Question: can Redding S-series die be used without bushing as body die?

[fatelvis]

Will this work, and will it hurt the die in any way? Thanks!

 

[paulT]

Yes it can be used to size body only
Just remove the expander rod plus bushing.

 

[Prose]

Yep. Works just fine as a body die

 

[SKWERLZ]

Yep

 

[Metal God]

Yep , and I discouraged anyone from buying a body die only . Get the FL bushing die and use it as a body die . Then if and or when you can always use the die as designed . I made that mistake once when I needed a small base die and for some dumb ass reason I bought a Redding SB body die ( total face plant )

 

[MGYSGT]

As long as it is not a neck sizing die.

 

[fatelvis]

I like versatility in tools. I was hoping it wouldn't damage the die. Thanks guys!

 

[D-4297]

Just keep your "Bump" in mind as you set it up . Easy to forget about the "Bump" number when trying to get Base Diameters reset .

 

[drop_point]

I use mine as body-only dies all the time. Sometimes what I'll do is hit the body first pass through a progressive and then use a Competition Neck Die to set neck tension before an expander die second pass through. Its very smooth operation.

 

[AlNyhus]

I've got 3-4 Redfing Body Dies here that have been converted to take a bushing. Long away around to get home but at the time, Type S dies weren't as available as they are now.

 

[WSnyder]

I use a couple as a body die then finish with a lowly Lee collet die

 

[Murray Brook]

I've got 3-4 Redfing Body Dies here that have been converted to take a bushing. Long away around to get home but at the time, Type S dies weren't as available as they are now.

Al, how would you convert a body die to accept bushings. TKS

 

[Webster]

Will this work, and will it hurt the die in any way? Thanks!

Why would you think it would damage the die. It's just a hole the brass gets pushed into.

 

[pintopete]

From the Redding web site…

Type S – Full Bushing Die​

Full length resizing while maintaining exact control of the case neck is often desirable in one operation. The new Type S - Full Length Resizing/Bushing Die accomplishes this task with the precision you would expect from Redding.

• Uses the same interchangeable bushings (.001" increments) as those used in our bushing style neck sizing dies.
• The adjustable decapping rod allows you to adjust the bushing position, sizing only part of the neck length when desire d .
• Concentricity is enhanced by the ability of the bushing to self-center on the neck of the cartridge case.
• All Type S (except 17 and 20 Cal.) dies are supplied with both the standard size button and a decapping pin retainer for the advantages and versatility described under our Type S - Bushing Style Neck Sizing Dies.

Note: By removing the bushing and all internal parts, the Type-S full bushing die may also be used as a body die.

 

[SKWERLZ]

I use a couple as a body die then finish with a lowly Lee collet die

That’s my favorite combination

 

[AlNyhus]

Al, how would you convert a body die to accept bushings. TKS

Murray, here's some pics of the Redding Body Dies that have been converted to take a bushing. These were done by Jim Cartensen at JLC Precision. The one on the left is a 308W Body Die shortened .165 for a case that I used to shoot in HBR class. The two on the right are 6BR Body Dies modified for the 30BR...one is a standard base and the other is a small base. These three all leave the lower 1/16" of the neck unsized like most standard bushing dies do.

Here's a view from the top for a better idea.

This last one is a bit special. It's a BR series Body Die modified for the .30 WolfPup, which has an .085 length neck. On this one, the shelf that the bushing sits on goes all the way down to the neck/shoulder junction so as to size the entire length of the very short neck.

Jim does an excellent job with these and his prices are very reasonable considering the work involved.

This one is one I did myself. It's a Redding full length die for a 243 Ackley that I modified to take a bushing.

Hope this helps. -Al

 

[Murray Brook]

Thank you Al.

 

[markm87]

I do this very thing. I went throught the Bushing phase, and HATED it!! The only saving grace was that the dies were still good for body sizing.

 

[AlNyhus]

Bushing dies are really for use on cases with very consistent neck thicknesses. It's been my experience that if the neck thickness gets much over .001 variation, bushing dies may at times hurt accuracy.