Redding 'S' Full length bushing dies-bushing size for .223?

[docgary]

Title says it all...

Following the instructions in the Sinclair catalog...

" .002in smaller than the average neck diameter of loaded cartridges.

My .223 reloads average 0.252 inches neck diameter.

Therefore, 0.250in bushings are the size.


Anyone disagree?

Suggestions?

I'm replacing the Dillon sizing die on my 550 -

Decapping pin with expander ball pulls apart at the stem connection.
I believe the thread is shot.

I love the Redding Competition die - consistent and exact!

Should have bought the set.....

TIA
docgary.

 

[Bullet]

I believe there are two ways to use the bushing dies.

1- If you are concerned only about resizing the neck to not under size it. Regular dies resize the neck more (smaller) than needed then the expander ball resizes again to the amount the neck will be. Using the neck bushings will allow you to not work the brass as much as a regular die.

2- Resizing to achieve a certain amount of neck tension. This is where the expander ball is not used and the bushings are used to determine the amount the neck will be sized.

If you are using the bushings as described in the first method the .002in smaller than the average neck diameter of loaded cartridges bushing is all that is needed, because the expander ball will set the neck size.

But if your using the bushings as described in the second method you will probably need a bushing for the amount of neck tension you desire, which could be more than .002in smaller than the average neck diameter of loaded cartridges. Also when using the bushings to set the neck tension you will have to allow for the brass to spring back some too, which probably will necessitate using a bushing .001 smaller than the size you want the neck to be. I believe I read that if your resizing the neck more than .004 under the neck size of a fired case that has not been resized you should resize it in two steps (resize twice using two bushings in increments of .004 or smaller) to keep the neck concentric.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

I use a 245 in mine as with a 247 I would get some loose rounds that you could pull the bullet out of the case.
I had used the redding competition seating die but kept cracking the cone using long range bullets. I switched to the forster ultra micrometer seating die # U00022 and have never looked back.

 

[highlander 5]

if the Dillon die is broken send it back for repair/replacement.
That's why it's called a "no bs warranty"

 

[243winxb]

If you are NOT outside neck turning and using the expander then i would go .003" smaller than the smallest case(not average) neck diameter of all your loaded cartridge necks. Bolt action or auto?

 

[Walkalong]

Give it your best guess, but we almost always end up with more than one bushing.

 

[243winxb]

Give it your best guess, but we almost always end up with more than one bushing

Very true, i have 3 bushing for my 243win. I do outside neck turn(no expander) for one rifle, another(use expander) i dont neck turn.

 

[USSR]

Give it your best guess, but we almost always end up with more than one bushing.

+1.

Don

 

[docgary]

243winxb... If you are NOT outside neck turning and using the expander then i would go .003" smaller than the smallest case(not average) neck diameter of all your loaded cartridge necks.

My bad...the .252 was the smallest case neck diameter.

So your saying .249 in is my best bet?

At $11 a pop, I rather not be forced to buy 2 or 3 bushings...

Bolt action or auto?

AR 15...does it change the approach re: a semi auto?


TIA

docgary

 

[243winxb]

Titanium Nitride bushing are a good choice

http://www.redding-reloading.com/pages/necksizebush.html

the .252 was the smallest case neck diameter.

So your saying .249" is my best bet?

.249" is a good place to start.

AR 15...does it change the approach re: a semi auto?

The semi has to feed from the magazine, you would want more neck tension for the AR then a bolt action if you were outside neck turning and not using an expander button. When using the expander with a .249" bushing , that should work for both bolt and AR.