New components, Old press

[amcmullen]

First of all, do you need to bump the shoulder? In my experience, most of the time I only need to size to a zero to .001 bump to produce proper chambering. The reason I suspect that this is so, is that the radial dimension is also sized with sizing with a F/L die and this often is all that is necessary.

Second, I agree with others, the press had nothing to offer regarding accuracy. I knew some old shooter who used the old Lyman C presses without issue. Of course, the O ring design is more robust, but the C design has worked for a lot of reloaders for a lot of years.

Cam over is normal especially with old presses that have some looseness in the linkages.

If the press is not mounted on an inflexible, solid and rigid surface, then the press will flex giving the perception of difficult sizing. Insufficient lube will also increase difficulty in sizing.

I know a lot of reloaders advocate grinding down the shell holder to change sizing. In fact, the Redding Competition Shell Holder set employs the concept of different shell holder dimensions. However, the shell holder is engineered to work with the die so before I would modify it, I would consider the above issues. In other words, your perception of difficult sizing may be due to the mounting of the press or improper lubing. I have loaded thousands of centerfire rifle rounds for over 50 years in a number of different calibers and brands of firearms and never had to modify a shell holder that was engineered to work with a specific brand of dies.

Thank you, I appreciate the information.

I'm new to reloading and the only thing that I'm confident in is that my technique leaves a lot to be desired. This forum has a lot of knowledgeable people and I really appreciate the help.

 

[KMW 1954]

Thank you, I appreciate the information.

I'm new to reloading and the only thing that I'm confident in is that my technique leaves a lot to be desired.

Just keep asking questions and reading all you can. Some things are essential for a quality load and many other things are done to enhance the load. Much depends on how deep into the hole do you want to go.

 

[209jones]

Only place where an iron C press may fall down, is sizing jacketed bullets excessively or reforming cases. For 98% of the ops the average loader may do, it shud work just fine. Old press with a worn ram or body may create some runout issues, Feeler gauge can tell you how much slop it has in the hole, micrometer can tell you how much wear is on the shaft and pivots. Then you can decide if you have enough confidence in it to keep using it or upgrade to your hearts desire.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

The Redding Comp shellholders are taller than standard shellholders not shorter. Possibly good for long factory cut chambers, not minimum spec chambers.

Frank

 

[K22]

Thank you, I appreciate the information.

I'm new to reloading and the only thing that I'm confident in is that my technique leaves a lot to be desired. This forum has a lot of knowledgeable people and I really appreciate the help.

You should be using a bump gauge and caliper to assess the amount of F/L. The concept is quite simple. Here's the method I have used for years:

1. Measure the case head space (primer removed) of a fired case. I suggest 3 to 5 cases in the group that have been all fired the same number of times.

2. Adjust the F/L die to produce a sized case that measures 0 to .001" bump (shorter) than the longest of the 3 to 5 fired cases measured. If the sized case measures longer than the longest fired case, then this means you are extruding the case, and you need to increase the sizing.

3. Check in the rifle for proper chambering. If too tight, increase the bump a little at a time until you obtain optimum chambering.

This only works if you have a group of cases dedicated to a specific rifle. Also rotating the firing and sizing plus starting with virgin case of the same lot and brand aids in consistency. In addition, practice your measuring technique to assure you are getting consistent measurements, i.e., measure the same case a few times to check your technique.

 

[Murray Brook]

The Competition shell holder’s mentioned above have been one of my best reloading investments.

Very true. I wish Redding would now make an opposite set.