Redding bushings selection question

[goblinCZ]

Hi,

I have a quick question. I'm not (yet) such a precision buff. Now I've got myself a Redding Type S FS resizing die that uses bushings for neck sizing. So the question is: what would be a good "general use" size for reloading .308 if I was going to buy only one bushing?

Thanks

 

[NormB]

Hi,

I have a quick question. I'm not (yet) such a precision buff. Now I've got myself a Redding Type S FS resizing die that uses bushings for neck sizing. So the question is: what would be a good "general use" size for reloading .308 if I was going to buy only one bushing?

Thanks

You must measure the neck diameter of a loaded round with a set of calipers.
Order a bushing .003" smaller than your measurement. Say it measures .339". Then order a .336 bushing, I like the titanium nitrided bushings, as they don't scratch the necks as much.

NormB

 

[goblinCZ]

You must measure the neck diameter of a loaded round with a set of calipers.
Order a bushing .003" smaller than your measurement. Say it measures .339". Then order a .336 bushing, I like the titanium nitrided bushings, as they don't scratch the necks as much.

NormB

I know that Norm. But I assume that since other dies come one-sized, that there is a standard size that will roughly do all, that's I meant.

 

[NormB]

I know that Norm. But I assume that since other dies come one-sized, that there is a standard size that will roughly do all, that's I meant.

Standard dies squeeze the neck dia. maybe 003-006, then the expander button opens the neck up to maybe .002 undersize, when you pull it through the neck, to hold the bullet. These dimensions are set by the manufacturer.

Your bushing die sets the neck dia. with the bushing. You should take the neck expander button off the decapping pin and hold the pin with the knurled nut only, to avoid resetting the neck diameter with the button.

Experiments with neck gripping force have shown .003 undersize gives about max. grip, and further reductions don't really increase it. Thats why I suggested .003. You could try .001 or .002 under, but you said you wanted 1 bushing only...so .003.

You should let the bushing free float. Don't trap the bushing against the body of the die with the seating stem nut. For sizing the max length of the neck, turn the seating stem stop down until the bushing just rattles, when you shake the die. This allows the bushing to float and find its own center.

NormB