Trouble getting consistent shoulder setback.
- Thread starter entoptics
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This problem is exacerbated by tough brass like LC and lapua. Use imperial sizing wax when sizing - everything else is junk. I've had sizing issues with every Redding die I've ever used. The die doesn't allow the case to be sized enough so you end up sizing multiple times or overcamming the press, resulting in inconsistent sizing. The competition shell holders don't help this issue, they make it worse. The only solution is to grind the top of your shell holder down so the case can go farther into the die (I do this by hand 120grit sand paper places on a flat surface).
After you fix your shell holder and apply the correct amount of lube, inside the case neck and outside the case, use consistent smooth pressure on the press handle and hold at the btm of the press stroke for 2-3sec.
After you fix your shell holder and apply the correct amount of lube, inside the case neck and outside the case, use consistent smooth pressure on the press handle and hold at the btm of the press stroke for 2-3sec.
clownbuster
Well-Known Member
I personally never had consistent results with a salt bath annealing system. Once I switched to a heat sourced annealer my consistency came in.
Lube is a factor, I do mine differently. I buy the big cans of Imperial Lube, then put an amount in between my hands and rub my hands together until I get an even disbursement, then will grab four or five cases at a time and lube them all at once. Making sure I get a light, even amount around the necks, shoulders and the bodies.
When you're resizing 100 - 500 cases at a time you have to save time where you can.
Lube is a factor, I do mine differently. I buy the big cans of Imperial Lube, then put an amount in between my hands and rub my hands together until I get an even disbursement, then will grab four or five cases at a time and lube them all at once. Making sure I get a light, even amount around the necks, shoulders and the bodies.
When you're resizing 100 - 500 cases at a time you have to save time where you can.
Steve Sheasly
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2017
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I had the same issue and called Redding they are great. Tell them your issue and they will resolve it.
clownbuster
Well-Known Member
This.
SnowbirdUT
Well-Known Member
I use the same dies and reload 338 LM, 300 RUM and 270 WSM. I use the Reading bushings but do not use expander button. I find that my should length can vary when I use a button.
I had similar problems and had the same "whack a mole" experience. Frustrating.
My problems disappeared when I started annealing with an annealer from Annealing Made Perfect.
https://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/74277
Expensive but I anneal just prior to sizing. I deprime and clean (I use a wet tumbler) then anneal. After annealing I resize with the Type S die.
J E Custom
Well-Known Member
All cases have a slight spring back difference and it is next to impossible to get them the exact same every time. If you are bottoming out in the press that Is a good sign of spring back differences. .001 to .002 is not enough to cause any difference in the accuracy unless you just set back as a general rule. I recommend only setting back just enough to chamber the round and only then.
Actually I like a little compression feel when closing the bolt. (Not enough to make it difficult, just where there is no slack).
J E CUSTOM
I was just wondering, do you have a friend who has a single-stage press you can put your die and shell holder in, say like an RCBS Rockchucker? I know you said you ave a Lyman Orange Crusher... sometimes it's just Occam's razor. Cheers
MNbogboy
Well-Known Member
Having struggled with your problem as we all have, the most important step I have found is to use a different piece of fired brass for each adjustment.
In the past I have found the second & third adjustment have little or no effect on bump. Then when it finally gets there the next piece has gone too far.
I believe this is because the "springback" changes once the shoulder is moved.
Using a different piece for each adjustment seems to get me closer.
Like others said, uniform lube & state of anneal all play into uniform "bumps".
I measure every piece and allow .0005 tolerance. Another "trick" for consistency is to leave the press in cam-over for a few seconds (5-10?), thought is time overcomes "springback memory" if there is such a thing.
My .02
Randy
Satterlee Scott
Well-Known Member
The lube is everything. I use lanolin and 99% alcohol http://www.65guys.com/brass-case-resizing-lube/
25WSM
Well-Known Member
I never want my press to cam over. I even turn my does down to get them short enough to bump my shoulders. If you make zero headspace chambers 50% of dies won't bump the shoulder at all. Here is my way. Use imperial wax. I lube one case and put it in press. I let it sit there till I have the next piece lubes. Then I take the brass out of press and put next one in. This lets your brass sit under compression for 5 to 10 seconds. If you are measuring every one and find a short one just put it back in press for another 10 seconds and remeasure. Proper annealing will give you closer results. I never put lube on my shoulders. Just the body. I do lube 243 necks when forming 6slr brass. If you can feel your brass as you close your bolt they are still to long. If you take the firing pin out of your bolt and close it on a brass the handle should close under its own weight. Too tight brass will give you all kinds of vertical. I normally set my brass back .004 this gives room in case one only bumps .003 it still fits loose. I know guys at Williamsport 1000 yard range that bump .008 and he's the world record holder.
Shep
Shep
John Klingenberg
Well-Known Member
The 550 will flex for certain with big cases. A custom ammo maker i know wont use Dillons with the interchangeable heads, he buys every 450 he can find though.
