Custom die vs factory die

[moe africa]

Hi all
I'm currently using a hornady fl bushing die for 6.5 CM it is the match grade version
There have been some reports of high run out with these dies I haven't tested it as I do not have a gauge
I've been contemplating buying a custom non bushing fl die with a honed neck
Would this make a big enough difference in my precision and consistency to move over ?
I'm still in vet school thus I try to compare cost vs performance when upgrading

 

[PopCharlie]

I would suggest staying with a bushing type full length sizing die. It will allow you to change neck tension if needed. Also, in my experience, runout has no affect on accuracy. If your brass fits your chamber correctly after sizing, runout will be minimized when the round is chambered.

PopCharlie

 

[jvw2008]

Hi all
I'm currently using a hornady fl bushing die for 6.5 CM it is the match grade version
There have been some reports of high run out with these dies I haven't tested it as I do not have a gauge
I've been contemplating buying a custom non bushing fl die with a honed neck
Would this make a big enough difference in my precision and consistency to move over ?
I'm still in vet school thus I try to compare cost vs performance when upgrading

Hey Moe
If made well a custom die should minimize runout but as Pop Charlie says, your ability to modify neck tension during load development might be a more important consideration. If you work with your bushing die you should have pretty minimal run out. Sometimes it’s helpful to run the case through the die twice with a 180° turn of the case in between the two sizings. If you can not see the bullet wobble when rolling the case on a flat surface you probably don’t have enough run out to worry about. Some folks like to use a mirror to roll the case on.

By the way - good luck with vet school. It’s a noble profession. Just retired a few years ago and miss being able to help folks.

 

[dgeesaman]

Hi all
I'm currently using a hornady fl bushing die for 6.5 CM it is the match grade version
There have been some reports of high run out with these dies I haven't tested it as I do not have a gauge
I've been contemplating buying a custom non bushing fl die with a honed neck
Would this make a big enough difference in my precision and consistency to move over ?
I'm still in vet school thus I try to compare cost vs performance when upgrading

Runout does not have much effect on group size for most people.

See if you can find someone in your area with a runout tool to borrow instead of to buy. I know I’d loan mine out since I use it infrequently.

If you choose to upgrade dies, for me it would be about better fit to my chamber, not to guard against the runout boogeyman.

David

 

[Bill Norris]

Erik Cortina has a video where he was checking runout accuracy. I believe he shot groups with up to .004 runout with no difference in group size @ 1000 yds.

 

[moe africa]

Hey Moe
If made well a custom die should minimize runout but as Pop Charlie says, your ability to modify neck tension during load development might be a more important consideration. If you work with your bushing die you should have pretty minimal run out. Sometimes it’s helpful to run the case through the die twice with a 180° turn of the case in between the two sizings. If you can not see the bullet wobble when rolling the case on a flat surface you probably don’t have enough run out to worry about. Some folks like to use a mirror to roll the case on.

By the way - good luck with vet school. It’s a noble profession. Just retired a few years ago and miss being able to help folks.

I could get this custom die made as fl bushing die as well
In terms of quality it's way way better than the hornady match and my hornady match dies are starting to scratch my brass even after cleaning them ( excuses )
For some reason I really want them, don't know if i need them
I thinking of perhaps getting made as bushing die but adding a .263 expander ball until I decide to use mandrels

 

[JFrank]

I’m interested in how well the die matches the chamber and the radial sizing the die is capable of producing rather than whose name is on the box. Just me of course

 

[Sandstorm]

Save your money dont go to the show Sir.
Its not worth the cost and effort in my honest opinion. The only reason to go to a custom is when
all factory options dont work for your match chamber dims...when you have no choice.
ask me how i know.

 

[Rick Ratzlaff]

I thot too that concentricity was the cause of "flyers". So, I bought a run-out gauge. Sold it. Now when I seat a projectile I seat it part way, then spin the case 1/4 turn, and repeat 3 more times. Pretty much-eliminated run-out.