Redding S bushing die question

[long40shot]

Hello,

I don't have any experience with these bushing dies. However I bought a FL sizing die for my 243, and I am wondering if using the decapping pin or the sizing button would be better. I am only using the brass in one gun. I just wondered about the pros and cons of either one.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[243jimb]

Hi Matt,
Using the decapping pin alone (without the button) will "work" the brass less and should make it last longer. You might want to try both with and without the button in place and see if it makes any difference to accuracy. You might also want to try resizing two-thirds to three-quarters of the neck only, this usually helps. I found that the .270" bushing worked best in my rifle but the .269" is a good place to start.
Jim.

 

[robbin]

Bushing dies are the way to go, the brass lasts longer and sizing only the neck is more accurate. The best way to get the bushing right is to measure a loaded round. Then get a bushing that is .001 to .003 smaller depending on how much neck tension you want. You can write a book about neck tension, but I usually like less and go for .001 unless it is Large mag feed like an AR in which case I go for .003 Thou you should play with it, as one is usually more accurate than another.

 

[fdshuster]

Amen to the previous posts. When using a properly fitted bushing, you can (and should) eliminate the expander button, there just is no need for it, and unless it is perfectly centered, (and few are, even when new), they have a reputation of pulling the case necks out of alignment, further creating loaded round runout. When selecting bushing sizes though, double check what actual neck diameter they are producing. I have several bushings that are "off" by 1 or 2 thousandths. Stamped .267", for example, and actually sizes .266". Another is identified as .244" and sizes .246".

 

[DCRYDER]

I'd take the sizer button, chuck it in a drill and "turn" it with sandpaper to to where it will slip through the neck easily after ran through the bushing, say .240"-.242" depending on bushing size. This way it will not neck up but will still expand a dented neck in case you drop one or some new brass comes this way.

 

[Obtunded]

Not sure i can add much more than has already been said. The bushing system is what I use on everything and it results in far better run-out.

I use a 243 expander mandrel on all my 6mm cases after re-sizing and this leaves me with only the elastic recoil of the brass for neck tension, and no dougnuts.

 

[long40shot]

Thanks a lot fellas,

I tried out some reloads this weekend. The straight decapping dies give me just a bit smaller groups! I think I will stick with it, unless I drop a case a dent the mouth . One curious note, going from a normal FL die to the FL bushing die changed the POI slightly. Now I just have to work on that nut behind the trigger. Thanks for all the help!!

-Matt