How is everyone using the comp shellholder when setting up new dies? I started with the deepest one .010 and set my type S die and seater die with it. Then I assume once I get brass that’s fully formed I start using the comp sets to get the proper bump. HOWEVER that would require me to still have to use the .010 when seating unless I recalibrate the seating die to whatever shell holder gives me the proper bump back. Is it better practice to calibrate your dies to all use the same shellholder that gives you the proper headspace?
Redding comp shellholder setup
- Thread starter Sigfla
- Start date
That would be the ultimate fix but then you are locked into 1 die set per gun of the same caliber. Ideally I am thinking I just recalibrate using the proper shellholder once I determine it. Just curious how everyone else is using the comp shellholder sets. I read another guy set up his dies using a standard shellholder then using the .010 to set his headspace. That didn’t sound ideal bc he started with the shellholder that works the brass the most first. Seemed counterintuitive but I also didn’t ask his intention doing it like that.
Never screw with the FL die. Shell holders cheaper/better.
Crimping may be an issue with a non-standard shell holder??
How the sized brass fits the chamber, is the true test. Bolt action, look for a crush fit, before bumping the shoulder .002" more.
In fact, the set may become totally useless, if chamber headspace & die are a close match.
Use standard .125" shell holder, or what ever. Just use the same one, every time.
Crimping may be an issue with a non-standard shell holder??
As you size, fire , expand the brass, to the chamber, the shell holder will be clooser to .005" then the .010" shell holder.
How the sized brass fits the chamber, is the true test. Bolt action, look for a crush fit, before bumping the shoulder .002" more.
In fact, the set may become totally useless, if chamber headspace & die are a close match.
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Set both full length and seating die up with standard shell holder. Make sure both dies make firm contact with shell holder. After set up with standard shell holder( this shell holder does not come with competition shell holder set) manually deprime a case and measure fired headspace. If desired bump is too much start with the +.010" and size that case and check bump ( headspace) if too little go to +.008" shell and repeat measurement. if still not where you want headspace continue with rest of shell holder set. Remember competition shell holder set increases bump in .002" increments.
You can set the sizer up in contact with any normalshellholder or a comp shellholders. Then insert comp shellholder, starting with .010 and size a case. Measure hs and if it is same or more, then move to .008 and size again. Measure hs. Continue stepping down until you get the bump you want.
The seater die doesnt matter what shell holder as long as its the same each time since seating depth is controlled by the micrometer top.
This is my understanding of the use of the comp shellholders based on redding directions and my use of them
The seater die doesnt matter what shell holder as long as its the same each time since seating depth is controlled by the micrometer top.
This is my understanding of the use of the comp shellholders based on redding directions and my use of them
I use the Comp shell holder set. There is no die setting to do for the sizing die. The procedure is to set up the shell holder to bottom out on the base of the sizing due itself. This removes sizing variation based on any slop in the linkage of the press. There can be some variation in bump but this would be due to variation in brass springback.
I just use a standard shellholder for the seating die. Not sure why you would use the Comp shellholders for this given the relative ease of setting up a seating die.
I just use a standard shellholder for the seating die. Not sure why you would use the Comp shellholders for this given the relative ease of setting up a seating die.
^^^ Yes you’re seating die could care less about what shell holder is being used. Your backing off anyway on every type of seater I’ve seen, either getting away from crimp or making the sliding sleeve work properly.
ELR LVR
Silver $$ Contributor
Not true sir,
Let me try again if I may....in fact it is the opposite of what you are thinking.
a shaved die will work for ALL guns of the same caliber, let me explain further....
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there can be a small space in between the Shellholder and a Shaved die when adjusting the die for proper headspace
The extractor groove area doesn't get sized for example
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I would actually PREFER...my shellholder not bump the bottom of the die, to prevent constant excessive force on the pivot points of the press when bottoming out, which also stresses and stretches the frame
So I may even shave the die just to prevent excessive over camming
The shellholder does not HAVE TO bump the bottom of the die in the sizing process
it is merely a reference or built in Positive Stop safety feature to prevent MOST cases from bumping the shoulder back too far, since not all chambers are headspaced exactly the same...
...This positive stop cannot always be the same neither, yet all dies are likely the same length internally.
Not all FL dies can accomodate for all chambers, in effect, you are building a custom die for your own personal rifle when modifying the die for your particular rifle by shaving the bottom.
You can even go an extra .010" to provide .010" space between holder and die, it wont hurt nothing.
So if you go a little too far when shaving the die, it's no big deal. It dont even have to be square on the bottom if it never touches to bottom out
A simple cut off wheel and touching the die to the side of the cut off wheel on a grinder works great.
The very bottom of the case web does not expand neither, (Web/extractor groove meeting Junction)
so we do not size the very bottom of the web at that particular point
Look at a case and it will look like the web area actually tapers INWARD toward the extractor groove
because this area never gets touched by the die because it never expands, (unless you put nitro in it and set it off) so you have some distance to play with there to not worry about the die sizing this area.
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Many dies are chamfered at the entry point so dont even size for a short portion of the base
another reason why I prefer to shave the bottom of a die
removing some of that entry chamfer, sizes the case further down
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So... such a shaved die can still FL size every case for every rifle you have of the same caliber.
In that instance, it will be the space between the shellholder and the bottom of the die that will be different for every rifle
People are trying to ensure the die bumps the shellholder when using Comp Shelholder setups
just to feel a positive stop which is not needed, WHy?
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-Because shellholder bumping, is not a FUNCTION of the process of the sizing operation
(Unless it's maybe a Lee Collet die)
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So in effect the Mfgr's capitolized on the false assumption, or mis-understanding of peoples thinking that they just have to, need to, need to, for some Inexplicable, Unknown reason feel that positive stop of the shellholder hitting the bottom of the die, and are making money off your azzes
when all you have to do is shave your die
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Tell ya all what
Send me all your peoples dies and I will machine the bottom of your dies -.010 short for $20 ok
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Yes, couldn't have said it any plainer.
So just thinking about your post. Since the comp shell holders and a standard shell holder are the same size in terms of overall height (the only difference being the depth of the case in the holder) what’s the difference between shaving a die vs using a thin shim to space the difference between the shellholder and the bottom of the die? It seems shaving a die allows for a bit more bump adjustment into the shellholder at best but depending on the die is that even necessary? It seems I could accomplish the same thing by setting up my dies with a very thin spacer and the .010 competition shellholder. I would then have a zero touch die and .008- .000 (standard shell holder) amount of bump adjustment.
Murray Brook
Silver $$ Contributor
This certainly sounds good. I will give this a try with my Comp sets.
ELR LVR
Silver $$ Contributor
Sure
you could use feeler gauges between your -.010" shellholder and FL die
then keep going thinner until the appropriate feeler gauge gives you the shoulder bump you want.
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