Is this normal (Redding Competition Bushing Sizing Die)

[amlevin]

Not long ago I added a Redding Competition Bushing Sizing Die to my collection for use with my Bolt Action .223 cases.

When sizing the necks the sized area stops about .025" short of the shoulder/neck junction. That's with the Micrometer adjusted down fully then backed off a thou or two per instructions.

The Bushings have a sizeable bevel in them which seem to match the angle of the shoulder. Is it normal for these dies to automatically "partial size" the case neck? It would seem like the die should size the neck all the way to the shoulder and then the user could dial in the desired amount of "partial sizing" they desire with the micrometer thimble.

Just looking for other's experiences.

 

[Judd]

Yes.

You can either lower the die those 2 thou to get it closer or use a shorter shell holder. The other option that I have heard of guys doing it shaving a little bit off the bottom face of the die.

Personally...I've all but when away from Redding but the one Redding sizing die I have left is for my 6brx and it sizes about 3/4 of the neck (maybe a little bit more) but it hammers so I've not worried about it.

As an alternative for future die purchases, Whidden Gunworks dies I like better....in my experience.

 

[CatShooter]

There is a shelf in the die that supports the bushing, which is why it doesn't that last few thou - it is unimportant.

 

[artbosco]

Not long ago I added a Redding Competition Bushing Sizing Die to my collection for use with my Bolt Action .223 cases.

When sizing the necks the sized area stops about .025" short of the shoulder/neck junction. That's with the Micrometer adjusted down fully then backed off a thou or two per instructions.

The Bushings have a sizeable bevel in them which seem to match the angle of the shoulder. Is it normal for these dies to automatically "partial size" the case neck? It would seem like the die should size the neck all the way to the shoulder and then the user could dial in the desired amount of "partial sizing" they desire with the micrometer thimble.

Just looking for other's experiences.

It's very normal and desirable to size only 70% of the neck. The 30% that's not sized helps center the case in the neck chamber especially when utilizing a tight-neck chamber.

Some bushing dies come with a bushing cavity that is designed to allow the bushing to move freely within the cavity without user intervention, Harrell's Full Length Bushing Die comes to mind. Others require the user to make the adjustment so movement within the cavity takes place.

If yours is the adjusting type, you'll know when it's done right, two ways. You'll see an unsized portion of the neck and you'll hear an audible rattle when you shake the die.

 

[amlevin]

If yours is the adjusting type, you'll know when it's done right, two ways. You'll see an unsized portion of the neck and you'll hear an audible rattle when you shake the die.

This is their Competition die. The case is held in a sliding 'chamber' and the bushing fits tight enough that it's a fairly snug slip fit. This is not the usual die where you'll hear a "rattle". The sliding 'chamber' is even tight on a fired case. 'Rattles' are non existent with this die.

Only real issue with this (70% neck sizing) is that I wanted to use the die for sizing cases to be neck turned after first firing. This means I have to continue using the F/L die and mandrel expander to get the desired fit on the turning mandrel.

 

[Sniper338]

Its normal. And works fine for me.

 

[Corey Schwanz]

Yes, its normal. Wilson bushing dies do the same thing.