Redding Bushing selection query

[pazrs]

Hello All,

I recently purchased a set of Redding dies, however I am having trouble selection a bushing.

I reloaded 50 new Lapua cases (308 win) with Dyer projectiles, I measured the neck of the loaded cartridges with a micrometer (three different ones infact) and they all measure 0.333 or 0.332. Using the advice from redding this would mean I would use a 0.331 bushing, which is their smallest recommended for 308 Win.

Seems too small, am I doing something wrong?

Cheers

[AlanF]

pazrs,

My Lapua cases and HBCs loaded measure 0.336 (outside neck) and I use a 0.335 Redding bushing which produces necks giving a very tight grip.

When you measure the neck its easy to squeeze too hard on the calipers and get a low reading, particularly if you use the sharp part of the blades - I can get .331 with mine that way.

I wouldn't go less than a .335 bushing, in fact I have a .337 which works fine with the same cases and bullets.

Alan

[pazrs]

Thanks for the response Alan, turns out I'm just a measurement amateur.

The main scale of the Micrometer is of course in 0.025 grads not 0.020 as I thought, So they are measuring 0.338. I'll try the 0.337.

[bsouthernau]

Ideally you should turn the cases for a uniform neck thickness if you're going to use this style of die. However if your loaded rounds are consistently .333 or .332 (bear in mind Alan's advice about not squeezing too hard with the caliper) then there's nothing at all wrong with using a .331 bushing. I used a .329 for years.

Barry

[AlanF]

...there's nothing at all wrong with using a .331 bushing. I used a .329 for years.

Barry

Was that with Lapua brass Barry?

[bsouthernau]

So they are measuring 0.338. I'll try the 0.337.

Ha.... we were both typing at the same time! That'll work fine.

Barry

[Barry Davies]

Recommend you don't purchase the 337. Down the track a bit as the necks become thinner with use, the 337 will be much too large.
Go with what Alan suggested ie 336 and 335.
336 for new cases, 335 for later.
If you are going to neck turn go 335 and 334.
If you want a really tight grip go 333 and 332

[bsouthernau]

Was that with Lapua brass Barry?

Hi Alan. No. Depending on the application I use either Winchester or ADI brass and turn the necks to .013". My earlier comment was based on his/her loaded rounds measuring .333/.332 and as that's now been revised upward so is the appropriate bushing.

Barry