Neck Mandrel, Bushing dies, what works for you the best?

[Ned Ludd]

Thank you sir.
I am fairly new to F T/R and I have learned very much from your posts here. I make it a point to read everything you put out on here.

Thanks, I appreciate that! I feel compelled to pass on to others what I have learned. Along that line, there are quite a number of very, very good F-Class shooters that frequent Accurate Shooter and are willing to share their experiences, so this is a great place to learn. I hope the journey works out well for you.

 

[K22]

I have used a standard RCBC F/L sizing die with an expander button for over 50+ years for reloading a large number of different calipers. Except for a period when used a neck sizing die until I learned a better way.

Over the years I refined the process. I learned how to efficiently optimize sizing with a standard F/L die by using a bump gauge and caliper to set my F/L die to achieve optimum sizing. Secondly, I started using expander buttons that were individually sized to give me uniform and the desired amount of neck tension. Thirdly, I minimized run out and drag on the expander button by polishing them with very fine emery cloth and by raising the expander assembly higher in the F/L die. The latter requiring the cases to be de-primed first with a de-priming die.

I am not saying this process in better that mandrels or bushings but adequate enough to meet my accuracy needs and my desire to keep reloading as simple and uncomplicated as possible.

 

[JEFFPPC]

absolutely spot on....never cared for a bushing that leaves a little of the neck unsized. Honed dies seem to work great...then mandrel up to what
you want.