Bullet Runout Issues - Help!

[Dolomite]

I just did a simple step, took out the expander ball from my die and use a SAC bushing helped reduce all run out for me. I use a Co-Ax, whidden or harrels die, sinclair mandrel die, and 21st century mandrel, nothing special, adjust die to bump shoulder and bam.... I barely get .001 runout for my 223, 308 and 6br. Other bushings besides SAC gave me more run out anywhere from .001 - .005 for whatever reason.

 

[Dolomite]

I just did a simple step, took out the expander ball from my die and use a SAC bushing helped reduce all run out for me. I use a Co-Ax, whidden or harrels die, sinclair mandrel die, and 21st century mandrel, nothing special, adjust die to bump shoulder and bam.... I barely get .001 runout for my 223, 308 and 6br. Other bushings besides SAC gave me more run out anywhere from .001 - .005 for whatever reason.

I know not everyone is made of money but if its not in your budget to get several SAC bushings, Whidden did work well just not perfect for whatever reason I don't know. I played with o-rings using a RCBS cheap press and was able to keep the run out to .001-.002 using whidden & redding bushings.

IMO if I had to rate the bushings in order SAC, Whidden, Redding, Forster. Yes I bought several of all 4 brands in multiple calibers, had I known better I would have gone straight to SAC bushings. instead of spending hundreds of $'s

Don't get me wrong people have had success with all brands of bushings so I'm not bashing any brand just explaining my experience.

 

[BJung]

I skimmed the replies and you have options.
One option is to use Lapua brass. I once acquired various range brass and Lapua was the most consistent.
2nd option is to remove the expander die that distorts the neck. Then expand the mouth with a mandrel. Without even turning the necks, your neck tension will improve
3rd option is to use a Lee neck sizing collet die. I've gotten very little runout using it. Be sure to lube the shaft because if your case could get stuck in the die. My case did and I had to push and pull my press handle to stretch and bend the case until it broke in order to eventually get the case out.
Your choice of seating dies makes a difference. For my best loads I use a Forster die set. Redding works. Initially, I use RCBS and spin my casings when seating bullets.

 

[Rat Rifle]

I skimmed the replies and you have options.
One option is to use Lapua brass. I once acquired various range brass and Lapua was the most consistent.
2nd option is to remove the expander die that distorts the neck. Then expand the mouth with a mandrel. Without even turning the necks, your neck tension will improve
3rd option is to use a Lee neck sizing collet die. I've gotten very little runout using it. Be sure to lube the shaft because if your case could get stuck in the die. My case did and I had to push and pull my press handle to stretch and bend the case until it broke in order to eventually get the case out.
Your choice of seating dies makes a difference. For my best loads I use a Forster die set. Redding works. Initially, I use RCBS and spin my casings when seating bullets.

I think what happened in Your case, the collet stuck closed around the case neck which was compressed around the mandrel. Often You can feel this coming on. To prevent this, I take the mandrel and collet out after every 50 rounds, clean/lube and wipe off. It seems stuff gets stuck in the slits between the petals.

 

[BJung]

I think what happened in Your case, the collet stuck closed around the case neck which was compressed around the mandrel. Often You can feel this coming on. To prevent this, I take the mandrel and collet out after every 50 rounds, clean/lube and wipe off. It seems stuff gets stuck in the slits between the petals.

Are you saying it's kinda like the collet that holds your case head in place while trimming? Did I miss something or did Lee warn its users

 

[Rat Rifle]

Are you saying it's kinda like the collet that holds your case head in place while trimming? Did I miss something or did Lee warn its users

The warning I remember is “Don’t Raise the Ram Without a Case in the Holder”. This can cause the collet to stick closed, and could break or damage it if too much pressure is applied. I suggest experimenting with down pressure on the press handle to only get the amount of neck sizing You want. If We get bad creases in the neck,We are applying too much down force IMO.