How to setup redding FL die?

[Grizzdude]

I'm trying to figure out how my 338 lapua redding FL size die is supposed to be set up. first the decaping rod can be set/locked in two different places, how do you properly set it? Also the instructions say put bushing in body and back off decaping rod 1/16 turn when it touches bushing so it can center properly. This is kind of confusing to me, how exactly is the bushing installed in the die? I'm new to reloading so thanks for your help, the instructions just are not very clear to me.

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

First off did you buy a bushing? The die didn't come with one. If you have one, set the decapping pin at 3/16 to 1/4" below bottom of the die. As for baking off 1/16 if a turn, you can if you want, set the top nut.
Now to set your die for correct shoulder bump. Take a few pieses of brass and try to chamber them, don't get western so you have to pound them out with a cleaning rod, just see which one is the hardest to feed.
Now lube that case,, screw die into press, raise the ram and screw die down till it contacts the shell holder, back it out 1 turn, size your case and see if it chambers. If not screw the die in a little and size again. Keep doing this till it chambers. Then set the lock ring on the die, should be set for this press for life of that combo. If it chambered the first time, you need to back the die out more, find another case to try and repeat procees, to avoid bumping your shoulder to far back.
If they all chamber without being sized, they still need neck tension, so your die doesn't need to be in as far as before, just enough too put a ring on the neck.
If this doesn't help, pm me and we'll talk on the phone.

 

[Grizzdude]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

Thanks a lot Milo, that was very clear instructions. Yes I have a bushing for the die. Only thing I still don't get is how the bushing is installed in the die, is it from the top where the screw part is or from the bottom opening? Thanks, you gave me a really good understanding of how to set the die to size my casings to my chamber.

 

[Carrbque]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

Do you need the bushing? I have been using mine for several months without using a bushing?

 

[me124704]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carrbque</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you need the bushing? I have been using mine for several months without using a bushing? </div></div>

If you have a Redding Type S die (should say on the box) you have to have a bushing.

If you had this type of die and didn't have a bushing installed, bullets would be too lose to even stay in cases...my guess is, you have a regular, non-bushing die.

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

Bushing goes in from the top, then screw in the black stem, adjust your decapping pin on the lower part of the stem. Sorry I wasn't more clear, I'm an extremely slow typer, this isn't easy. Screw the stem down on bushing, not real tight of coarse.
Numbers up on bushing.
Also,if your case mouths aren't dented, replace the silver expanding ball with the black one in your die box to ensure the neck tension you desired when you bought the bushing.

 

[Carrbque]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

Awesome thank you for the info!k

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

Grizz,
You get it running?
Gotta say bro, learning to reload with a 338 LM takes more balls than what I have

 

[Grizzdude]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Grizz,
You get it running?
Gotta say bro, learning to reload with a 338 LM takes more balls than what I have

</div></div>

Sure do! Everything going great. Thanks for your help Milo!

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

Grizz,
Just a word of caution, after sizing make sure the majority of your case's chamber before you powder them, it'll make it easier. I'm kinda thinking you're not mass producing this round so it shouldn't take long.

Miles

 

[Grizzdude]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

Thanks for the heads up, will do buddy

 

[cobravenom39]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

This was a great read. I have some redding dies on the way and had some questions about the setup. So, if I set the bushing low enough, it'll completely size the neck AND push back the shoulder?

If I have some unloaded new Lapua brass, would these be ok to setup the die by using these as setup gauges?

There isn't a lot of stuff for this caliber. I couldn't find the Hornady headspace comparator bushing for this caliber, either. You guys recommend a lyman headspace gauge or just use the chamber on my MRAD to size it?

Sorry, the whole "neck sizing" thing is new to me. I usually full size for my semi-auto rigs and just use the lyman gauges to check them.

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

Rdedding S dies can't really size the whole neck, the bottom of the bushing is beveled, so there is always a little that can't be sized.
If the Lapua was fired out of the gun you're using, it can be used to set the die up, if not find brass that was.

Did you buy a neck sizing die, or FL sizing die?
What caliber is it? You mention headspace comp, I feel you don't really need all the fancy shit.
Just set your die to bump the shoulder a little, find the cases that need it most, if they don't need it so much, they wont get bumped back.

Sometimes just buying the standard fl sizing die eliminates a whole other new set of problems that can come up.

