Very useful video, thank you for the details around how to pick a bushing size. I was wondering what product u recommend in terms of bushing dies with a non expanding ball
Which bushing(s) you need somewhat depends on whether you anneal the brass, or not, and the makeup of the brass itself. There will be springback, how much, is due to the makeup and hardness of it. If you have mixed brands, you'll likely need 3 or more bushings, if you intend to turn your necks, you'll need smaller bushings. And, bushings shud be checked to see what size they really are, when you get them, with a pin gage. Just be prepared for needing more than one bushing, may need at least 3.
I have a Hornady bushing die but prfer to use a Lee Neck Sizing Die. Using the Lee die I always resize each case neck twice. I turn it 180deg. after the first time makes for better concentricity of case neck.
With this setup I’m using them to set the size, so no. The only time you may need a mandrel is if the necks are slightly dented. I am looking to try something a little different though. Going slightly undersized on the bushing and using a mandrel to set final ID. Will still help not stress the necks as much
This is a good overview, thanks. I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing options, so full length size then just use an expander mandrel to set neck tension. Setting it from the ID I think is a bit more accurate as you don’t have to deal with neck thickness variances (I measure a couple of sides of the case neck with a ball micrometer to check that, or use a case neck concentricity gauge) and you avoid any stacking of the OD brass neck or stress to it. I have thought about doing what you suggest in response to another comment and using a bushing to only slightly undersize the case neck, then running a mandrel, which will give me the same results, but stress the neck less, but since I anneal it hasn’t been as critical. Also, I bought several Redding standard FL sizing dies so would have to buy bushing dies, which is a cost factor.. A couple of questions: Are you using Redding dies? And is that a SAC bushing? Also, is that the Real Avid gun vise on your bench, or another brand? I’ve been looking at that, didn’t realize it was that large. FYI, you have a nice setup, but if you haven’t already I’d encourage you to look at the Inline Fabrication bench mounts and storage mounts. You could swap out your vise for a press, or any other bench tool in seconds. Best investment I’ve made in the past few years. Thanks again for the clear review! 👍
I found least with Lapua an new brass I get inconsistent thickness the first 3 firings so I use a mandrel just till once the brass seems to be more consistent then bushings, only like stated huge difference in necks not cracking. An have to check my next test is neck turning is not as much needed maybe brass is formed around the neck diameter better. Another test.
Exact question I was going to ask. I use a decapping die. So I can take out the whole expander ball/decapping assembly? And only use the neck bushing for FL size? I kept the expander in there for load development and had good results for a 3 shot group. Would like to narrow down devolopment and have a 5 shot group with my best results. Just want to make sure I have this correct that I can remove the expander ball/decapping rod, use the FL size with bushing and then go straight to bullet seating (after priming, poweder ect).
