Custom Sizing Die VS. Redding Type-S

[Henryrifle]

Has anyone objectively measured the difference on-target between using a quality sizing die and a custom sizing die?

I mostly shoot mid range F-T/R and have recently switched back to .308 as I'd like to compete in a 1000 yard competition. I noticed that my seating die was not 'correctly' set up and was bumping my shoulders back .007 rather than a more typical .002. This, of course, is not the dies fault. As I started adjusting the die, I noticed it was my small base die so, I switched to the full length die and adjusted it to size brass with a .002 shoulder bump.

I will be the first to admit that this has not been a smooth transition back to the .308. Gun handling issues that the .223 hides are now evident.

The pic below was shot at 600 yards using the brass with the .007 shoulder bump and sized with the SB die:

The next picture is brass sized by the FL sizing die with a .002 shoulder bump:


Other than a modest increase in X count which could be important, there isn't much difference in the two groups. About 50% of the brass that was sized by the FL sizer resulted in very mild clickers. There have never been any clickers when using the SB die.

I can't say for sure that all of the 9s were my fault but shot 20 on the second target was for sure. What I can say is that there is a lot of room for improvement in the gun handling department! There was really no wind during either string.

I can image that if I had a custom sizing die made, I wouldn't run a side-by-side comparison shoot. What would be the point? Interested to know if any of y'all have measured a difference.

Thanks for the longish read,
Henryrifle

 

[D-4297]

I did this experiment using a standard Lee .308 Die , and later on , a Redding Type S - F/L Bushing / Sizing Die . The difference was a average gain of 15 -20 points per gain . From Mid / high 170's , to mid 190's and nearly double the X-count . I think the better quality die does have a affect on score , as it will produce more consistent brass with a better fit to your rifle . Once it is set correctly . My .308 Die is the Redding Type S .

Also had a custom die made for a Open rifle ; and similar occurrence . Scores went from mid-180's to Mid-190's in a very short period . Consistent brass is accurate brass . But I saw little difference between the Type S and the custom Die , overall . Two different cartridge's .

 

[Oleg S]

Keep your shoulder bump between 0.0025-0.003 to eliminate clickers.
And maybe recoil management needs more attention. Second group
looks like 1/3 less than first. I wouldn’t call it “modest increase in X count”. Group size matters especially for 1,000 yards.

 

[INTJ]

The main advantage of custom dies is to have a precise fit to your chamber. This is especially important if your chamber is a little tight. A standard die may not size the head enough to prevent clickers, which means you might have to use a small base or ring die to size down the head. A custom die can solve all that.

 

[Meyersmp]

Sorry for the stupid question, but what is a clicker?

 

[INTJ]

Sorry for the stupid question, but what is a clicker?

A clicker is when you get a "catch" at the top of bolt lift. The bolt initially rotates smoothly but when it gets up to the extraction cam the bolt lift gets heavy. If you open the bolt quickly it will click at the top of rotation. This is usually a sign of the die not sizing the case head enough.

This is very different from when the bolt lift is heavy from the start. That is a sign of very high pressure.

 

[Meyersmp]

Got it. Thanks

 

[D-4297]

Sorry for the stupid question, but what is a clicker?

Ok ...Lesson #1 , In this game , just as in Skydiving , the only stupid question is the one not asked . And there are probably ten other people out there asking themselves the same question , but didn't want to appear to be "Un-cool" by asking . Ask .... Someone will answer .

 

[newbieshooter]

Sorry for the stupid question, but what is a clicker?

This visual may help…scroll down this video

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