How to easily set up your FL sizing die precisely 

Mr Cortina, just want to say thank you for your time and effort. I am in England and we are in the dark ages sort of blind following the partially sighted. Many people probably laugh at me but to me having these videos is like Michael Schumacher teaching somebody how to take a corner from basis. Thank you

As a fellow machine shop owner and hand loader, I always key in on how someone uses calipers. It's always easy to spot someone that knows how to hold, operate, and get correct measurements using them. I know it's a stupid observation, but we in the industry just know a professional when we see one. Thanks for the content Erik.

Erik this has to be the best video on setting up your sizing die for proper shoulder bump that I have ever seen. I find all of your videos to be extremely well done and very informative. I have been loading since I was 16 years old and I'm now 74 and I still learn a lot from your videos. Thank you so much.

I love how this video isn’t 45 minutes long. Pretty sad you have to elaborate like you do for these videos for some people and critics but thanks for the short and simple videos!

Thanks I have been reloading since 85 and I pick up something every time I watch you

I like using Redding's .002" graduaded competition shellholder set and set the die so the press won't cam over. Makes it easy and repeatable.

I'm a subscriber Eric and I watch most of your content. I just gote a new rifle and because I didn't have anything else to do I set up my FL Redding Match sizing die like you describe. One thing I don't feel competent enough to do is remove the extractor/ejector from my bolt. Removing the firing pin let the bolt drop freely in the action and I went from there. I'm not a precision shooter ( I'm 78 and have a large Cataract in my shooting eye) but I really enjoy "messing"with my rifles and every advantage I can gain helps. Thanks for this video and others that are similar.

I'm actually really good at reloading and know allot about it, but saying that I still learn something new from you in every video you make. I really appreciate you making these.

when i rebarrel a comp. rifle for a customer. i take the 1" i cut off the muzzle end and chuck it up square it up and make the customer a bump gauge with the reamer i used to chamber their barrel with and stencil the caliber on it as a service to them so they get an accurate bump gauge.

This works perfectly! I didnt realize I was resizing my brass .007 too much. When raising the ram my shellholder lightly touched the die before adjusting and after adjusting, so without this measuring I'd never know. This is the best way I've seen to get there. I had to swap the lock ring on my RCBS die to one that clamps because the RCBS set screw isn't consistent for this. Thanks Erik!

Been shooting Senior Olympic pistol. Just started precision rifle. I'd like to give a big thank you for ALL your videos. Proves your never too old to learn.

Perfect vid thanks Erik. I've been searching for ages to find how to setup a FL sizing die properly for shoulder bump and strangely very little info on youtube on how to do this. Except for this vid ... well done, from the antipodes I appreciate. Very generous of you to share your knowledge and in such a clear manner. Thank you.

I do something similar but use shims under the lock ring to make the fine adjustments. Once I get my desired case headspace, I record the shim thickness for future reference. Being a cheapskate, I use the same set resizing die on different rifles of the same caliber and install the required shims needed for that particular rifle. Then I don't need to worry with resetting the lock ring.

Eric I just want to say Thank You Sir for always taking the time to try to explain what it takes to get to that high level of accuracy. So many people have no idea that small details make a huge difference in a rifle. Don't ever let those that feed negative things to u stop u from what u do. God Bless U hope u do great at all ur matches. Please keep the great info coming I watch them all

All of this information is outstanding thank you sir. And sweet bang stick! I wanted to note also that the use of quality calipers like this man has is a must. I had a 0.004" difference between 10 rounds OAL (ogive) using the cheap $50.00 hornady and rcbs Chinese calipers. They all read zero, then I used my Mitutoyo calipers I use on my metal lathe and found the error! Do yourself a huge favor folks and spend the money on Mitutoyo or Starrett. The few extra dollars you spend may save you a gun in the end!

You sir are the most knowledgable reloading expert on the internet. There may be others out here that can top your ability to educate us, bet they are not on the web. Thank you.

