I hate bushing dies.

[sard]

Another reason mandrel expanders are the way to go. Loading two batches of 223 AI for two rifles using bushings. Standard necks as well as turned necks for a custom .242 chamber.

The standard necks thickened from .247 on 1F to .254 on 3F. Loaded additional 1F rounds to verify measurements. Runout was surprisingly good at 0.002.

No change in 3F neck turned brass, likely because of the cut into the shoulder to prevent doughnut formation. .241 stayed at .241. Runout was 0.001

Neither grew, sitting at 1.750 for all three firings.

I might have to start lightly turning the brass for my standard chamber, and my bushings are now the wrong size. Or give up and use an expander mandrel.

 

[SomebodyTookMyName]

Fascinating. So do you start with an FL sizer with the expander removed for body/shoulder sizing then, or do you need a dedicated shoulder bump die?

 

[bigHUN]

I got some mixed and turned brass from a friend of my, when I checked the OD is right the ID is right but the neck wall thickness varying between 0.002 to 0.009 and some even more.... that is because he was using the mandrels I don't know what Brand.
I ordered some Wilson reamer if I can fix the problematic or just toss those in a trash.

 

[sard]

Fascinating. So do you start with an FL sizer with the expander removed for body/shoulder sizing then, or do you need a dedicated shoulder bump die?

It's a standard full length sizing bushing die with the expander removed.

 

[adamg]

I suffered with only have one or two bushings for my bushing die. Years I spent like that.
This year I finally smartened up and bought a big lot of bushings here on CGN.

Hirsch is a pretty good source for bushings. Plus they mailed them to me for a discounted shipping cost due to their small size (they fit in a lettermail).

 

[I Dont Care About You]

Fascinating. So do you start with an FL sizer with the expander removed for body/shoulder sizing then, or do you need a dedicated shoulder bump die?

There are full length sizing bushing dies.

It's a standard full length sizing bushing die with the expander removed.

This is the only way to fly.

Yes, you will have to buy a variety of fairly expensive bushings ... and that sucks, but it is the best way.

 

[BCBRAD]

If you are looking for single digit ES try a Lee collet die.

 

[sard]

If you are looking for single digit ES try a Lee collet die.

That's what I use most of the time. But I do bump the shoulder back ever 3 or 4 firings as required.

 

[Canuck65]

Another reason mandrel expanders are the way to go. Loading two batches of 223 AI for two rifles using bushings. Standard necks as well as turned necks for a custom .242 chamber.

The standard necks thickened from .247 on 1F to .254 on 3F. Loaded additional 1F rounds to verify measurements. Runout was surprisingly good at 0.002.

No change in 3F neck turned brass, likely because of the cut into the shoulder to prevent doughnut formation. .241 stayed at .241. Runout was 0.001

Neither grew, sitting at 1.750 for all three firings.

I might have to start lightly turning the brass for my standard chamber, and my bushings are now the wrong size. Or give up and use an expander mandrel.

Or dive deep into your wallet to free up the $20 it's going to cost you for another bushing. I know your pain. lol.

 

[sard]

Or dive deep into your wallet to free up the $20 it's going to cost you for another bushing. I know your pain. lol.

$20 for a bushing, $25 for shipping, and I'll still need another one after this lol.

 

[Canuck65]

$20 for a bushing, $25 for shipping, and I'll still need another one after this lol.

Ha. Ya, like I said - I feel your pain. Seems like there's always "just one more thing" we need to buy.