Forster Custom Honed .243 Die

[Hondo64d]

Shooting a .243 w/ Lapua Brass, and due to my loathing of expander balls, I want to have Forster custom hone a die for me. Strictly a hunting rig, so need enough neck tension so that bullets won't move in the magazine under recoil. Currently my loaded ammo measures .271 - .272 at the neck. Figure I need .003" tension, and allowing .002" spring back, that comes out to a .266 to .267" die. Is my reasoning correct? My once fired Lapua brass measures about .277" prior to re-sizing. Does this figure into what neck diameter die I need?

Thanks,

John

 

[jonbearman]

The loaded diameter determines the neck size bushing and I would think that the .267 would work ok. That is what I use in my no turn neck.If you neck turn then a tighter bushing would be in order.I would try the custom die at .267 but a replaceable bushing die from forster and redding would do the job easier,that way if something changes you change a 12.00 bushing.

 

[Hondo64d]

Jon,

Thinking about doing the bushing die thing, just concerned about the "doughnut" I read about. Is that all much ado about nothing?

Thanks,

John

 

[jonbearman]

I wouldnt worry about a doughnut,just size it down to the neck body junction.

 

[TucoTom]

I use Lapua Brass in the .243. My Loaded round measures .2724 minus .002 = .270.
I would order the .270 bushing????
I don't understand why .267????

 

[Scott Harris]

I use Lapua Brass in the .243. My Loaded round measures .2724 minus .002 = .270.
I would order the .270 bushing????
I don't understand why .267????

+1 My Lapua 243 brass is between .0145 to 015 and I turn it to .0145. My honed Forster die has a neck at .2695(I asked for .270). For hunting, I'd go with .269 (.003 tension).

Scratch that, for hunting, I would go with a standard full-length die and not bother with honed die. That's what I do.

Regarding donuts, I have noticed them after 6 or more firings. The 243 supposedly doesn't get donuts because the shoulder angle is 20 degrees.....yeah right. Fortunately, I have a Gracey Neck Trimmer and it only took me about an hour to run 140 cases through and eliminate the thick neck/shoulder.

 

[fullersson]

The loaded diameter determines the neck size bushing and I would think that the .267 would work ok. That is what I use in my no turn neck.If you neck turn then a tighter bushing would be in order.I would try the custom die at .267 but a replaceable bushing die from forster and redding would do the job easier,that way if something changes you change a 12.00 bushing.

I wouldnt worry about a doughnut,just size it down to the neck body junction.

I agree with Jon on this.