 

[kill_zone67]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

Great read!

 

[cobravenom39]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

I bought the 3 set competition dies for 338 lapua. Haven't received them yet, but trying to read up on everything so I'm ready when they're here.

It comes with a micrometer-topped neck sizer, but since I can't find a comparator to measure the neck, is it useless? I'd just be guess based on constantly checking the headspace in my chamber? Why do I need a micrometer for this?

The FL die doesn't have a micrometer, but apparently you can put the neck bushing in there and full length resize and neck size?

So it's either or, huh? You can neck size with the micrometer or FL resize and neck size sans the micrometer?

I've read countless threads and the Redding website and can't understand what's going on.

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cobravenom39</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I bought the 3 set competition dies for 338 lapua. Haven't received them yet, but trying to read up on everything so I'm ready when they're here.

It comes with a micrometer-topped neck sizer, but since I can't find a comparator to measure the neck, is it useless? I'd just be guess based on constantly checking the headspace in my chamber? Why do I need a micrometer for this?

The FL die doesn't have a micrometer, but apparently you can put the neck bushing in there and full length resize and neck size?

So it's either or, huh? You can neck size with the micrometer or FL resize and neck size sans the micrometer?

I've read countless threads and the Redding website and can't understand what's going on. </div></div>
The micrometer sizer just lets the bushing float, so you can just touch up the case mouth, or go down further, and you should be able to see how far down the neck you size. You can do the same with the type s full length die, just back the black stem out further and set the lock ring.
Honestly, that die is a gimmick, and that is coming from a gadget whore of sorts. It's supposed to really let you adjust the amount neck tension you're putting on the case.
I'd have to say most benchrest shooters don't even use them. I'm all for stacking the odds in a guys favor when it comes to reloading, but this is reaching.

 

[cobravenom39]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cobravenom39</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I bought the 3 set competition dies for 338 lapua. Haven't received them yet, but trying to read up on everything so I'm ready when they're here.

It comes with a micrometer-topped neck sizer, but since I can't find a comparator to measure the neck, is it useless? I'd just be guess based on constantly checking the headspace in my chamber? Why do I need a micrometer for this?

The FL die doesn't have a micrometer, but apparently you can put the neck bushing in there and full length resize and neck size?

So it's either or, huh? You can neck size with the micrometer or FL resize and neck size sans the micrometer?

I've read countless threads and the Redding website and can't understand what's going on. </div></div>
The micrometer sizer just lets the bushing float, so you can just touch up the case mouth, or go down further, and you should be able to see how far down the neck you size. You can do the same with the type s full length die, just back the black stem out further and set the lock ring.
Honestly, that die is a gimmick, and that is coming from a gadget whore of sorts. It's supposed to really let you adjust the amount neck tension you're putting on the case.
I'd have to say most benchrest shooters don't even use them. I'm all for stacking the odds in a guys favor when it comes to reloading, but this is reaching. </div></div>

Which one is the gimmick, the FL or the micrometer neck die? Would it be better just to buy the type S. I actually have 2 orders with Brownells, one for the full competition and one for the Type S (Redding # 38594). I figured I'd send back the one I didn't want.

Thanks in advance for your help. I'd have to imagine how f'ing frustrating explaining this must be.

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

Don't buy the micro sizer, type s are good to go. Honestly I'm moving away from neck sizing alltogether.

 

[cobravenom39]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

How many reloads would that take away from my $3 Lapua Brass?

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: How to setup redding FL die?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cobravenom39</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How many reloads would that take away from my $3 Lapua Brass? </div></div>
cobra,
If you're asking me, I couln't tell you, so many factors come into play. I think if a guy full length sizes without over working the brass, life should be comparable.
I've had necks split on on first loading, primer pockets stretched in 3 loadings, case head seperation in 5 loadings, none of this with Lapua brass though. But I did have a oversize chamber reamed on a 6.5x47 and had to throw 265 pieces of Lapua brass away after one loading, it hurt. So your chamber size is a factor also.
If you don't pound the shit out of your Lapua brass, it should give a good number of loads, I've seen a guy with 34 firings on Lapua .243 brass.
If you want to neck size, by all means do it, I just stated where I'm headed on the issue.

I have a couple rifles I've never been able to get by neck sizing for.