Redding bushing size for 223 rem

[Boogie]

Using Lapua brass and 80gr SMKs,

I just bought a Savage m12 FT/R in 223 and am trying to put together all the tools and components to reload for it. Shopping around online I've found the bullets, brass, and a set of Redding "S" dies for it. Considering that the bushings are scarce as hens teeth I will probably order a standard f/l sizing die too and use it until I can find the bushings but who knows, I might get lucky so I was hoping someone would share what size bushing they are using with the above mentioned brass and how much you are under sizing.

 

[rsplante]

Using Lapua brass and 80gr SMKs,

I just bought a Savage m12 FT/R in 223 and am trying to put together all the tools and components to reload for it. Shopping around online I've found the bullets, brass, and a set of Redding "S" dies for it. Considering that the bushings are scarce as hens teeth I will probably order a standard f/l sizing die too and use it until I can find the bushings but who knows, I might get lucky so I was hoping someone would share what size bushing they are using with the above mentioned brass and how much you are under sizing.

I'm using a .245 bushing, but there is more that goes into it than that. Are you turning your necks? I skimm my necks because I am shooting an AR and only wanted to equalize the neck tension all the way around without removing too much brass, so its a compromise. Most people with a bolt gun are planning on tighter dimensions in the chamber/neck area. My skimmed necks came out to .012-.014 (evened out, but not completely turned). Since my boolits are .224, the outside of the neck will be .224 + 2(.013)= .250 on average (that's the bullet dimeter plus twice the average neck thickness). That means I have .005 neck tension when I use a .245 bushing. You can be more certain of your dimensions if you actually turn the necks instead of just skimming, plus, you are using quality brass, I'm just using LC11 brass that was virgin when I bought it. I bought two bushings since I did not know what size to get. I stuck with the .245 bushing, not because I determined it was the correct size, but because it works and I misplaced the other bushing, lol. Maybe someday I will feel motivated to purchase several and will conduct some tests. I have heard of people using .002 neck tension with bolt guns. I went a little tighter since I am using the worlds most expensive bullet puller (an AR) and even with .005 neck tension, I have measured a few thou of bullet movement after it had experienced being slammed home by the BCG. I don't crimp my bullets (because I have heard it affects accuracy), so I didn't want to go much looser right now.

I bought the one with a Titanium Nitride coating, which as of a minute ago, Midway has in stock http://www.midwayusa.com/find?userSearchQuery=Redding+bushing+245+

 

[Cacciatore]

I use a .250 for lapua brass out of my bolt gun. All other brass gets .247. With a .251 bushing I could push the bullet in by hand, so I'm running the least possible amount of neck tension. If your going to reload other brass for your .223 any bushings between the .245 and the .251 range would probably be nice to have on hand.

 

[Boogie]

Thanks guys that's what I needed to know