Shoulder bump trick

[Clancy]

One of my least favorite activities is setting up a sizing die for shoulder bump. It’s a lot of back and forth trying to nail that perfect one or two thousandths that we all seem to like.

I did discover that on a Redding die, if you watch the location of the set screw on the lock ring, each letter of the caliber (cartridge) inscription will move the shoulder 1K.

So a 6.5x47 shoulder being bumped 1K with the set screw centered under the “L” in Lapua would move 2K if centered under the “A”...... (examples only.)

Thought this was pretty helpful... at least better than guessing. Maybe give it a try and see if it works for you.

 

[jimmymac]

Skips die shims or a PMA die adjuster is the ticket for me.

 

[22DASHER]

Skips die shims is the ticket for me.

+1

 

[Clancy]

I agree there’s a lot of better options out there.

This is just a good thing for a rifle you don’t want to spend a lot of extra money on.

That being said, I’ve got a couple of click adjustable dies being made .

 

[dcali]

Another trick for redding dies - ditch the set screw and buy some split-ring type lock rings. So much easier to adjust.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

thats all fine and dandy but how do you adjust your holds? that seems to be the most important aspect of precision reloading.

 

[foxguy]

Some Additional info-

A Redding Die's (sizing die) threads are 14 threads per inch.
1 revolution = .014, 1/2 = .007, 1/4 = .0035

SEE JLT's Correction below

 

[JLT]

Some Additional info-

A Redding Die's (sizing die) threads are 14 threads per inch.
1 revolution = .014, 1/2 = .007, 1/4 = .0035

To clarify a bit . . .

1 revolution is ~.07143", 1/2 revolution is ~.0357", 1/4 revolution is ~.0179", 1/8 revolution is ~.0089".

 

[jimmymac]

It's really hard for me to set any die precisely without the use of shims or the PMA tool. I've done it the other way, but it is too much farting around. YMMV

 

[Grimstod]

Forster Dies hive a silver lock ring that I always put marks on. Makes turning it by known amounts very easy,

 

[Richard Coody]

Forster Dies hive a silver lock ring that I always put marks on. Makes turning it by known amounts very easy,

and once i get it set lock it down and don't mess with it. i have gotten pretty good with the trial and error method.

just don't try to set your shoulder bump too soon. that brass needs to be fully fireformed. usually about 3 firings. i don't set mine until the base to shoulder datum stabilizes and all the fired cases are the same.

 

[foxguy]

To clarify a bit . . .

1 revolution is ~.07143", 1/2 revolution is ~.0357", 1/4 revolution is ~.0179", 1/8 revolution is ~.0089".

JLT thanks. I knew that - It's just too early for me doing Math. Senior moment.

 

[JLT]

JLT thanks. I knew that - It's just too early for me doing Math. Senior moment.

I'm with you, Foxguy! Those senior moments are coming with alarming frequency these days. Now, where did I put my keys?

 

[jimmymac]

I'm with you, Foxguy! Those senior moments are coming with alarming frequency these days. Now, where did I put my keys?

They are right there next to your phone. Now where is that phone?

 

[Papa Charlie]

Skips die shims or a PMA die adjuster is the ticket for me.

I just ordered the PMA die adjuster. I talked with them first as I use a Hornady Progressive, but as a single stage only when doing my rifle loads instead of as a progressive. Their description says it is not for progressives, but they felt it might work in the way I use my press. So I am giving it a try. They asked me to report back on my findings and indicated they would be happy to take it back if it doesn't work. Good people!

I hate guessing and find that I will bounce back and forth trying to hit the mark. Everything else I have I use micrometer adjustments (Redding Comp Dies) why would I skimp on bumping the shoulder.

 

[chop house]

They are right there next to your phone. Now where is that phone?

simply... call yourself. oh wait, can't hear either

 

[jepp2]

1 revolution is ~.07143", 1/2 revolution is ~.0357", 1/4 revolution is ~.0179", 1/8 revolution is ~.0089".

Or you can use this pic developed by Unclenick on TFL forum

 

[Clancy]

thats all fine and dandy but how do you adjust your holds? that seems to be the most important aspect of precision reloading.

Holds?

 

[500Stroker]

Skips die shims or a PMA die adjuster is the ticket for me.

^ What he said, get a PMA adjuster you'll never go back to shims.

 

[mac86951]

simply... call yourself. oh wait, can't hear either

It's ok; you're at the range anyway.dont need those keys or phone.

I don't use set and forget my lock rings unless I have one batch of brass only. Multiple batches or moreso different headstamps usually need a tweak when moving between them.

+1 to tracking fractions of revolution by whatever method.

-Mac