I’ve a set of RCBS Dies in 17 Fireball. I would like the FL size die neck honed so that it’s a couple thousandths larger in diameter. Anyone know someone who is doing this sort of thing? I know Forster does, but they aren’t interested in doing so for a competitors product; even tho they don’t offer that die set in their product line.
Neck Honing FL size die
- Thread starter ben lurkin
- Start date
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
I dont think forster even does it anymore. Problem with doing it is you bust thru the case hardened layer and if you go too far its just too bad. One solution is to turn your necks to get the right tension or another option is to use an expander mandrel die
While bushing dies have a few issues, it's great to be able to just change bushing size in order to be able to use different brands of brass and still get the ideal neck tension. I've chambered several of my rifles for wildcat/non-standard rounds, for which factory dies aren't available. So I often order a resize reamer when placing the order for the finish reamer, and plan on making custom dies for myself and anyone else who orders a rifle from me in any of these chamberings. And when I make a set of dies, I always go with a neck bushing FL sizer.
The last time I asked Forster to neck hone a Dasher FL sizer for me, the finished die introduced so much neck run-out that I set it aside and haven't used it since.
The last time I asked Forster to neck hone a Dasher FL sizer for me, the finished die introduced so much neck run-out that I set it aside and haven't used it since.
RCBS polished my RCBS FL dies at no cost to me but the reason was different. The key word here is "polished".
Mine were leaving scaring on the necks due to imbedded brass debris. Since they were the mfg. of the dies, I had full confidence that they would not damage the die.
I agree with others that stated that there are better ways to control neck tension than altering the dimensions of the die. What if you change brand / lot of cases? What if you use the die for another rifle?
Mine were leaving scaring on the necks due to imbedded brass debris. Since they were the mfg. of the dies, I had full confidence that they would not damage the die.
I agree with others that stated that there are better ways to control neck tension than altering the dimensions of the die. What if you change brand / lot of cases? What if you use the die for another rifle?
Got the pin gauges out at the machine shop and the ID of the neck in the die is 0.191". The die hardness is about a Rc of 52 so they ordered a HSS reamer at 0.0215, which is the closest I could get as I want a finished diameter four thou less than the neck diameter of 0.0206" It should be here Monday & they'll chuck it in a mill and we'll see. If not, I'll order a bushing die from redding and will have an RCBS version of a body die.
Forster does ream necks on their dies only. I spoke with them earlier this week. Unfortunately they don't offer a 17 Fireball die set as this would have been the route I would have taken instead of RCBS.
The problem with the expander mandrel idea is the necks aren't expanding back up evenly; leaving too much runout.
Forster does ream necks on their dies only. I spoke with them earlier this week. Unfortunately they don't offer a 17 Fireball die set as this would have been the route I would have taken instead of RCBS.
The problem with the expander mandrel idea is the necks aren't expanding back up evenly; leaving too much runout.
tac284
Gold $$ Contributor
I’m guessing you meant .2015? a .206?
jepp2
Gold $$ Contributor
You can do it yourself. I do mine.
https://rickaverill.com/projects-past-and-present/lapping-reloading-dies/
The straightest case necks I get, some from the dies I have honed to the neck diameter I want. Always less than 0.001" TIR.
Forum Boss
Administrator
One dissenting vote. I have had outstanding results with honed non-bushing full-length sizing dues from Forster, Redding, and Whidden, All have worked perfectly and produce very straight ammo with highly consistent neck tension, as shown by seating force measured with a dial-equipped arbor press.
skeeljc
Gold $$ Contributor
I do not think a HSS reamer will work on a 52 Rc die.
Forster uses a Sunnen honing machine to open up sizing dies.
Interesting. Thanks for the tip. I already have some valve lapping compound around here - somewhere.
0.206 is the ND I currently have on the loaded rounds. Looks like I fat fingered it above.
I think they work better than bushing dies myself. The bushing moves around ever so slightly so a non-bushing die with the correct ND makes more sense to me.
I expressed concern on that myself, but they didn't seem worried. If it goofs, I'll just replace the die and am not out much.
jepp2
Gold $$ Contributor
Forster limits the amount of metal removal to 0.008". I use that as I guide to avoid going through the surface hardening. Normally I only have to remove 0.004 to 0.006" depends on the cartridge. Maybe don't need to, but to make sure I stay centered I use a tape pilot that doesn't touch.
Attachments
I have done a few and they work perfectly. I use a brass lap and 30 micron diamond compound.
With the 223 I used a .25 lap and reduced the diameter a few thousands as the next size lap was a little small.
I just chuck the lap in a mini lathe and hold the die in my hand. The lap can only follow the existing hole.
With the 223 I used a .25 lap and reduced the diameter a few thousands as the next size lap was a little small.
I just chuck the lap in a mini lathe and hold the die in my hand. The lap can only follow the existing hole.
I am looking to open up the Neck of a black coloured .308 RCBS FLS competiton die by 0.005 thousands
I believe its probably hardened and was looking for info with which Lap would work best when lapping by hand,
The die currently re sizes the necks of lapua neck turned brass to 0.3290in and i want to open neck up by 5 thousands to size necks to 0.334in
Would an 5/16 adjustable barrel Lap cut through the hardened rcbs necks ok and maintain low runout
Ifso which grit compound and cutting oil would work best for this project, Thanks.
I believe its probably hardened and was looking for info with which Lap would work best when lapping by hand,
The die currently re sizes the necks of lapua neck turned brass to 0.3290in and i want to open neck up by 5 thousands to size necks to 0.334in
Would an 5/16 adjustable barrel Lap cut through the hardened rcbs necks ok and maintain low runout
Ifso which grit compound and cutting oil would work best for this project, Thanks.
Last edited:
Brians356
Gold $$ Contributor
Is that .008 of wall material, or .008 larger diameter?
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jepp2
Gold $$ Contributor
On the diameter. I'm attaching their form when you send in the request.
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