You have no idea how much your videos help out this new reloader. Thank you.

Everything I've seen you do makes sense and its quick and effective I've reloaded shotshells for ducks,geese and turkeys for 20+ years but this gig is more math and I appreciate your help and time making it easier to get to BZO

Probably the single best piece of reloading advice i have gotten on sizing brass. No nonsense, straight to the point and works great! Thanks!

Great video! Thanks for all you are doing! I have always had an interest in long range shooting and reloading, so your videos have been great! Just got my wife onboard with getting me into my first PRS match, we will see if it happens!

And this is why your PRS/F-class competitors keep telling you to stop sharing the secrets... Thank you!

Now that is slick! Never would have thought about doing it that way. I normally end up under sizing way too much brass to get my dies setup. Will definitely be giving this a try.

Thanks Erik, really appreciate the time you take to make great content for us all to watch! Been reloading for a few years but just got into long range where these details really matter.

Erik, Thank you for keeping it simple. I notice on your rifle has a Kahles scope mounted on a Near Manufacturing scope mount from Alberta, Canada. I know Richard personally and have 5 of his mounts on different rifles. Probably the one best scope mounts made. And I like to support small business.

Thank you Erik, your instructions are always clear and precise, as such the information you give "freely" is extremely valuable, instantly useful and so greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for the detailed video. You have saved me from destroying a ton of brass! Your channel should really have a million subscribers. Greeting from South Africa.

Thanks for the great info, from a eastern Canadian Shooter, wish we had more 1000 yd ranges up this way.

Mr. Cortina, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us. This video has been such a wonderful learning addition to my new experiences in reloading. I particularly took note of your comment when you said we should not rely on 0.002 bump if the case does not feed as you mentioned. I found this to be very relevant with my factory hunting rifle. I zeroed a fired case and started bumping the shoulder at 0.002 increments, just to stay on par with your guidance. I found that my bolt did not close freely / almost freely when I initially bumped it only by 0.002. I proceed to go down and feed the case until I felt the bolt close freely / almost freely. I applied a piece of tape at the rear and attempted to close it. I succeeded with the bolt not wanting to close. With that said, according to your advice, I was able to have only a 0.003 difference between the taped and non-taped case. I ended up bumping my case shoulder by 0.030 to achieve this level op precision. To add, resizing according to your advice, I have achieved much greater load consistancy and is well on my way to achieve a solid load for my rifle for the upconing hunting season.🎉🎉

Great video - you have made sanity out of a frustrating task - I always tried to think of the ring like a clock face and move it from 8:00 to 8:20 to get .002’’ - chasing it all over the place - I can’t wait to try your method!!

Loving all the videos and knowledge. I like that you are referenceing from bolt operation. The proof is in the puddin' so to speak. Since it's a hard contact referenced measurement anyway. I check the bottomed out measurement, back the die out, and then use a shim gage under the die to change the offset as required so I'm getting the offset directly from the press and die. I use the witness mark too, but I put it where the split in the ring is and then put that spot lined up with the left side of the U in my Forster so it is in the same spot every time I use the die. I think I picked that up from Zediker, but I've been doing it so long I really don't remember anymore. I know Glen recommends locking the ring in the press with brass in the die so you are holding everything concentric and not inducing any cant from the thread engagement as you tighten. Keep'em small.

I'm using Hornady comparator for .223 and .308 with very consistent results. Thank you very much for those instructive video, Mr. Cortina.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule, to share your knowledge.

Nicely presented, and without the sensationalism I’ve seen in other videos on the topic. Well done. 👍

Interesting to see the proper shoulder bump. The tool that I have developed lets you set the bump even more exactly than your method and it is not expensive. Regard Martin from UK.

Hey Erik. Thanks for cranking out all the content lately. I have been hand loading for many years myself, but it's always good to see another perspective.

Wow,this is real deal,👍, never seen this before, great reload tip. Thank you Erik 🙏

I adjust my dies and cases samething to you Erick.Thanks for your great video.I live in Quebec,Canada,i dont speak english very well,just a little bit.

