Hornady Match Grade die set

[TommyD11730]

Perhaps someone can explain what's going on. I'm trying to use my 223 match grade dies to full size/ bump back my fired brass. Measuring with the comparator the brass is growing 3 hundreds on the neck. When running it through the die it's actually getting longer. By 2 or 3 thousands. This isn't the overall length of the brass case mind you. Rather it's as measured by the lock and load comparator on the shoulder.
Can someone explain what's going on?
Thanks!!!

 

[kyzim311]

it sounds like you have the die backed off of the shell holder too far. If your die is not contacting the shoulder area to bump the shoulder, you will see the comparator reading grow as you resize the body only. Try setting the die lower in small increments. If it is already all the way down, it might be a die problem.

 

[TommyD11730]

it sounds like you have the die backed off of the shell holder too far. If your die is not contacting the shoulder area to bump the shoulder, you will see the comparator reading grow as you resize the body only. Try setting the die lower in small increments. If it is already all the way down, it might be a die problem.

I agree. Got to be honest with you I'm having trouble finding a sweet spot to just kiss it back a couple of thousands.
Seems like it goes from slight growth, to "well that's 2 short now" very easily.

 

[whatsupdoc]

First I believe you mean 3 or 3 thousands? Correct.
You need to screw the die deeper into the press as you are squeezing the case sides enough to lengthen the case but the
case shoulder has not been touched.

Its like play dough you squeeze the sides it gets longer.

 

[kyzim311]

Given the standard 7/8-14 die threading, 0.001" is about 1/70th of a turn. A slight tweak is all you need once your close.

 

[TommyD11730]

Given the standard 7/8-14 die threading, 0.001" is about 1/70th of a turn. A slight tweak is all you need once your close.

Between my old hands and eyes 1/70 is easier said then done!

 

[Lynn313]

Raise the ram with shell holder to full extension, screw your die in until it’s about a nickel width from touching the shell holder, stop. Lower ram & insert brass, raise to full extensio, hand screw die down until you reach significant resistance. You are now touching the shoulder of the case with the die. Make your desired shoulder set back from here. For most bolt shooters 001 - 003, for semis .003 - .005

 

[TommyD11730]

Raise the ram with shell holder to full extension, screw your die in until it’s about a nickel width from touching the shell holder, stop. Lower ram & insert brass, raise to full extensio, hand screw die down until you reach significant resistance. You are now touching the shoulder of the case with the die. Make your desired shoulder set back from here. For most bolt shooters 001 - 003, for semis .003 - .005

That was very well written. Thank you.
In my case I found my shell plate was actually loose that day (whoops).
For giggles I did try your procedure to adjust the die. No way in hell I can turn the die with a case inside it. My cases (223) are only growing 002 give or take as measured with the comparator... So I don't think that's why I can't turn the die.

 

[Howland]

Given the standard 7/8-14 die threading, 0.001" is about 1/70th of a turn. A slight tweak is all you need once your close.

Between my old hands and eyes 1/70 is easier said then done!

I use a sharpie to make an index mark on the press and the die threads, then place a compass over the die. A 5° turn downward will set the shoulder back almost exactly one thousandth of an inch. Rough? Yes, but it gets you pretty close.

 

[Rathmatik]

If you're still having trouble with getting the resizing die set to the right bump, you could try this method as explained by Erik Cortina. He uses calipers on the die to figure how much to move the lock ring precisely. It's pretty interesting.

 

[Lynn313]

That was very well written. Thank you.
In my case I found my shell plate was actually loose that day (whoops).
For giggles I did try your procedure to adjust the die. No way in hell I can turn the die with a case inside it. My cases (223) are only growing 002 give or take as measured with the comparator... So I don't think that's why I can't turn the die.

Tommy, the overall length of your cases will grow each time you work it until you reach the shoulder. That’s the brass being squeezed. It has to go somewhere. My apologies for not including this.