Do I have my FL die set properly? Gap when sizing a case.

[Leozinho]

Hi,
This is my first time reloading for precision. I'm reloading once fired (in my rifle) 6.5 Creedmoor brass in a Lee single stage press, RCBS shell holder and Hornady Custom Grade dies (full length).

I set the die up according to Hornady's instructions, which is to raise ram to highest position and screw die down until it just touches the shell holder. Set lock ring. So far so good.

However, when I size a case, there is a .014 gap between the die and the shellholder when the ram is at the highest position.

Retesting without a case, the shellholder touches the die at its highest position.

Is this normal? I know my Lee press isn't the most robust, which has me concerned about flex.

Slightly related, should I have gone ahead and screwed the die down another 1/16 or 1/32 of a turn (which would have been bumping the shoulder a touch)?

Thanks for the replies.

 

[427Cobra]

No you did not set up your Full Length die correctly, yes I know you followed the directions, but they are better used as emergency toilet paper.

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Use the .400 to measure DEPRIMED FIRED CASES, you will find that a few are a couple thousandths longer than the rest, use the longest reading cases to set up your FL die, bolt guns need to be .001-.0015 shorter, semi auto .003-.004 shorter after they come of the FL die, you may find that your cases get longer before they get shorter, that is completely normal, by setting up your FL dies in this fashion your brass will last longer, your ammo will be very consistent, and with proper load development should be very accurate.

 

[pmclaine]

^^^^^^

The Gospel According to 427 Cobra.

Id follow the teachings of this man, matter of fact I do exactly as he says.

 

[J-ROD]

427 is right on the money, follow his instructions. The gap you are seeing is normal, at least for me....it's the slop in the press pivots, both of my presses have/do still do it.


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[damoncali]

To add a little more, you might find it difficult to resize the brass consistently for the first couple firings. Instead of bumping the shoulder .001, you might get a range of .001-.003 or something like that. In my experience, that clears up after 1-2 firings, and you can pretty much nail .001-.0015 for every case.

But yes, the gap is normal. Dies are made so that if you follow the instructions you will wind up with ammo that always fits. Unfortunately, that means oversizing it for most chambers, which is why we prefer to measure and leave the gap.

If the gap bothers you, you can use shims or competition shell holders to close it up. I don't know if that helps anything - I just leave it alone.

 

[Harvey]

The instructions with a LEE press for instance (just as laid out by Cobra) say to bring the FL die in contact with the shell holder ... and then down another 1/4 turn.

As meaty as these presses look, they actually DO flex and stretch under load. This additional 1/4 turn brings it all to a zero sum.