👍 my dad has an antique gunsmithing all the way through to handloading that tape tree. My dad’s been using it before I was ever born my dad’s 83. He hasn’t hand loaded for the last 45 years. That is an old trick but it’s proven, and it is true. I use the same method on my lock ring also. 👍 I’m looking forward to some more knowledge. Have a great day. God bless.

Thank you I’ve been nick sizing for years but going for the bump now

Another excellent and informative video that highlights some ‘tricks of the trade’! The tape trick is very cool, great stuff! These videos share your hard earned wisdom, we appreciate it sir!!!! Good luck and good skill at the match!!

I just got a set of dies for my newest rifle. I'm looking forward to trying this method out. It really makes sense. Thanks Erik.

Erik- thanks for this- of all the tasks and processes involved in reloading, this was the one I hated most. This is a great concept and look forward to using it.

I always ask this question, who gives a thumbs down to these videos. Erik takes time to share information and people don't like it?

You are an outstanding teacher. Thanks for your clear, concise instruction, it is very much appreciated. I have learned a great deal from your videos. Thanks again!

Thanks for posting, this was very helpful. Although I've read a lot about what shoulder bumping is, it has never been explained in this way so your explanation was a lot more clear about how to exactly do it. Looks like I'm going to buy myself the brass comparator now

After watching some other videos and doing some reading this make a lot more sense as the way to do case sizing. Simple and repeatable.

....... Erik i tried this today . placed brass in chamber , then tried with tape on the end . OMG it was perfect . I got lucky . Thank you for all your tips . You save me so much time as a new shooter . We also think a like . I am a Carpenter and like to keep it simple also

Excellent information. Thanks for taking your time to share some tips that will save many of us a lot of frustration.

Hell yes!’ Nice to see some common sense here on this subject and the internet!!! Much appreciated !!

Really like this way you can make a note of the measurement and your always good to go.

I can say this, you can teach a old dog new tricks. Keep up the great work brother.. Awesome video... I know what I will be doing this weekend....

Thank you so much for those tips! I will be trying that on my next sizing die setup. Great content and look forward to your next videos!

Where was this video last night when i was fl bumping .002 . Great video and shows a much easier way to setup the dies. Keep on teaching the truth I love this channel.

I can't believe I've never thought of this. Good video

This is why you always learn from professionals, they know all of the tricks of the trade. Thanks

Like like seeing your measurements consistent with repeatable outcome. Measure 6 times to achieve the out come you were looking for great job. Thank you for your willingness to take the time to show your process so a dumb ass like my self could understand.

Thank you for this. I have been looking for a while for the proper way to set a FL die precisely.

Great tip on running the reamer into the comparator body!

A lotta mates are learning from you in Aussy mate!

I like the idea of using the chamber reamer in comparator. Keeps everything identical. Thanks!

Great job showing how easy this is to do

Such a simple concept. Thank you Eric!

@Erik thanks for the video. And folks - you see? You need at least two calibres to make life easier. This video is a tip that makes life easier!!! - really - I love it

I feel smarter every time I watch one of your videos.

When I chamber a barrel, I use a case sized in my Redding FL bushing die as a go gauge so the stripped bolt flops down. I was just reloading some 30BR & decided to measure the shoulder bump. It was .002, just like you’re saying!

Great video Erik, and well explained! I know you're primarily talking from a precision point of view, but shoulder bumping brass for rifles which headspace off the rim (eg .303brit) is essential for case life longevity. When full length sizing, I used to get 2 reloads before I saw case head separation, but when bumping the shoulders by 0.002" I am getting 5 reloads and still no sign of case head separation.

Hello, this was a very instructual video. So I am doing things properly. Thank you

I can actually see what you are doing in each step. THANKS!

Thank you. And you have the targets to prove this works.

Thanks Erik, that was really useful. Good luck this weekend!

