Hi, I have a question. I am reloading with 8x57 IS ammunition (8mm Mauser). I heard that it is better to do full length size than neck size only. The shoulder should be slightly moved back by 0.001" How to adjust the fls die? No matter what I try, the shoulder shift is too big, about 0.007". I use Hornady iron press lock and load and Hornady hull length size die set.
Setting FLS die 8x57 IS
- Thread starter Nedraj
- Start date
Atavar
Member
Atavar
Member
It is possible that you need to set the shoulder back further than the properly adjusted die permits.
The first thing to do is aggressively clean the mating surfaces of the die and case holder to make sure you are getting contact between the die and the case holder at the top or the ram stroke. Then lower the ram and screw the die in another quarter turn. If that doesn’t solve the problem you are going to need to get the die to go further down on the case.
There are a couple ways to accomplish this.
The easiest and non destructive way is to trim a feeler gauge of the same thickness as the additional setback you need and insert it under the case in the shell holder as a shim. This effectively raises the case in the shell holder so that the sizing die goes that much lower on the case.
If that does not work you will need to remove some material from either the die mouth or the top of the case holder. I suggest sanding or filing or milling the case holder. The die is much harder than the case holder and is more difficult to work. Not only is the case holder easier to work it is cheaper to replace if you booger it up. Remember to check the thickness of the case holder at several places to make sure you are keeping it flat and true.
The first thing to do is aggressively clean the mating surfaces of the die and case holder to make sure you are getting contact between the die and the case holder at the top or the ram stroke. Then lower the ram and screw the die in another quarter turn. If that doesn’t solve the problem you are going to need to get the die to go further down on the case.
There are a couple ways to accomplish this.
The easiest and non destructive way is to trim a feeler gauge of the same thickness as the additional setback you need and insert it under the case in the shell holder as a shim. This effectively raises the case in the shell holder so that the sizing die goes that much lower on the case.
If that does not work you will need to remove some material from either the die mouth or the top of the case holder. I suggest sanding or filing or milling the case holder. The die is much harder than the case holder and is more difficult to work. Not only is the case holder easier to work it is cheaper to replace if you booger it up. Remember to check the thickness of the case holder at several places to make sure you are keeping it flat and true.
Blue68f100
Member
If your pushing the shoulder back too far (0.007") you need to back off the sizing die. It may take about 1/8 turn and try again. That press cams over, so you must full stork the ram every time. Short stroking and you will not be consistent. Since it cams over your when you setup your die with the ram full stroked up it will apply a little more. This is normal and will normally remove any slack that may be in play.
AJC1
Member
My dillion 308 dies would excessively oversize if setup to contact the shell holder. Put a sharpie mark on the die and back out about 20 degrees. The amount of shoulder movement changes very fast once it's moving, so clocking the die helps track movement more accurately.
I tried to unscrew the die but the only change is a shallower impression on the neck of the brass. The brass shoulder has the same dimension as before, 0.007" smaller than the raw (fire forming) brass. In the meantime, the Redding neck size only die arrived, the neck concentricity is 0.008". Is this normal? I was expecting a deviation of 0.002".
AJC1
Member
It seems like your not pushing the shoulder back if your only getting marks on the neck.... a lot of brass is at or below minimum and needs to grow to full fireformed size....
Consentricity above .003 is considered unacceptable. Try a different brand like SAC or a different size to test if it continues. What change are you seeing from fired to sized. Are the necks even thickness.
DILLONHELP
Member
It helps increase concentricity if you tighten the die lock ring with a fired case up in the die. This upward pressure centers the die in the threads. Hope this helps.
