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Questions about FL sizing Die reamer dimensions

I have spec'd out a new chamber reamer, but want to move away from neck sizing and shoulder bumping in separate operations and will have a FL die reamer made too. I have read that when cutting a FL sizing die with a reamer, the reamer should have shoulder and web dims .002 in DIA less than the chamber reamer....IS this enough and what about the neck dia? i will be using a expander to set neck tension. Should i request the die reamer cut the neck out past the lead...or all the way out past the rifling? Will be using a 35 deg shoulder so the brass shouldn't grow more than a few thou after each firing.
thanks in advance!
 
Since you are asking for opinions on this . My opinion is to call Dave Manson Reamers , and talk to the actual "Experts" about this , and discuss what you are trying to accomplish .
Thanks and good idea...was hoping Alex or Dave or other members would chime in since I am pretty sure they have already experimented with making their own dies.
 
Here's the minimums in a perfect world with perfect brass regardless of lot #.
Finish reamer +0.003 over virgin brass
Resize reamer -0.003" under finish reamer

We all know the world is not perfect and brass, any brass is fireformed to fit the chamber.
Real world numbers
Finish reamer +0.006" over virgin brass
Resize reamer -0.0035 under finish reamer

I'd go with a 30 degree shoulder as it facilitates sizing.

Reading your post it seems like you're making the sizing die out of a piece of barrel. If that's the case it won't work. Are you making a bushing FL die?
 
You didn't mention which cartridge, but if it is an big ELR cartridge, that is not in widespread use, plan to make several sizing dies. The big brass is hard to size and you will have some trial and error working out the correct ratio of sizing to avoid extraction issues.

Dave Tooley's advise is exactly correct. Spec the die to the virgin brass dimensions, if possible (and if it is a big ELR cartridge, a 30 degree shoulder is better).
 
Dave, Ray
Thanks, the cartridge is 6x47 for 1000 yard benchrest and I will use die blanks from pt&g or wilson or other since i dont have appropriate bar stock on hand and it will be cheaper since i only need 2 dies, a FL and Seater. Was thinking a 35 deg might increase burn efficiency and maybe give me a little edge over the guys using the standard 30. Plan to shoot this cartridge in light gun as long as i am healthy enough to compete. Been saving a long time and will buy 500 lapua or peterson brass to start. Will take base dims from one of those and your advice. Thanks again!
 
Dave, Ray
Thanks, the cartridge is 6x47 for 1000 yard benchrest and I will use die blanks from pt&g or wilson or other since i dont have appropriate bar stock on hand and it will be cheaper since i only need 2 dies, a FL and Seater. Was thinking a 35 deg might increase burn efficiency and maybe give me a little edge over the guys using the standard 30. Plan to shoot this cartridge in light gun as long as i am healthy enough to compete. Been saving a long time and will buy 500 lapua or peterson brass to start. Will take base dims from one of those and your advice. Thanks again!
I think you're trying reinvent the wheel. And it will cost a lot of money to go around in a circle. But if you just want to experience the challenge and satisfaction of the doing everything from soup to nuts enjoy the trip.
 
Dave, wish I could bring all my work to you cause I know it would be done right the first time ...but I live far away and dont trust the mail anymore. Luckily I have access to an old Leblond and had a good teacher so after a couple of tries I usually get a acceptable result... and it's just a lot of fun making stuff.
 
Dave, wish I could bring all my work to you cause I know it would be done right the first time ...but I live far away and dont trust the mail anymore. Luckily I have access to an old Leblond and had a good teacher so after a couple of tries I usually get a acceptable result... and it's just a lot of fun making stuff.
Next spring I'll be in the Brevard area. Shop is about done and the house is starting to move.
View from the house20250719_093657.jpg
 
Could just buy a Wilson full length bushing die in 6x47 from Bruno’s or Creedmoor sports and save some money along with effort.

Just a thought..
 
Dave, Beautiful view, I am jealous!!!! I have to work in Charlotte and hate driving far so the farthest away I could move from city was Huntersville. Brevard is not terribly far from here and I can make that drive ok. My 6x47 project is for next year so I will catch up with you after you get settled.

Jfrank
I am crazy...must always be tinkering with something. Don't usually make it any better either! LOL
 
Harrell's offers a 47 die. Will be less than half the price of a reamer :). Dave gave good advice. I dont mind going a hair on the tight side. You can always polish the die out if you need to. I usually go .003 on the shoulder and .004 on the base for standrd case head stuff.
 

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