reloading die question

[Dacam]

Im new to reloading and I need a fl sizing die for use with an autoloader.
I also need a sizing die for use to just bump the shoulder back on fire formed brass. Will the fl sizing die do this?
Or do I need some kind of bushing die?
Thanks,
Dane

 

[blurry6]

Your FL sizing die will do just fine bumping the shoulder. You just need to keep your eye on how much it is bumping the shoulder. However, as you know, it's also sizing the body and neck. Think of the FL sizer as the "does-it-all" die i.e. sizes the body, bumps the shoulder, and sizes the neck. While this is great, it's when you want to have independent control of one of these variables that you might look at a body die, or neck sizer die. I usually set my FL sizer to bump the shoulder .002-.003". Works great!

Ry

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Im new to reloading and I need a fl sizing die for use with an autoloader.
I also need a sizing die for use to just bump the shoulder back on fire formed brass. Will the fl sizing die do this?
Or do I need some kind of bushing die?
Thanks,
Dane

Since you're new to reloading, invest the $40+ in the Hornady/Stoney Point headspace bushing set, or the similar kit from Sinclair: Hornady Lock-N-Load? Headspace Gauge Tool | Sinclair Intl. Check on Ebay, as I found mine there, for cheap.

These sets allow you to precisely measure fired cases from your chambers and then set your FL, or body dies up to carefully bump your shoulders back to the point that you desire--.001"-.002" for bolt guns, '.002"-.003/4" for gas guns, generally.

The set will save you brass, time and frustration.

As far as bushing dies go: FL and neck bushing dies, I use them, but headspace is something you need to tackle first and foremost. Playing with neck tension/constriction is a different topic for another day. Headspacing issues can lead to ruptured cases.

Chris

 

[Dacam]

Thanks , that's what I wanted to know. I can use my fl die to bump the shoulder.
Another question is, what actually opens up the neck. I only see a decamping pin in the fl die.

 

[ksthomas]

Dacam,

If you've got a bolt gun around, that's really a better place to start. Reloading for autoloaders is a form of advanced handloading, so you're starting in the deep end of the pool here. Bolt guns are much more forgiving, and don't have all the specialized requirements that go hand in hand with the autos. You were given good advice about the gages, too. I don't care whether it's Hornady's, Wilsons or Dillons, an RCBS or a Redding Instant Indicator, you truly do need one of these to set your dies up properly. True for a bolt gun (but not nearly as critical) and even more so for the autos.

 

[:)woo]

Another question is, what actually opens up the neck. I only see a decamping pin in the fl die.[/QUOTE]

a expander ball. its located above the decaping pin. If you take your die apart you should be able to see it

 

[Dacam]

Yeah, I have an FN spr I'm currently trying to load for.
I also have and have used the headspace gauge and oal
length gauge from Hornady.
Thanks for the great info guys!