Redding Bushing Selection

[Phil3]

I am new to reloading and wish to use a Redding bushing type die for an AR15 and a bolt action in 223 Remington. I know I will probably need a bushing for each rifle.

If I understand correctly, selection of the bushing is dependent on desired bullet tension (.004" for gas gun is what I hear) and neck wall thickness. For an AR15, with a chamber cut by Krieger to minimum SAAMI specs, what brass might be well suited for this application and which bushing size is a good start? Brass will be dedicated just to this rifle. If neck turning is beneficial, I am willing to do so. I am sure I am missing something here, but new, so appreciate any wisdom from people here.

- Phil

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

For a start subtract .002" from a loaded round when measured on the case neck. That will be a place to start for the bolt gun. Instead of going tighter I do a roll crimp on the cannalure for the AR. But to each his own.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

Let me add this. If you are new to loading, buy a Lyman's Centerfire Handloading Manual and read ALL the non caliber specific pages. Then read the safety part again. The Lyman's Manual will have more USEFUL information than any 2 or 3 others.

 

[Phil3]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

I understand, but I do not have a loaded round. I could use some retail ammo I have, but what value would that be? It seems like a catch-22 situation. I can not measure a reloaded round until I have the neck bushing, but can not create the reloaded round to measure until I have the bushing.

- Phil

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

You can start with a loaded round of factory ammo. The same brand of the brass you have would help. I think you are trying to over complicate things. Read a lot more before you buy anything else.

 

[Short Round]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

If you're going to be reloading that brass then measure that. The biggest variable is the neck wall thickness.

most quality bullets will be closer to spec across the board so that would be less of an issue.

 

[Phil3]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can start with a loaded round of factory ammo. The same brand of the brass you have would help. I think you are trying to over complicate things. Read a lot more before you buy anything else. </div></div>

I have not bought any reloading equipment and have read so much my eyes hurt. I am not trying to over complicate things...this happens without my help. It is becoming apparent that it may not be possible for someone who has never reloaded to jump straight into the world of precision reloading. I had just hoped to buy the right equipment the first time instead of buying simpler equipment, then replacing as I advanced.

- Phil

 

[Phil3]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Short Round</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're going to be reloading that brass then measure that. The biggest variable is the neck wall thickness.

most quality bullets will be closer to spec across the board so that would be less of an issue. </div></div>

Do you have a recommendation on good quality brass for use in a 223 AR15? I know ARs can be a bit hard on brass, so opting for Lapua, Norma, etc. may be a bit costly!

Thanks.

- Phil

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

Pick a brand of brass, and get a standard set of full length dies, and go to town loading. I would not mess with neck bushings for AR's. It keeps it simple between the 2 guns with one set of dies. You can get yourself in more trouble with the neck dies and AR's.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

I cannot agree more with Chad. You may have to get a small base sizer die for the AR. Buy a cheap set of dies and work your way up. Get the best press you can afford. I would say Redding, RCBS, Lyman in that order. Get the heavier of the presses they offer. To start with a $20 set of cheap FL dies will get you started. You need to learn a lot by experience before you start even thinking about turning case necks and bushing dies. You only need bushing dies if you are having trouble with neck tension or turning case necks.

I've been loading over 35 years and I still read everything on the subject I can get. I still have both eyes and all my fingers and thumbs. Which would you rather have? Tired eyes or a missing eye? You can NEVER be too safety minded. Handloading is a VERY DANGEROUS hobby. Only a moment of carelessness can cost you up to and including your life.

Good luck.

 

[Phil3]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChadTRG42</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pick a brand of brass, and get a standard set of full length dies, and go to town loading. I would not mess with neck bushings for AR's. It keeps it simple between the 2 guns with one set of dies. You can get yourself in more trouble with the neck dies and AR's. </div></div>

I may do that...the standard full length (FL) resizing dies are cheap. I just did not want to overwork the necks with excessive resizing. I am intrigued by the idea of using a standard FL die from Forster and having them ream it for about $12 to whatever neck size I want.

