Redding Bushing Size for Lapua .308?

[GCF]

Gents -
Lucked into a Gradous accurized R700 LTR (factory barrel) in .308 Win. Hasn't arrived yet, but I'm optimistic.

Need to buy some dies, & I'm looking at a set of Redding series "S" FL bushing. Planning on Lapua brass, & Hrdy 155, or 168 AMAX.

Seem to recall Lapua being having somewhat thicker necks, & wondering if anyone could advise on the right size bushing for this brass / bullet combination? Like to keep my bushing collection to a minimum - if possible...

If nothing else, neck thickness for new Lapua .308, would be very helpful, as they do provide a bushing size formula: (Neck thickness x 2) + (bullet diameter) - .002

I do have some Lapua 30-06 that "appears" unfired. Neck thickness seems to run .013 - .014, which according to the formula, would seem to call for either a .332, or .334 bushing. Not sure if the .308 win is the same thickness though. Had a bunch at one time (all gone now), & thought sure it was running .015.

I note that Forster supplies 3 bushings w/ their bushing bump kit - .336, .334, & .332.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

 

[Sheldon N]

My most recent batch of Lapua 308 brass (regular primer size) measures .338 with a loaded round, so I'm using a Redding .336 bushing size for .002 neck tension. I've considered using a .337 bushing since my resized brass is coming out at .335 which might be a little more neck tension than I want. Haven't gotten around to it yet, though.

I'd say that a set of .335, .336, and .337 would be useful for Lapua brass.

 

[Scott Harris]

My most recent batch of Lapua 308 brass (regular primer size) measures .338 with a loaded round, so I'm using a Redding .336 bushing size for .002 neck tension. I've considered using a .337 bushing since my resized brass is coming out at .335 which might be a little more neck tension than I want. Haven't gotten around to it yet, though.

I'd say that a set of .335, .336, and .337 would be useful for Lapua brass.

+1
This advice is spot on for unturned lapua 308 brass

 

[Shynloco]

I agree with Scott as well. But I'd say you can get bye nicely with just a .335 and .336 bushing and see which works best in your 700 for neck tension. A few months back, I loaded and tested a bunch of .308 using my Redding S Die for my son's new factory Rem 700 .308 and that rifle shot best using the .335 bushing. Kinda depends on what your purpose for shooting the rifle might be..ie: best accuracy for target shooting or hunting. A group size difference of 1/4" won't matter in hunting.

 

[GCF]

Thanks for the valuable insight Gents - just exactly what I was looking for! I'm going to order both .335', & .336" bushings w/ the die set. That should put me in the ballpark, at least.

I know it's a factory gun, but I'm still all about the accuracy. Be interesting to see what I can squeeze out of it, especially considering the 20" HB, & 12" twist...

I'm tossed up on the bullet weight, but at this point plan to start out w/ the 168 AMAX, & Varget. For the record, max range at our club, is currently 200 yards.

 

[SWRichmond]

I am neck turning Lapua Palma brass enough to cut an average of ~60% of the circumference. After firing I then size it with .337", then expand on an expander die. 0.336" would be WAY too much neck tension for me.

 

[GCF]

I am neck turning Lapua Palma brass enough to cut an average of ~60% of the circumference. After firing I then size it with .337", then expand on an expander die. 0.336" would be WAY too much neck tension for me.

I have no experience w/ Palma brass. Never even had a piece in my hand. Does it have thicker necks initially?
SR primers?

I'm thinking the Redding "S" Bushing FL Comp set includes an expander button, but I'd prefer not to use it - unless necessary. Hoping the Lapua 308 Win is consistent thickness...

Thanks - GCF

 

[dreever]

If you single load you can get away with less neck tension. If you load for a magazine you'll want a bit more tension so the bullets in the mag don't move during recoil. I don't think you'll go wrong with the .336 either way.

Danny

 

[GCF]

Thought I'd update for the record. Ordered / received the Redding die set, the Lapua .308 Win brass, & a couple of bushings - sized .336, & .335.

The necks on the Lapua brass are indeed .015" (as I remembered), so plan to start out w/ the .336" bushing. I usually load single, but plan on assembling my handloads, for magazine feed compatibility - so we will see how it goes.

Just hope the 168 A-MAX's work out well, w/ the 1:12 twist. Ordered 500 of 'em...

GCF

 

[Dub]

Thought I'd update for the record. Ordered / received the Redding die set, the Lapua .308 Win brass, & a couple of bushings - sized .336, & .335.

The necks on the Lapua brass are indeed .015" (as I remembered), so plan to start out w/ the .336" bushing. I usually load single, but plan on assembling my handloads, for magazine feed compatibility - so we will see how it goes.

Just hope the 168 A-MAX's work out well, w/ the 1:12 twist. Ordered 500 of 'em...

GCF

how have your results been? which bushing worked best for your situation?