284 Win bushing die recommendations

[TylerFromMS]

So I'm working on getting some stuff together for a straight 284 at some point soon. I have been shooting 6mm BR and variants and have gotten spoiled with Harrell's bushing dies being able to have the top screwed all the way down and still have room for the bushing to float. I've had Whidden recommended to me, and will likely go that route if one like I'd like is not available. I figured I'd ask, though:

Is there anyone making Harrell's style bushing dies for 7mm? Ones that you don't need a lock ring on the top spindle for?

 

[Falfan2017]

Wilson makes a nice one but I had to use the Wilson bushing to get it to float properly. People say they’re interchangeable with Redding bushings but that was not my experience.

 

[Terry]

I have 4 Whidden dies for various calibers, and some of many brands.
The Whidden are the best I have.

 

[TylerFromMS]

Wilson makes a nice one but I had to use the Wilson bushing to get it to float properly. People say they’re interchangeable with Redding bushings but that was not my experience.

If you screw it all the way down with a bushing in there, will it still float, or does it tighten the bushing in place?

 

[TylerFromMS]

I have 4 Whidden dies for various calibers, and some of many brands.
The Whidden are the best I have.

I'm not doubting the quality of Whidden stuff at all. I am asking more about the functionality. The Harrell's, with the top screwed all the way down, will still allow the bushing to float ever so slightly. I spoke on the phone to Whidden the other day and they said it was more like the redding system, in that you screw the top down until it stops, back it off slightly, and then set the lock ring.

 

[KenOath]

I like the Wilson and have used Redding Type S , but prefer Wilson. You should be able to make any bushing float with the Willson, just do as TylerFromMS suggests.

 

[TylerFromMS]

I like the Wilson and have used Redding Type S , but prefer Wilson. You should be able to make any bushing float with the Willson, just do as TylerFromMS suggests.

I'm the OP I'm trying to avoid that because the Harrell's 6mm have spoiled me.

 

[Falfan2017]

If you screw it all the way down with a bushing in there, will it still float, or does it tighten the bushing in place?

I’m not sure. I ended up going with a no bushing custom die.

 

[KenOath]

It will tighten the bushing in place if you screw down till it touches the bushing, but you back it of just enough until the bushing slightly rattles/floats then tighten down the lock ring.

I use Harrell’s for my 6mils also...great die.

 

[Mt.Boy]

I use a wilson on my dasher and have had good luck. Gonna order a wilson tomorrow for my 284 win barrel I have coming.

 

[Bjl4776]

I’d also recommend the whidden. You do have to back off the stem for the bushing to float but the die is so much more smooth than a Redding. My biggest problem with Redding dies is they tend to be too long and it’s harder to set proper shoulder bump with them. I have no experience with Wilson sizing dies

 

[rardoin]

Whatever brand die you use I suggest getting Wilson bushings. I’ve tried them all and I stand by that statement. If the die you are considering doesn’t accept them choose a different die.

 

[TylerFromMS]

Whatever brand die you use I suggest getting Wilson bushings. I’ve tried them all and I stand by that statement. If the die you are considering doesn’t accept them choose a different die.

Do the numbers go up or down with the Wilson? The orientation.

 

[rardoin]

IIRC the numbering is up...opposite of Redding. The reason I prefer the Wilson is that I have never had one with in incorrect bore diameter and the radius for the case mouth entry is perfect. I've never had them 'shave brass' if the neck is a little thick.

 

[TylerFromMS]

So I’m reviving this thread because I finally found what I was looking for. The Bullet Central Micron dies have a little shelf the bushing sits on like the Harrels dies do, letting you screw the top all the way down and still giving the bushing room to “float”. Thought it may help someone in the future.

 

[hicap40]

no bushings
use fl sizing die with a expander mandrel

trust me!

 

[KenOath]

no bushings
use fl sizing die with a expander mandrel

trust me!

Care to expand on this ?

 

[hicap40]

it just works!
been doing alot of testing lately with 284, 284 shehane and 7/300 wsm. groups are consistently smaller
im running .001 neck tension using a mandrel. i do neck turn on my 7/300. getting ready to order IDOD.
I did talk to an older benchrest shooter which holds a few world records here in Tucson. He told me thats what works for him, so I never use my bushing dies any more.

test it for yourself!

 

[TylerFromMS]

it just works!
been doing alot of testing lately with 284, 284 shehane and 7/300 wsm. groups are consistently smaller
im running .001 neck tension using a mandrel. i do neck turn on my 7/300. getting ready to order IDOD.
I did talk to an older benchrest shooter which holds a few world records here in Tucson. He told me thats what works for him, so I never use my bushing dies any more.

test it for yourself!

I actually found the opposite true for me. There isn’t really one “right” way to do anything is what I’m finding out the more I talk to folks and try different stuff. Guess that’s why there’s a bunch of options

 

[msilbernagel]

no bushings
use fl sizing die with a expander mandrel

trust me!

Which die & mandrel are you using?

Assume you're pulling the expander ball..

Thx