Dont think i will be going over 2-3 loads on brass. Im not a heavy shooter, so not worries about brass cost, but would be nice to get a couple out of em. Thanks a million! Jug

 

[Bart B.]

Jug,

I think a one-piece full length die made for your cartridge is the best way to go. Bushing dies typically don't size the neck all the way to the shoulder and that often causes donuts inside the case neck that are problematic. But they do produce very accurate ammo.

Go to http://www.6mmbr.com/index.html then look up some custom die makers. Send them 3 fired cases and they'll make you one.

It's my opinion that if someone doesn't get at least 30 reloads per rimless case, their loads are too hot or the die's are not set/made right for the cartridge. Sometimes both. Rarely, if ever, does best accuracy happen with the hottest loads used.