Redding FL die decap stem off center?

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Kryogen

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I just got a brand new redding die and the decap/expander stem is completely off center... if I turn it into the threads, it goes around the opening of the die, but it never comes close to center...

Am I going to pull my necks off center with that thing? I bought redding because I wanted the best...
Maybe because I use a coax, the slack in the die and shell holder will prevent issues as the case is pretty much out when it passes the neck expander?
 
The neck/shaft that the expander lives on is likely bent. Mine was like that too.

Call Redding and they'll get you a new one in the mail ASAP. Just make sure they are clear on what you're looking for. It took 3 times to get mine right.

GGG
 
how did that go through qc? Im starting to be pissed, first the forster die with the trashed interior and then the redding die with the bent decap rod. Wtf.
 
I replaced the long oblong standard Redding expanders with the Redding carbide floating ball expanders. I then raise the expander just like the Forster floating high mounted expanders. to reduce neck runout. This got old so I just started buying Forster full length dies for much less.

Redding Carbide Size Button Kit 22 Caliber $31.29

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/367998/redding-carbide-size-button-kit-22-caliber

The shame of it is you can buy the Forster full length die for a few dollars more than what you pay for the carbide expander kit.

Forster Bench Rest Full Length Sizer Die 223 Remington $36.99

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/139886/forster-bench-rest-full-length-sizer-die-223-remington

The Forster die has a high mounted floating expander, and the expander enters the case neck while it is still held and centered in the die. This setup prevents the expander from pulling the necks off center and greatly reduces neck runout.

forster%20cutaway_zpsz9ed4htd.jpg


Below you can also order the Forster expander and spindle assemblies and retrofit them to your RCBS dies. Below a Forster expander assembly in my RCBS .223 die.

IMG_2140_zpsea657d9e.jpg


Before you do anything, contact Redding and let them know your problem and see if they will fix the problem.

You could also get the Sinclair expander die or a Lyman type M die and expand your necks in a separate operation.

Expander Mandrels and Neck Tension
http://www.accurateshooter.com/technical-articles/reloading/expander-mandrels-and-neck-tension/

Neck Tension — Not Just Bushing Size
http://www.accurateshooter.com/technical-articles/reloading/neck-tension-not-just-bushing-size/
 
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screw that I'm keeping it as it is.... no more time to waste on a damn die that should have been properly manufactured in the first place.
 
bigedp51,
Thanks for the useful info, much appreciated as always!

However, you link us to Midway USA - they are useless as they refuse to sell anything to us third-world Canucks. Luckily, we have Brownells as one of several viable alternatives...
 
Forster dies are cheaper than Redding and don't have oblong expanders that create more drag and neck runout.

There is "NOTHING" wrong with using a die with a expander, my full length Forster .223 dies expander only expands the neck .003 using thicker Lake City brass. I was going to send this die back to Forster to have the neck honed but thinner brands of brass like Winchester are hardly touched by the expander.

On top of this if you order carbide expanders it puts much less stress on the case neck. Anyone who doesn't turn their case necks and does not use the expander does not realize that they are pushing the case neck defects to the inside of the case neck.

Below is a Remington .223 case with .004 neck thickness variation and some of theses cases had .008 variation. So wakeup, the expander serves a purpose and uniforms the inside of the case neck.

IMG_2136_zps079ece9b.jpg


IMG_2137_zps66bcfc13.jpg


Competitive shooters with custom rifles with tight neck chambers use bushing dies and turn their case necks. And the average person with a off the shelf factory rifle does not need bushing dies when using Remchester brass. So think of the expander as your friend who straightens out your case necks when you do not neck turn.
 
I had forster hone the neck in my competition fl die 308. Will only work with lapua or 15 mils thickness brass now.
That's all I shoot with my 308 now anyway.

It's pointless to try to have a rifle shoot accurately and then use mixed headstamp brass.
Oh well, I still have a lee die that works if I need to size "whatever brand" of brass, but I don't.
 
K-C said:
bigedp51,
Thanks for the useful info, much appreciated as always!

However, you link us to Midway USA - they are useless as they refuse to sell anything to us third-world Canucks. Luckily, we have Brownells as one of several viable alternatives...
Click to expand...

Sorry about that, I keep forgetting we are separated by a common language and stupid international laws. That being said this forum is my favorite and you Canadians are a good bunch to hang around.
 
Don't blame Midway (you do know why they refuse to ship to Canada, don't you), thank the fracking Lieberal gov't for NOT getting Canada ITAR exemption.

Midway is great for price/spec checking. Always check them first.
K-C said:
bigedp51,
Thanks for the useful info, much appreciated as always!

However, you link us to Midway USA - they are useless as they refuse to sell anything to us third-world Canucks. Luckily, we have Brownells as one of several viable alternatives...
Click to expand...
 
Kryogen said:
I just got a brand new redding die and the decap/expander stem is completely off center... if I turn it into the threads, it goes around the opening of the die, but it never comes close to center...

Am I going to pull my necks off center with that thing? I bought redding because I wanted the best...
Maybe because I use a coax, the slack in the die and shell holder will prevent issues as the case is pretty much out when it passes the neck expander?
Click to expand...

Contact Redding and they should replace the expander spindle and then order the Redding floating carbide "ball" expander. That being said I see nothing wrong with the quality of Forster dies and their high mounted expander and spindle assembly produces resized cases with the least amount of neck runout than any other die.

I ordered the floating carbide expander kit from Redding for my .243 but it does not come with a new spindle. I also have a RCBS .243 die I retro fitted with a Forster expander and spindle assembly. And Lyman sells floating expander assemblies that will fit RCBS dies.

Bottom line I do not understand why Redding uses oblong expanders that create more drag and a greater chance of pulling the case necks off center.
And I will say the carbide expanders are very slick and slide through the case neck like melted butter.
 
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