quick question, i have an expander mandrel die and mandrel set on the way. i have been using Redding Type S Full Length Bushing Dies. Do i need to order just a regular full length sizing die? or can i use the bushing die still? i am using a .289 bushing at the moment that is supposed to give me about .001 neck tension.
Expander Mandrel and FL Sizing Die Question
- Thread starter BiggBeans
- Start date
Not sure I understand the question. The Redding Type-S FL Bushing Die ... IS ... a full length sizing die. It just uses a bushing to size the neck, as well as the body. I use the same setup and it's awesome when combined with the Mandrel Die and variable mandrel size set from Short Action Customs.
... what he said !!!ok ill use the same die. i just didnt know if i should buy a bushing thats a few thousands smaller then what im using now. that way the mandrel can open it back up to .001" bellow bullet diameter for the neck tension.
The more you size the neck down, the larger mandrel you’ll need to get the desired neck ID
For example, you won’t be able to say size the neck .003 smaller than you want, then another piece .001 smaller, and use the same size mandrel for each to get the desired end result.
The least amount of working and thusly smoother operation is to get a bushing that sizes the neck minimally like .001 under desired ID and then the size mandrel it takes to get the desired ID.
The extra work hardening of say .003 won’t matter much. But you’ll definitely feel the difference in the resistance to the mandrel. It will also gall more unless you use lube.
Yes, if you remove the bushing you effectively have a body die. No, without hte bushing the neck wont get sized tso the mandrel will just go freely though empty space. You need some mechanism to size it down enough for the mandrel to engage with.
Most do the sizing processes after annealing so that the brass is in a malleable state with minimal spring back which leads to consistent sizing results. You dont have to though. Some like to anneal after sizing. Just be aware that your process effect results and switching it will lead to different results.
Yeah, its a collet die that has a mandrel inside of it but it uses different mechanism/methodology than what most are speaking of which have no collet to size down with.
