loose necks

[mrgreentie]

So, I've just started to reload rifle ammo and it has been quite a ride. Here is the issue:

I'm using once fired Federal Gold Medal brass and bullets are falling in on some of the neck-sized cases. I am using a Lee die set, with the collet neck sizer. I prepped my brass (cleaned, depreimed, cut to length, re-primed, then neck sized)

When i was ready to insert the bullet i noticed half of them were crazy loose and fell down into the case. So I figured I'd have to try to size them again. Of course, resizing them is a challenge as these cases are already prepped and primed!

So, I removed the decapping pin (as my brass was freshly primed) and tried to re-size the just re-sized necks and about 50% of my cases still wont resize to a diameter that will hold a bullet with any tension.

So...I just bought a set of Redding Dies (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=357095) and am wondering how the heck is this going to help me? Can I remove the decapping pin on the Redding Type S-Bushing Neck Sizing Die? If so, will it do any better than the Lee? What I mean is, are these pieces of brass going to be salvaged with the new Redding die? If so, how the heck do I remove the decapping pin in the Redding die and will it still resize the neck without it in the die?

Noob questions..I know...be gentle!!!

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Removing the decapper on Redding die - loose necks

I would have gotten the "S" full length sizer, but that's me.

Yes, you can remove the decapping rod assembly from the die and size the neck with the bushing and not damage the primers in your primed brass.

You need to take a loaded round and measure the outside diameter of the case neck. Subtract .002" from that figure and that's the size bushing you need for that cartridge using that make brass.

Remember that you need to remove the expander ball that comes with the bushing die and either have someone grind the diameter of it or do it yourself if you have the means. The expander ball should be able to fall down through a properly sized case neck THAT'S USING A BUSHING DIE. If you use the expander ball, there is no need to use a bushing die to control the case neck diameter. If you don't change the expander ball you'll just be double working the brass and still have everything the same size as the expander ball.

I hope this helps.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Removing the decapper on Redding die - loose necks

By the way. Here's my standard "canned" welcome speach.



Welcome to the Hide. Come on in and join the many and varied conversations.

If you know something about a given thread post your experience. If not, you're welcome to sit back and absorb what you wish.

Most of us older folk really appreciate it if you fill out your profile if you haven’t already.

Once again, nice to have you here.

 

[Country]

Re: Removing the decapper on Redding die - loose necks

Just gently decap the primers they will not go off.
Just wear safety glasses as a precaution.
The problem is you are not using enough force on the collet die or the die is in need of some grease inside.
Pull the die appart and grease the tapered surfaces.
Then try sizing again . This time as you adjust the die down keep checking with a projectile by trying to push the bullet into the case.
If it will not go in by hand you have sized it.
You can reuse the primers I have done it many times and never had a missfire but I guess it could happen.

 

[mrgreentie]

Re: Removing the decapper on Redding die - loose necks

Country,

I'm pushing all the way up, where shell-holder meets the die. Can I go further???

Thanks,

Mac

 

[eleaf]

Re: Removing the decapper on Redding die - loose necks

I had this exact problem last night with my first shot at reloading. I have the same die (Lee Collet neck resizer).

Screw the die in about another full turn or so and that should do the trick. I was getting really upset, and this fixed it with no issues.

 

[leathel]

Re: Removing the decapper on Redding die - loose necks

Just becarefull not to overdo the preasure used as you can pop the threads on the top cap of the die......did that once trying to get more tension

Some of the lee collet dies need the mandrill polished down a tad...if thats the case no amount of winding the die down will help. You can buy smaller mandrils and they are cheap but for me that would be a long wait and more freight cost so I used 2000 grit paper and some polish to take .002" off and they are sweet now.
I use collets dies for most of my calibers.....some I have had to mod as they dont do them std (can get custom ones but easy to mod)
I now use them for
6.5x57AI
243AI
308
7mmSAUM
22-250AI

Love them ....little runout and no lube required

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: Removing the decapper on Redding die - loose necks

In any event, while setting up the die, each time a case comes out, use you rdial calipers to measure the neck diameter. Do not believe a single measurement or die setting is accurate until at least 10 cases in a row come out with a good measurement.

 

[AKAce]

Re: Removing the decapper on Redding die - loose necks

The Collet has to be pushed Into the die... As posted earlier, crank it down another turn. I have also found that if I Size, lower the ram, turn the case 1/4 - 1/3 turn and do again I get VERY Consistent neck tension.

 

[mrgreentie]

Re: loose necks

Thank you for all of your replies!