ttfreestyle
Silver $$ Contributor
I have a friend using a T7 with better than average results at long range. The play in the head bothers me, Is this press good to use for accurate handloads? Should I stick to my single stage press?
Redding T7 for accuracy?
- Thread starter ttfreestyle
- Start date
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
the T7 has produced ammo that shot a 10 shot Benchrest world record at 1000 yards. Not the current record anymore, but I think the group was just a little over 3" for 10 shots when it held the title.
A little play is actually a good thing. It allows dies to "float" better. That's why the Forster Co-ax is so good.
I float everything I can when reloading. I float my neck bushings, expander balls, decapping stems, and dies when using them in my Forster Co-ax. Helps reduce the chance of an imperfect tool or die imposing those imperfections on the brass by allowing them to align with each other correctly
A lot of competition shooters have been known to turn down the shaft on a single stage press, like the RCBS RC, to allow more play for the same reason.
A little play is actually a good thing. It allows dies to "float" better. That's why the Forster Co-ax is so good.
I float everything I can when reloading. I float my neck bushings, expander balls, decapping stems, and dies when using them in my Forster Co-ax. Helps reduce the chance of an imperfect tool or die imposing those imperfections on the brass by allowing them to align with each other correctly
A lot of competition shooters have been known to turn down the shaft on a single stage press, like the RCBS RC, to allow more play for the same reason.
I understand your concern , I think its a valid one...
Some time ago a bunch of us were sitting around Bs'n about presses and the different designs that almost purposely had some type of slop to them , of course the word float and self align came up.
Here is a little test I did and you can take it for what its worth .
First press was a small redding O frame normally used for .308 cases and smaller.
I setup a magnetic base dial indicator on the side of the press with the indicator touching the top of the press nearest to the die.
I then lubed and fl sized a known oversized 30-378 case and what I seen was that the press was indeed flexing.
However what was interesting was that after the initial force required to get the case aprox halfway up in the die the press quit flexing (it peaked). The amount the press flexed was roughly the same as if you were to take a die and screw it down another turn from shell holder contact.
Another test was with a small 7\8x14 "C" frame compact press designed for on site BR loading that was also a turret top... The back side of the press was already drilled and tapped 3\8" (wall mount) so I bolted the linkage for the dial indicator to that.
The top itself had a small amount of play in it both vertically and a slight bit horizontally.
I was able to fit a 6.5x284 case into the press and was sizing a case that measured .501" at the web down to .490" That is a fair bit of sizing for such a small press for sure.
What the gauge showed was although the top did move up vertically when the case first met the die , it did not move any further after that point and did actually size not only that case but 20 others with the same results. I found this surprising as the press was a C frame and I figured the flex would come from the actual frame , I don't believe it did.
I guess my point is that if something moves but the movement is repeatable and indeed has an apex to its travel then we should be able to work with that.
Some time ago a bunch of us were sitting around Bs'n about presses and the different designs that almost purposely had some type of slop to them , of course the word float and self align came up.
Here is a little test I did and you can take it for what its worth .
First press was a small redding O frame normally used for .308 cases and smaller.
I setup a magnetic base dial indicator on the side of the press with the indicator touching the top of the press nearest to the die.
I then lubed and fl sized a known oversized 30-378 case and what I seen was that the press was indeed flexing.
However what was interesting was that after the initial force required to get the case aprox halfway up in the die the press quit flexing (it peaked). The amount the press flexed was roughly the same as if you were to take a die and screw it down another turn from shell holder contact.
Another test was with a small 7\8x14 "C" frame compact press designed for on site BR loading that was also a turret top... The back side of the press was already drilled and tapped 3\8" (wall mount) so I bolted the linkage for the dial indicator to that.
The top itself had a small amount of play in it both vertically and a slight bit horizontally.
I was able to fit a 6.5x284 case into the press and was sizing a case that measured .501" at the web down to .490" That is a fair bit of sizing for such a small press for sure.
What the gauge showed was although the top did move up vertically when the case first met the die , it did not move any further after that point and did actually size not only that case but 20 others with the same results. I found this surprising as the press was a C frame and I figured the flex would come from the actual frame , I don't believe it did.
I guess my point is that if something moves but the movement is repeatable and indeed has an apex to its travel then we should be able to work with that.
snert
Silver $$ Contributor
Keep in mind that some of the "flex" you feel is built in to the turret/boss so that you can turn the head. When it locks up with ram to top, it should also square up.
I find no issues using my older T7. I love it. I see more difference induced by my own poor wind reading ability than any flex in my press.
I find no issues using my older T7. I love it. I see more difference induced by my own poor wind reading ability than any flex in my press.
ttfreestyle
Silver $$ Contributor
Thanks guys, I am giving the T7 a try.. so far with great results.
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
ttfreestyle said:
Good to hear. I think top quality dies or custom chamber dies are a lot more important than the press operating them.
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