Redding Type S bushing die and neck concentricity

[6Creed73]

Have a question for you guys who use a Redding Type S FL die and measure neck concentricity.

I can check the concentricity of a fired case and it's usually really good, like around 1-2 thou out. Then use my Redding Type S die to FL size and concentricity is 3-4 thou out. I've tried different bushings, flipping the bushing, giving the bushing more room to float. Nothing tightens up the concentricity.

It's always bugged me a bit but I didn't worry about it too much because I also use an expander mandrel and after seating a bullet, the bullet runout is good (1-2 thou).

Today I decided to knock the dust off of an old Hornady match FL die just to compare. Same press, same shell holder, same fired brass...and the Hornady die is producing great concentricity, usual around 1 thou out.

What gives? I like being able to control the neck with bushings, so I don't want to go away from the bushing die...but I'm really wondering what's going on.

 

[Bill Norris]

Is the expander mandrel still installed in the Redding die ?

 

[6Creed73]

Is the expander mandrel still installed in the Redding die ?

No, I took the expander ball out a long time ago. I expand the necks with a separate mandrel. I took it out of the Hornady as well.

 

[Bill Norris]

Is the sizing depth screw on the top of the die screwed down tight or does it let the bushing float somewhat ?

 

[6Creed73]

Is the sizing depth screw on the top of the die screwed down tight or does it let the bushing float somewhat ?

It let's the bushing float. I've tried several different levels of float from locked down to too much float and everything in between. I usually tighten it all the way down and back it out about 1/16th to 1/8th a turn.

 

[Bill Norris]

Well, not sure exactly what is going on with it. If the Hornady die works great with the other tools then sounds like it may be a die issue.

 

[6Creed73]

Well, not sure exactly what is going on with it. If the Hornady die works great with the other tools then sounds like it may be a die issue.

I could probably contact Redding even though I've had this die awhile. But I'm not sure how much I want to mess with it considering my end result it good. But it still bugs me.

 

[Eagle Six]

Has the Type S die worked in the past, or from initial use? Are you using the Redding locking ring?

 

[Bill Norris]

One other thing you might try is make sure the die is set in the press to size the brass like you want. Loosen the lock ring and run the die down against the press lightly. Now size a piece of brass and stop the ram in the top position. Tighten the lock ring back and try another piece of brass to see if it looks better.

 

[6Creed73]

Has the Type S die worked in the past, or from initial use? Are you using the Redding locking ring?

Yeah, it's been like this since the beginning, I just never took the time to compare it with a different die until now. Yes, it has the Redding locking ring. The only thing I've done to it is remove the decapping pin and expander ball.

 

[Eagle Six]

You have the bushing lose and you can shake it and hear it freely move, which would eliminate any dirt or debris fouling things up?

 

[6Creed73]

You have the bushing lose and you can shake it and hear it freely move, which would eliminate any dirt or debris fouling things up?

Correct, I back it out about 1/16th of a turn or so then lock it down. You can hear the bushing rattle a bit when shaken.

I watched a YouTube video with a guy who had the same issue with the same die. He fixed his by sanding the nut that the bushing rests against so it's perfectly flat and smooth. I may try this later.

 

[Bill Norris]

Hope you get it figured out Bro.

 

[Bc'z]

Double check your shell holder and make sure no crud is in the slot that holds the rim of case.
Ask me how I know

 

[243winxb]

https://www.redding-reloading.com/tech-line-a-tips-faqs/142-concentricity-a-bushing-dies

Size down in 2 steps, 2 bushings.

 

[Fast14riot]

How does it shoot? There's a reason you can always find concentricity guages for sale. Also, is this a custom action and if not has it been squared and trued? You may be on about nothing in the big picture.

 

[6Creed73]

How does it shoot? There's a reason you can always find concentricity guages for sale. Also, is this a custom action and if not has it been squared and trued? You may be on about nothing in the big picture.

It shoots great, that's why I've never really worried about it too much. Like I mentioned earlier, after running the neck through a mandrel and seating, bullet runout is great, sometimes under a thousandth. You're right, big picture it's no big deal. Still like the die to work properly though.

 

[Pres100]

I typically floated the bushing just a hair .. less than a 1/16 ... just taking the pressure off. maybe seemed a bit more consistent.

More recently I changed to the SAC bushing that only partially sizes and seem to get the claimed reduction in runout. Generally 0.001 or less on recent tests

 

[6Creed73]

https://www.redding-reloading.com/tech-line-a-tips-faqs/142-concentricity-a-bushing-dies

Size down in 2 steps, 2 bushings.

View attachment 1431634

Never thought about stepping the bushing down. I'm going to try this. Thanks!

 

[6Creed73]

I typically floated the bushing just a hair .. less than a 1/16 ... just taking the pressure off. maybe seemed a bit more consistent.

More recently I changed to the SAC bushing that only partially sizes and seem to get the claimed reduction in runout. Generally 0.001 or less on recent tests

Just did some reading on the SAC bushings. I didn't know these existed...this may be the ticket right here.