Resizing Body Die Fluke?

[mike06]

Here is my set up. Redding Body die 223, Redding competition bushing die and a Redding Competion Seating die. This has been what I have been using for years until recently I decided to use a Wilson micrometer seating die and a K&M Press. I got all my cases ready resized,primed and power in like five at a time. As I was putting the case into the Wilson seater I noticed the case would not go all the way the Wilson seater. I am thinking this die is too tight. I happen to have a set of redding deluxe 223 dies with a FL sizer so I put it in the press and resized the first five cases with the FL die and bingo they fit perfect in the wilson seater. Never would have thought that there would have been a difference between the FL die and the body die. I check the head space before and after using the FL die and it did not change and length was also the same. I use the same set up with my 308 and no problems. Comments please. Thanks Mike

 

[JFrank]

Here is my set up. Redding Body die 223, Redding competition bushing die and a Redding Competion Seating die. This has been what I have been using for years until recently I decided to use a Wilson micrometer seating die and a K&M Press. I got all my cases ready resized,primed and power in like five at a time. As I was putting the case into the Wilson seater I noticed the case would not go all the way the Wilson seater. I am thinking this die is too tight. I happen to have a set of redding deluxe 223 dies with a FL sizer so I put it in the press and resized the first five cases with the FL die and bingo they fit perfect in the wilson seater. Never would have thought that there would have been a difference between the FL die and the body die. I check the head space before and after using the FL die and it did not change and length was also the same. I use the same set up with my 308 and no problems. Comments please. Thanks Mike

No experience with Redding however my Wilson seater and Harrell's F/L bushing die works perfectly.
Measure everything before and after.
J

 

[243winxb]

Wilson micrometer seating die

From Wilson

Please be sure to try an UNLOADED case in the seater, whether it be neck sized only or full length sized after the seater has been cleaned of its shipping
oil. Push the case into the seater until it’s flush with the bottom of the seater (DO NOT FORCE IT). If it won’t go flush, or is hard to remove with a small
screwdriver under the rim or head, the seater needs to be opened up to fit your cases. Please send in 3 fired cases and the seater WITHOUT THE
SEATER STEM. Seaters are made to S.A.A.M.I specs for max cartridge. Many chambers are larger than that. Not all chamber reamers are created
equal. The same applies to neck sizing dies; push the case into the die without the bushing in it. We do not charge to open up the die, but we do have a
minimum $9.50 shipping and handling charge.

https://lewilson.com/instruction-sheets/

 

[Dusty Stevens]

This is yet another aha! moment when you realize a neck sizer should never even be manufactured. This is reason #453 this year alone. Theres at least one post on every single page of the reloading forum where a problem is solved by stopping neck sizing. I know i know here come the guys that dont have problems neck sizing- theyve always done it that way- but your day is coming if youre trying to get an accurate rifle. At least you had a fl die and checked it out instead of coming here thinking that cant possibly be your problem like a lot do. People quit neck sizing in the 50’s- who in the world is teaching people to load with a neck sizer anyway? I envision a guffey at the range making a list for the new reloader to go buy.

 

[JFrank]

In all fairness I understand neck sizing in a pinch, let's say your at the range longer than you had planned and needed to load a few more rounds " pull out the portable Wilson to use in the Arbor press etc. As long as you use the F/L die when you get home. Just don't rely on it every time.
YMMV
J

 

[243winxb]

The OP is NOT neck sizing.

Redding Body die 223, Redding competition bushing die

FL die and the body die are being compared.

Never would have thought that there would have been a difference between the FL die and the body die.

The brass sized with the redding deluxe fl die fit the Wilson seater.. The body die sized brass did not.

 

[mike06]

I did not mention that all cases are Lapua and have the necks turned and annealed. All rifles are factory barrels. I have had good results in the past with neck sizing. I use to be a machinist years ago that is why I like to reload so much. Working with all the little tools and gadgets is a lot of fun for me. Since retiring two years ago I have been able to spend much more time at the bench and range. I feel that I am very lucky to be able to do this. Best thing is that I live very close to Shootout Lane and have been going there since 1995 as a member of a gun club. Last thing I have coming to the mailbox today is a Wilson FL Bushing Die gotta try it. I want to thank all you for your comments and thoughts. Mike

U.S Army
1970-1977
Crew Chief UH1D
Won the lottery in 1970

 

[dolek]

In all fairness I understand neck sizing in a pinch, let's say your at the range longer than you had planned and needed to load a few more rounds " pull out the portable Wilson to use in the Arbor press etc. As long as you use the F/L die when you get home. Just don't rely on it every time.
YMMV
J

Exactly,neck sizers have their purpose...constantly bashing them serves NO purpose....just raises post counts.

 

[243winxb]

difference between the FL die and the body die

My 243 Win bushing does not size the neck all the way to the shoulder. My Redding type S fl die can not be adjusted to size all of the neck.

Using your body die with the Redding competition bushing die, may be leaving part of the neck unsized at the neck/shoulder junction?
This may keep the brass from fully entering the Wilson seat die.

 

[Intheshop]

Exactly,neck sizers have their purpose...constantly bashing them serves NO purpose....just raises post counts.

I hear ya.....but.

The bashing comes from a historical point that to,too many,neck sizing is the end all be all to accuracy.As if those who sat there,patiently listening had,#1... never heard of it. And #2...hadn't already tried them.

 

[mike06]

My 243 Win bushing does not size the neck all the way to the shoulder. My Redding type S fl die can not be adjusted to size all of the neck.

Using your body die with the Redding competition bushing die, may be leaving part of the neck unsized at the neck/shoulder junction?
This may keep the brass from fully entering the Wilson seat die.

That is a good valid point that I have not checked but I will. I did use two different head space tools with the same results a RCBS case mic and a Hornady tool.