Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
Articles
Latest reviews
Author list
Classifieds
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles and first posts only
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Forums
Hunting
Long Range Hunting & Shooting
Fine tuning loads lee factory crimp die
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Petey308" data-source="post: 1641525" data-attributes="member: 106845"><p>The problem with using bushing dies to only size a portion of the neck is that you can run into the same issue I spoke about, as far as not enough uniform neck surface in contact with the bullet. The rule of thumb is no less than the the diameter of the bullet. As in, if you're using .308" bullets, you would want no less than .308" of the neck surface in contact with the bearing surface of the bullet. That is what is key in maintaining minimal bullet runout. </p><p></p><p>I have used high dollar sizing dies and had good luck with them. I've used the Lee collet neck sizing dies too. I've used the Redding Competition set that has a body die, a micrometer bushing neck sizing die, and a micrometer competition bullet seater. Reluctantly, my testing proved that the cheap Lee full length sizing die with the expander ball removed, in conjunction with a mandrel die, produced the absolute best and most consistent ammo with under .002" runout. My high dollar sizing dies sit and collect dust anymore. </p><p></p><p>As far as the bullet acting as a mandrel as it seats, yes, it sort of works that way, but if the necks of the cases have become work hardened, they will have spring back. The amount of spring back will vary depending on the thickness of the brass. Thicker areas will have more, and thus produce higher tension at those points on the bullet. This is why annealing and neck turning are part of my process. It undoes the work hardening and ensures uniform thickness. Using a mandrel, and then seating the bullet still seems to be more effective than a bushing die- without neck turning as well. </p><p></p><p>This has been my experience. I've discussed this with a few others and they've experienced the same things. No one wants to admit that after they spent a lot of money the results are still inferior. Sometimes guys refuse to see the truth as a result. Sometimes, results are indeed different or minimal enough that a conclusion is hard to make.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Petey308, post: 1641525, member: 106845"] The problem with using bushing dies to only size a portion of the neck is that you can run into the same issue I spoke about, as far as not enough uniform neck surface in contact with the bullet. The rule of thumb is no less than the the diameter of the bullet. As in, if you’re using .308” bullets, you would want no less than .308” of the neck surface in contact with the bearing surface of the bullet. That is what is key in maintaining minimal bullet runout. I have used high dollar sizing dies and had good luck with them. I’ve used the Lee collet neck sizing dies too. I’ve used the Redding Competition set that has a body die, a micrometer bushing neck sizing die, and a micrometer competition bullet seater. Reluctantly, my testing proved that the cheap Lee full length sizing die with the expander ball removed, in conjunction with a mandrel die, produced the absolute best and most consistent ammo with under .002” runout. My high dollar sizing dies sit and collect dust anymore. As far as the bullet acting as a mandrel as it seats, yes, it sort of works that way, but if the necks of the cases have become work hardened, they will have spring back. The amount of spring back will vary depending on the thickness of the brass. Thicker areas will have more, and thus produce higher tension at those points on the bullet. This is why annealing and neck turning are part of my process. It undoes the work hardening and ensures uniform thickness. Using a mandrel, and then seating the bullet still seems to be more effective than a bushing die- without neck turning as well. This has been my experience. I’ve discussed this with a few others and they’ve experienced the same things. No one wants to admit that after they spent a lot of money the results are still inferior. Sometimes guys refuse to see the truth as a result. Sometimes, results are indeed different or minimal enough that a conclusion is hard to make. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Hunting
Long Range Hunting & Shooting
Fine tuning loads lee factory crimp die
Top