Redding Bushing Dies for Semi-Auto Use

[Earl_Wars]

Hello all,

I have a JP LRP-07 on order in 6.5 Creedmoor and have started gathering reloading materials. I have ordered a Redding Type S Full Length Bushing Die, but I just received an email from Redding in which they do not recommend using bushings in conjunction with semi-autos. The reason they give is that the bushing will not size the entire length of the neck, leaving a small part of the neck (just above the shoulder) unsized, and still fireformed to the chamber which could lead to chambering problems.

Has anyone had any problems (or success) with bushing dies and semi-autos?

Thanks!

 

[ChrisGarrett]

I have lots of bushing dies, neck and FL, with lots of different bushings.

I agree with their point about not getting the entire neck sized with 'some' bushing die set ups, either neck, or FL. This might cause a false shoulder that could bind up on a very tight chamber.

I load with bushing dies for my Bushmaster 20" .Gov profile upper and haven't had a problem, but that's a 223 SAAMI chamber and there's some room there, but with a tight chamber, or almost a 'no-turn' chamber, that might be an issue.

Not all dies fail to size the entire neck, but some do more than others when they fail to size all the way down.

I guess I would just see what your die does, fire some rounds and see if that false shoulder gets bigger, or if it binds up in your chamber.


Chris

 

[Mike402]

I have a JP supermatch in .223 Wylde and I use a Redding body die in conjunction w/ a Redding neck die. For match/accuracy loads, I shoot Lapua .223 brass that I skim turn. Use the .245 bushing. Gets me .5moa accuracy (sometimes better when I'm lucky) and haven't had any problems whatsoever with feeding, extracting or chambering.

As Chris mentioned, not sure how tight their 6.5 creed chamber is, so guess you'll just have to experiment & find out.

 

[delixe]

I have a .223 Type S die I use to FL resize neck turned Lapua brass after every firing to run in my Kreiger match barreled AR-15.
The rounds feed fine.

 

[Steel head]

I have good results with s dies in AR's with one caveat, I had to size down the neck in two steps with two bushings as the change was too big to size with one and get good results.
That's really the only reason I don't use them now.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

I have good results with s dies in AR's with one caveat, I had to size down the neck in two steps with two bushings as the change was too big to size with one and get good results.
That's really the only reason I don't use them now.

I use step down bushings for everything over a .005"-.006" jump and since some of my rifles have generous throats that blow out my necks, it's a common practice for me.

I have separate 'sizing' and 'seating' toolheads for my 550b, with tandem bushing neck sizing dies proceeding a body die, so one jerk of the handle accomplishes three steps.

Again, just the nature of the beast.

Chris

 

[Steel head]

Set up on a progressive like that is a good way to go.

 

[parkervbar88]

hornady and RCBS makes AR specific dies for that exact reason

 

[TireMan]

I love the redding type s comp dies with bushings. No issues, only great results with the semi autos (scar17 and JP-15).

Redding is probably just being over pre-cautious. In theory...with thick neck brass, and too small of a bushing, causing spring back, it could be a problem. Measure it, before you load it.

 

[Earl_Wars]

Thanks everyone - I'll try out the Type S dies, see what results I get, and then report back. I might pick up an RCBS small base die to try out as well (I will be running it suppressed).

Chris I also reload on a 550b and might try your method out.

Much appreciated!

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Thanks everyone - I'll try out the Type S dies, see what results I get, and then report back. I might pick up an RCBS small base die to try out as well (I will be running it suppressed).

Chris I also reload on a 550b and might try your method out.

Much appreciated!

I only use this method for 223 and 308, since my 22-250, 7RM, and 338LM die sets don't need the step down bushings, but that method works pretty well, even though you pay a little more money for it.

Much faster than swapping out the bushings and running the press for another pass.

Chris

 

[Earl_Wars]

One other related question - Redding recommends using a bushing of .002 less than a loaded round for semi-auto use; Hornady recommends .003 - .004. Has anyone experimented with different neck tensions to see what is best for a gas gun?

 

[Earl_Wars]

Bushings get expensive real fast so I would love to tap into the wealth of knowledge here first.

 

[Steel head]

One other related question - Redding recommends using a bushing of .002 less than a loaded round for semi-auto use; Hornady recommends .003 - .004. Has anyone experimented with different neck tensions to see what is best for a gas gun?

I finished with .002 in 223.
With the 6.5CM bullet is heavier but again more surface area in neck so if it was me I'd shoot for .002 to .003.
Unless you run a single source for brass and they maintain consistent necks from lot to lot(LOL) your gonna need a small selection of bushings anyway.