- Phil

 

[Phil3]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I cannot agree more with Chad. You may have to get a small base sizer die for the AR. Buy a cheap set of dies and work your way up. Get the best press you can afford. I would say Redding, RCBS, Lyman in that order. Get the heavier of the presses they offer. To start with a $20 set of cheap FL dies will get you started. You need to learn a lot by experience before you start even thinking about turning case necks and bushing dies. You only need bushing dies if you are having trouble with neck tension or turning case necks.

I've been loading over 35 years and I still read everything on the subject I can get. I still have both eyes and all my fingers and thumbs. Which would you rather have? Tired eyes or a missing eye? You can NEVER be too safety minded. Handloading is a VERY DANGEROUS hobby. Only a moment of carelessness can cost you up to and including your life.

Good luck. </div></div>

I spoke to Krieger (my barrel maker), and they said I should be able to use regular dies...small base should not be required.

If I use inexpensive dies, I would use the Forster Ultra set, which uses the micrometer type bullet seater. The set is about $88 or so at Midway, which is fine. Not the cheapest, but these are high quality and not that costly.

The press I intend to buy is the Forster Co-Ax...unless someone can give me a compelling reason not to.

I am keenly aware of safety...some of my other hobbies have just as much risk if not more. I asked on another forum experiences with exploding primers, just so I know what kind of potential danger I am fooling with.

- Phil

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

Those dies should be fine. The micrometer seater is a plus, if you intend to load match ammo. I have one set of standard FL Redding 223 dies for all my 223/5.56 ammo loaded on a Dillon 650 or single stage. It works fine in all applications. You can get by with the $20-$30 set without the micrometer seater, if needed.

 

[Phil3]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

Do you think the Redding version of the same dies are superior or offer anything over the Forster? It seems many think more highly of the Redding. On MidwayUSA, the Forster set is $88.99. There is no "set" for Redding, but the FL die is $26.99 and the seating die is $87.99. Redding is overall, $25.99 more than Forster.

- Phil

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

Sure they do. I like the Redding and Hornady dies, personally. The Hornady dies size easier with the expander ball shaped like a tear drop. I just don't like the RCBS die adjustments with the plyers and screw driver, but they work.

Redding set:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=592925

Hornady set:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=470383

Also look at Grafs.com. I buy most of my stuff there, since Midway has had issues with their website and higher pricing.

 

[Phil3]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

The Redding set from Midway appears to be these two parts. ???

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=163485

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=376014

If correct, these two together are $50.98, vs the set you mentioned which is $32.99 Can those two be that cheap packaged as a set?

Questions on that bullet seater. You can adjust bullet seating depth, just harder to monitor without micrometer? The seater die has a crimp function...can that be disabled if desired?

- Phil

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

Yes, the set is that much cheaper.
Yes, you can adjust the seating depth without the micrometer. When you seat a bullet, and you need to seat it exactly .023" deeper, you dial that exact amount on the micrometer. Without the micrometer, it may take you a few turns and checking the depth after each turn. But it works fine. For the first year or two shooting matches, all I used to seat my bullets was a standard seater.
Yes, the crimper can be adjusted as well.

 

[Phil3]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

That's unbelievable. I mean the Redding resizing die and micrometer die comes out to $114.98, but I can buy the basic set for $32.99, and later, if I want, add the micrometer die to that set for another $87.99. Total outlay for all three dies is $120.98, a mere $6.00 more than the resizing die and mic die alone. More amazingly, the Redding set is cheaper than the equivalent Forster set. ??? Still, if one anticipates ever using the mic die, maybe a good idea to buy now and not the basic seater. Even so, that is still $81.99 additional over the cheap set.

Does one really need a crimper for the AR? The die is cheap, but have seen many others who claim they have had no problem without a crimp.

- Phil

 

[sawgunner2001]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

I like the Lee Factory Crimp Die for 5.56mm. I haven't loaded for precision out of my AR yet, so I don't know how much it affects accuracy, if at all.

 

[HomeSlice]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

I don't crimp my AR match ammo. YMMV, be safe.

-Slice

 

[858]

Re: Redding Bushing Selection

RCBS and Redding have treated me very well over the years. I use RCBS standard dies and Redding comp dies. On 223 and auto loaders I use a Lee crimping die, there is nothing better for crimping.