Die set up for TRG 22

[MJY65]

I'm getting things set up to load for my new TRG 22 and would appreciate some advice. In the past, I've always FL sized because I was using the ammo in several different rifles. With the TRG, I plan to keep its brass/ammo segregated. I've purchased a supply of new Lapua brass and plan to work up a load with 175gr SMKs and Varget.

My question regards the sizing. Since the brass will stay with the rifle, should I definitely go with neck sizing, or are there other advantages to FL sizing? I've read the recent thread recommending the Redding S die for neck sizing. Any particular FL die that pairs well with the TRG chamber?

Thanks.

 

[afrancke]

Re: Die set up for TRG 22

There are particular advantages to FL sizing, namely consistent case volume and reliable chambering every time, but you give up minimizing brass "work", with associated potential impact on brass life and (perhaps more importantly) you give up the "custom chamber fit" yielded by leaving the body and shoulder alone.

I am not a competitor, so I can't offer you any personal advice on the benefits of reliable chambering, but I've read many who place this above all else. I'd tend to agree with them, so I suppose my recommendation for you would be the Redding Type S FL bushing die. You'll have to buy bushings that work for your brass, and I would also recommend annealing. I load Lapua .308 brass in a TRG and I believe I end up using a .336 bushing size with Berger 155.5 and 175 SMK bullets both. You should probably order one on either side of that in addition to the .336. I would also strongly recommend the RCBS Precision Mic so you can ensure you set the FL sizer to bump the shoulder a minimum nominal amount only.

Since you are curious, I would also recommend keeping some brass set aside for neck sizing and get the matching Redding neck sizer if you want to play around with it.