Die Bushing Size?

[cjherrman]

I am shooting Lapua .308 brass and it has been a few years since I was really into shooting this .308. I started reloading for it again and want to utilize some Winchester brass mainly due to cost. I don't recall how to measure this bushing. The current one that I have is marked 335. I do know that I have tried this size before on Winchester brass and it did not provide enough of a crimp on the bullet so I need a size smaller? Thanks for the help.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Die Bushing Size?

Neck tension not crimp, I use a .331 bushing with Winchester 308 brass.

 

[cjherrman]

Re: Die Bushing Size?

Ok thanks sorry that is what I was looking for neck tension! Ok great thanks do you recall how to measure to get this correct size. I am shooting 175gr SMK by the way.

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Die Bushing Size?

Case neck thickness varies a bit by brand and lot. Load a bullet in the cases you want to use, mic the neck diameter and subtract a couple thou from that to find what you need for a bushing.

 

[cjherrman]

Re: Die Bushing Size?

So when you refer to "mic" can you use a caliper, or does it have to be a micrometer.

 

[FLIGHT762]

Re: Die Bushing Size?

Measure the outside diameter of a loaded round. You then subtract .001"-.002" for your bushing size. I used the Redding recommendation of -.001". Some say for autoloaders, you should go -.003".

I use .331" for Winchester brass, .333" for hornady, .337" for Federal , Speer and Military brass. I used a digital caliper to measure and it worked fine.