Hornady Brass Question

[throwback]

New reloader looking to get a Redding bushing die so started by measuring some factory rounds to get an idea of the right bushing size. Thinking I would just follow the Redding guidance, I measured a factory loaded round (308 Win 168 gr A-MAX) and the number without deviation is .3335. So, that would put me at a .332 or .333 bushing. This seemed very small so I took a fired case and measured neck thickness. Granted, I used calipers as I do not have micrometer yet, but they are high quality and I came up with .014 - .015. Let's assume it's the low side as I'm using calipers. .014*2 + .308 = .336. WOW! This doesn't seem right... Also, there is the added factor of bumping down from .3445 to .3335 = .011 which means (according Redding) I will need to compensate by buying a larger than the OD I actually want... Any help on selecting a bushing for .002 neck tension and/or what am I doing wrong or not taking into account? Is my neck actually getting thicker on first fire?

One other note, this ammo is 168gr A-MAX and I plan to load 178gr A-MAX.

Recap:
Fired Neck Diameter (3 shell sample) = .3445
A-Max Factory Seated Neck Diameter (3 round sample) = .3335
Fired Case Neck Thickness (3 shell sample) = .014 - .015

Thanks in advance.
TB

 

[Froggy1129]

Re: Hornady Brass Question

I have been using Hornady Match brass for years (once fired 168 tap). I used the .332 as my final bushing. Yes, I had to stage down. .339, .335 then the .332. Made good ammo.

Eventually, I bought a Forster die and had them hone the neck to .332. One stroke! And, just as good of results.

Hope this helps.

 

[Rob01]

Re: Hornady Brass Question

Your measured loaded round neck is .3335 which means you would use a .332 or .331 bushing depending on how much neck tension you want. Some people use .001 and some .002 for a .308 bolt gun. I use .002. My cases are .334 and I use a .332 bushing.

I step down as I don't size the neck down more than .005" per size. The fired case neck sounds right. at the very least I would use atleast a .339 before you go to the last neck size but I would use a .335 as well. I prep brass on a turret press and have a .339, .335 and then a .332.

 

[throwback]

Re: Hornady Brass Question

Interesting, thanks for the reply guys. I do not have a huge investment in the Hornady Brass (200 pcs or so). Would I be better off purchasing some new brass that has a known thicker neck to reduce my fired/loaded ratio? If so, what brass is known to have the fattest necks?

On the custom die, would you not being going from .3445 to .332 which would work the brass the same as just using a .332 bushing, right? Or am I missing something?

Thanks,TB

 

[FLIGHT762]

Re: Hornady Brass Question

For Hornady .308 brass, I use a .333" bushing. For Winchester brass, I use a .331" and Federal brass takes a .337". I measured and subtracted only .001" for my bushing sizes. They seem to work well.

 

[Rob01]

Re: Hornady Brass Question

Even heavier brass will only be another few thousandths thicker at probably .337. You will still need to step down. Buy a couple of bushings. Get the coated ones also. They are a little more but worth it.

 

[throwback]

Re: Hornady Brass Question

Sounds like a plan, thanks Rob01 and all others who provided input.

 

[DHDeal]

Re: Hornady Brass Question

I use Hornady brass, and use a .336 first and finish with a. 332 bushing. The brass has been shot 8 times, and is still going strong.

FWIW, I use the Hornady bushing shoulder bump die and have not had to FL size yet. I use Forster dies for just about everything, but I see no reason to buy their bushing shoulder bump die.