Concerned with runout (first bushing die)

[Clancy]

I’ve never used a bushing die for anything but necking down in steps then transferring to a FL die.

I’ve got a Harrels 6 BRA bushing FL die for my no turn chamber, and I’m sure that I’ll need to run the cases over an expander afterwards, but don’t know where to start with bushing size or which mandrel or really anything about this stuff.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

[dstoenner]

Measure the thickness of a couple of necks. 2xthickness + .243 -.003 for neck tension is at least a start

 

[BenPerfected]

What is your current RO on 80% of your loaded rounds? How consistent are your neck thickness?

 

[Clancy]

@BenPerfected .002 or less using a Forster FL die, but I couldn’t get one for this. Curious why you asked?

Never given any thought to neck thickness with Lapua brass using an expander ball. The rifles have shot so well I didn’t think it was worth investigating.

I’ve been told to avoid bushing dies by several people unless I turn necks, and there’s no chance of me turning necks for hunting or recreational BR.

 

[Clancy]

I guess maybe I pretended to be a little too dumb.

More specific questions...

Who makes a good expander die and are all Mandrels the same?

 

[243winxb]

are all Mandrels the same?

Interesting question. I dont know the answer.
But the diameters availabe are mind boggling.

https://kmshooting.com/custom-diameter-expand-mandrel-kit-for-bullet-tension-6mm.html

See http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/walk-me-through-mandrel-resizing.3933105/

 

[Clancy]

Ok... so I’m thinking I’ll order 265, 266, 267 bushings and a k&m expander and mandrel of their recommendation and do a little trial and error

 

[JFrank]

I measure the neck OD of a loaded round then deduct .002 for bushing size.
My Mandrel is .002 under my caliber- only used to straighten virgin brass
My bushing dies work very and produce very low runout

 

[Dusty Stevens]

This ^^^

 

[Clancy]

Ok guys thank you for the info

 

[watercam]

In other words, dump the expander ball. Causes more problems and you will not need it with a correct bushing. You might experiment with .001 as well as .002 tension but start with the latter.

 

[nmkid]

I use bushing dies for 5 rifles. I know I'm thick skulled. Using the known formula for bushings you can get close. But, wait, then you decide you want more or less tension. There you go, ordering more bushings. That's the way it's worked out for me. I have 23 bushings and that starts to get pricey! I am getting better though. On my current wildcat it only took 4 bushings to get my desired tension.

 

[Clancy]

In other words, dump the expander ball. Causes more problems and you will not need it with a correct bushing. You might experiment with .001 as well as .002 tension but start with the latter.

My die doesn’t have an expander. That’s where all the questions came from. I was most concerned with which mandrel to buy, but unfortunately it’s looking like it would be cheaper just to order a custom FL die and be done.

 

[Bart B.]

My die doesn’t have an expander. That’s where all the questions came from. I was most concerned with which mandrel to buy, but unfortunately it’s looking like it would be cheaper just to order a custom FL die and be done.

Yes. Get one from Forster and they'll hone out the neck to your specs for $12. Toss the expander ball.