Ring die

[DLT]

Just curious if it even matters. What way do most of you dudes use the ring die ? Before full length or after ? Does it even matter ? I’m about to attempt to to tighten up the rear on some lapua 6br cases

 

[Murray Brook]

I would go with the ring die first. I have no direct experience on this specific process but I use a Redding body die along with the Lee Collet die. What I found is , not all the time but sometime, using the Lee die last can change the shoulder bump. Using the Lee die first and then doing the body die and shoulder bump solved this annoyance. Getting back to the ring die I would imagine that squeezing the base could also change where the shoulder may be. JMO

 

[Mark611]

Murry, I have not measured the bump after I use the collet die, I usually body size first, but I can see how neck sizing after the body could possibly change things, thanks for sharing!

 

[DocBII]

DLT,

Rollsizer folks recommend roll sizing first, then full length sizing. I've had good results from doing it this way, more consistent even if doing roll sizing after FL sizing and the cases passed inspection.

HTH,
DocBII

 

[Tim Singleton]

Ring die first if you can!
If the chamber is bigggg it will help to full length size first (get some sizing done) then ring die
then full length size again to ensure headspace
3 steps are sometimes required

 

[reed1911]

DLT,
How much do you need to size it down? Who's dies are you using?

 

[SeabeeKen]

I would go with the ring die first. I have no direct experience on this specific process but I use a Redding body die along with the Lee Collet die. What I found is , not all the time but sometime, using the Lee die last can change the shoulder bump. Using the Lee die first and then doing the body die and shoulder bump solved this annoyance. Getting back to the ring die I would imagine that squeezing the base could also change where the shoulder may be. JMO

I know using a rollsizer will change shoulder bump slightly ime. Never tried a ring die

 

[DLT]

DLT,
How much do you need to size it down? Who's dies are you using?

My bases measure .472 after sizing with a redding full length die. I forgot I had another set of redding type s full length dies I had bought off here that the bottom of the sizing die has been ground or turned off. I tried it and they chamber fine now but I cant measure the difference with my calipers. Maybe .0005 smaller

 

[D-4297]

Having used the same Lapua SRP .308 Brass for several Barrels and over 35 reloads , I started getting "clickers" , and a Ring Die was suggested , since the Brass was still in very good shape . I ran all 400 pieces through the Ring die , and found they were no longer creating the dreaded "clickers" , and they now have over 45 reloads on them as my Practice Brass . I do a very close inspection on them as they get used , looking for case separation , and have found five that got DX'ed . That's roughly 4,000 more rounds , so I think it's worth it . And I do anneal after every firing , too .

 

[Fire Dog]

I know using a rollsizer will change shoulder bump slightly ime. Never tried a ring die

Same issue, if you decrease the base diameter than that will be reflected in lengthening the case.
Reduce the base diameter first before the shoulder bump.
I just check the fired case base to shoulder datum, then a trip through the Rollsizer check again, now case base to shoulder is longer.
Set sizing/bump to give you what you wanted from the fired case and all is good…