Sizing dies and seating, part 2

[Outlaws]

Okay, so I read the paper work included with the Redding dies again, and it does say that when using the full length sizing die for only ONE rifle, you screw it in until it touches the shell plate, then back off 1/2 turn. Now it says to do this with a case that is tight in the chamber. Well, I don't really have a case that is tight in the chamber. Now I would think that is a good thing, and a neck sizing only die would be in order, but I don't have one yet for my 204.

1. So I did the backing off 1/2 turn in my Dillon and I can see the resizing mark on the case neck is about .060 from reaching the shoulder. It isn't tight in my chamber (well, it wasn't to start with) based on the action closed the same as before. So is that enough resizing for now?

2. Is .002 off the lands a good distance to start with for seating?

 

[USSR]

Outlaws,

While I cannot tell you the result of partially resizing your brass using your FL sizing die, I can tell you that bullet ogives vary in their location, and setting up your seating die to try to place your bullet ogive that close (.002") to your lands will result in some bullets being off the lands and some being into the lands. This is not conducive to accuracy. I would suggest that you back off to somewhere's between .005" and .010" off the lands.

Don

 

[koja48]

My 204 with 32 grain V-Max bullets likes a 0.005 jump. I neck size & measure OAL length with a comparator to the ogive when I set the seating die, not COL to the tip of the bullet.

 

[Outlaws]

I am measuring the ogive with a comparator. BTW, I forgot, some of the brass was shot in a different rifle so I am just sizing it all the way.

 

[koja48]

Full-length resize everything that wasn't fired in your gun, including new brass. Then neck size, start working up loads & chasing the optimum OAL.