Thats a pretty cool way of doing that i use a mos guage and adjust it until i get the desired bump back never thought to use calipers on the adjustment ring

Erik, siempre aprendo algo con usted!!! Gracias!!!

Thanks for the videos. I have always used the Redding comp shellholders with varying success. I just readjusted my dies using this method and it’s supper simple and far more accurate. Keep up the great content!!!

You can feel how smooth that bolt is though the video

And all of sudden, Redding sales of competition shell holder sets went to zero... I use the Co-Ax so I've never used them, but still.

Great tricks to share! Nice paint on that rifle.

Thank you sir, good stuff. The tape trick is slick and crazy simple.

Maybe the Co-Ax is different, but my Redding T7 has a little bit of spring to it. That means if my various pieces of brass take different amounts of force to resize I could be sizing them different amounts with the same die setup. I find this is more of a problem when sizing brass from my load development, where chamber pressures could be significantly different within that batch. For this reason I try to get a hard cam-over on my press (where the sizing die is making very firm contact with the shell holder). The hard cam-over will take out most of the spring in my press and allow for uniform sizing. Sometimes I get lucky with a regular shell holder, sometimes I use shims on top of the shell holder, and sometimes I have to remove some material off the die or shell holder to get it just right. Redding also makes the shell holder sets with varying heights for this exact purpose. For smaller cartridges or uniform lots of brass this is less of an issue.

Great video and some awesome information as always! Thanks Erik

I just got smarter, thanks Erik!

Another informative video sir. I also appreciate the purple marbleized stock on your rifle....my Nesika Bay Classic 6 PPC BR gun is emerald green marbleized.

Nice tip with the tape! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge, you should write a book!

Thats awesome, thanks Erik, thats a much better way of doing it compared to what ive been doing. Cheers. Loving all your recent vids

You are a damn wizard! 😳 This is not something I'd have considered doing. Eric thank you so much! 🤙👊

I just put a rubber o ring under the lock ring, allows for smooth and small adjustments after you get close to the measurements you want. The nice thing is at that "close" point the lock ring is already locked you're just turning the whole assembly.

Way better to measure than the guess and check method I’ve been using for years!

Thanks for the sharing brother,it's a WOW video for me and others,see you on the next one.

I am really new at this but your content has helped me tremendously.. on this clip you mention that there is no ejector on your bolt. Would that effect mine(has ejector) from dropping freely if the shoulder is bumped correctly, or should me bolt fall as freely as yours does here? Once again thanks for all the informative content you share for beginners like me. This is what grows our sport and encourages guys to better their potential.

So many tricks. I would never have thought of that.

I know this is an older video, but if you read this I want to thank you Mr. Cortina. This has been the only method I have successfully been able to duplicate on all my fl/ and body dies. Also a big fan of your products. Thanks again

Thank you so much from Brasilians!!!

Thank you for this video, I feel vindicated and am going to show my doubting Thomas of a range partner.

A common sense approach quick and easy. Thanks Eric

I learned a new way to do it , thanks .

Very good video for reloaders .

Erik, Firstly thanks for all the great videos. Although I've been reloading for around 7 years now, there is always loads more to learn, as i have found from watching your videos. Now to the point. You're the only one i know to flare the necks on rifle cases. I do a lot of case prep on my Lapua 6.5 CM brass, but have never flared the neck on a rifle case, only straight walled cases. Do you flare just the very start of the neck, or basically Perhaps it's easier if you tell me, if you have the the time. Regards. Jamie. UK P.S I don't compete past 600 yards at the moment, and that's only casual within a UK club.

Another great straight to the point, easy to follow and understand educational vid , cheers Erik

This was incredibly useful. Thank you for the great information. Love this content!

Great video Erik , !!! The tape trick is VERY useful!!! Thank you!

Great idea! The challenge is that, how can you steadily hold the die and the caliper. A very slight angle could give you a different result. I consistently get different reading every time I measure.