.300WM sizing issue - FL Type S shaving brass off case body?

[QuietShootr]

I recently started loading .300WM for a Sako TRG-42, and one of the things I was advised to get up front was the Innovative magnum collet die along with the usual Type S neck and FL dies. I found the Innovative die does what it's advertised to do (i.e. size the part of the belted magnum case that a regular FL die doesn't reach - and so I've been using it as the first step in my sizing process. However, I got out of sequence yesterday and found that if I try to use the FL Type-S die without using the collet die first, it shaves and pushes brass down to just above the belt so that there is a visible curl of metal pushed up.

I assume this isn't everyone's experience, since I'm sure most folks don't use the collet resizing die. What's going on with this? Is my chamber oversized to the point that the regular FL dies wouldn't work, or is something else going on?

Winchester brass, FWIW.

 

[Victor N TN]

If it's a Redding "S" die, call them. If something's wrong, they'll fix it... free. I don't know about the other die. I don't use one.

 

[DocB]

QS,

Some before/after measurements would help. Measure at the fattest part of the case just above the belt. What brand brass?

I usually use the Innovative die after finding out the use a Redding body die doesn't size enough for the diameter to be below 0.511". The Innovative die will usually get the diameter down to 0.510", which will fit most of my 300 WMs. Redding has supplied sizing dies (Type S FL or body) to size JAB (just above belt) anywhere between 0.508" and 0.512". I'd really like one to size down to 0.506" for a tight neck/body chamber.

HTH,
DocB

 

[ShtrRdy]

It sounds to me like the sizing die has a sharp edge on it that shouldn't be there.

 

[ZiaHunter]

I use both the IT collet die as well as a Type S FL die for my 300 WM. I FL size first then use the collet die as listed in the instructions. The key with using the collet die is to adjust it where it sizes near the belt just enough to fit in the comparator on the top of the die. if not adjusted properly the collet die will lengthen the case throwing you headspace off. With regards to your FL die check for burrs inside the die as mentioned above since it should not not be shaving brass.

 

[QuietShootr]

It's Winchester brass- I'll take some measurements tomorrow.

I was using the collet die first precisely because I didn't see how using it AFTER the FL die wouldn't screw up the headspace. I'm bumping my shoulder just a hair under .002, and I figured the brass displaced by the collet die had to be going somewhere.

Will report back with measurements.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[QuietShootr]

Okay - the fired cases are uniformly .5125 JAB. A fired case run into the Type S die alone measures .5095 and shaves in the same place. A fired case in the Innovative die comes out at .5100, then running the same case into the Type S resulted in .5095 and a very light shave. I took the die out, examined it, and cleaned it, and I don't see any visible problems. Reinstalled it, and it's still shaving. Must be a bad die. I wonder why it would work for a while then go TU?

 

[QuietShootr]

OK - another question. Does it work to use the Innovative die then a neck sizer only, or is this a bad idea?

 

[ZiaHunter]

Although I have neck sizing dies I rarely use them and use Type S FL dies for my precision rifles. With my setup for the IT collet die the maximum amount of lengthening I measured was .0005 when the die was used following FL sizing. I try to hold my bump to .0015 to .001 and have not had any clambering issues. How many times has the brass been fired and what lubricant are you using? If you can't get the shaving issue resolved I would contact Redding CS and my experience with them has been very positive.

 

[QuietShootr]

I think I'm going to get a Forster FL die honed to the dimension I want. I really think that will be the solution.

I use Imperial exclusively, and the brass has ranged from once to four times fired. No difference made, other than it doesn't shave new brass (understandably).

 

[sakobob]

OK - another question. Does it work to use the Innovative die then a neck sizer only, or is this a bad idea?

or you could just neck size, or
you could do the IT die and see if it will chamber easily,then neck size it and see if it will still chamber,if so your good to go
just watch your brass length.
i dont do the IT die until JAB becomes a problem. fwiw i never needed the collet die until i had a new barrel spun on and the chamber was tighter
down by the belt. it is a trg also.