Bushing Question-Redding Die

[Jackalope33B]

What are the cons to having too much or too little neck tension on a 308 round for a Bolt rifle? I measured some rounds a few weeks ago and got a neck reading of .336 +/- .5 So I bought a bushing size of .334 I just remeasured some more rounds, same brass (winchester) and Im getting a reading of .337.. Will having neck tension of .003 or .004 make a difference when shooting?

 

[Paladin2147]

Re: Bushing Question-Redding Die

Only you and your rifle will know.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: Bushing Question-Redding Die

Too little tnesion and the ammo must treated with great care or it can become nonconcentric and shoot poorly (or even fall apart in the field (or in your magazine). Another prossibility is the the recoil of the gun can change the seating depth of the bullet.

Too much neck tension and the pressure rise changes the momentum of the bullet as it engraves itself on the rifling and somewhat changes the 'harmonics' of the firing cycle.

For tactical purposes, you want ammo with "about" 0.002 in neck tension, so you can drag the gun and ammo around an still have it shoot consistently and reliably at the final firing position.

For benchrest pusposes, you can get buy with no neck tension at all.

 

[REELDOC]

Re: Bushing Question-Redding Die

I try to run -.002 on short action bolts, -.003 on 223 gas guns and -.004 on long action bolts and 308 gas guns. Seems to work well. I don't neck turn so these are approximate reductions. I'm no xpert though I did stay at the Holiday Inn a couple nights ago.

 

[buddy.223]

Re: Bushing Question-Redding Die

redding recomend 0.001.001, 002 is enough for a bolt action. for target shooting with lapua i use the .337 bush, in the field .336 to be sure, i used to use the hornady match cases at .335, which is a low ive ever gone with a bolt gun. if you want consistancy buy lapua.

 

[RTO]

Re: Bushing Question-Redding Die

The necks will vary with unturned necks. Your thickness in your necks will cause tighter or lighter neck tension also causing you ES to be high. What do your groups look like? The target will tell you if it is an issue. If you are fighting a vertical string on your target then its a good chance that its a problem and you probably need to turn your necks. If your groups are within your expectations then I wouldnt worry about chasing the rabbit down the hole.