Case Neck Tension

[smokingloon]

Press: RCBS Rock Chucker
Dies: Redding Competition Die Set w/ FL resizing die
Brass: Once used
Projectile: Golden West Brass .308 168 gr.

I full length resize my brass, trim to 2.005", and then chamfer and deburr.
The problem I am having is that the projectile falls into the brass. The case neck is loose as a goose. What am I doing wrong?

I have been reloading for a short while and never had this problem with .223

[phish]

Does your sizing die use interchangeable neck bushings? If so, it could be you're using a bushing that's too big.

[morphius]

I believe the Redding competition set has a micrometer adjustable seating die and Type S bushing based full length sizer.

I'm assuming your FL sizer die body is fully adjusted down until it touches the shellhoder and backed up a few thousands, enough to bump the case shoulder back.

Then it is the neck bushing inside the FL sizer die that needs to be several thousands smaller. Take a look at this Redding link for bushing size determination.

[Hans Gruber]

Since you didn't mention the bushing size, I'm going to assume that you're not using one.

Well THERE'S your problem!

[ar15barrels]

Since you didn't mention the bushing size, I'm going to assume that you're not using one.

Well THERE'S your problem!

Yep.
The redding comp dies don't come with a bushing installed.
If you pull one out of the box and start sizing with it, you are not going to be sizing the neck.

[Hans Gruber]

If you're in the LA area (I just see SoCal), you can go up to the Reloading Store up at the Angeles Range. They have a good supply of bushings there. See the Redding website to find instructions on how to find out what size you need.

The weekend is not lost!

[smokingloon]

So the redding instructions states, "The easiest way to determine the proper diameter bushing is to measure the neck diameter of several loaded or dummy cartridges with an accurate micrometer. (These dummy cartridges can be loaded with your old set of dies or a borrowed set.) Then, simply subtract 0.001" from the cartridge that had the smallest average measurement. This will allow for a slight amount of spring back and create a proper press fit for the bullet".

So I pretty much have to go out and get another sizing die or borrow one from somebody.

[Hans Gruber]

So the redding instructions states, "The easiest way to determine the proper diameter bushing is to measure the neck diameter of several loaded or dummy cartridges with an accurate micrometer. (These dummy cartridges can be loaded with your old set of dies or a borrowed set.) Then, simply subtract 0.001" from the cartridge that had the smallest average measurement. This will allow for a slight amount of spring back and create a proper press fit for the bullet".

So I pretty much have to go out and get another sizing die or borrow one from somebody.

Another (less precise) way to get you started is to measure how thick the brass walls on the neck are, multiply x 2 + .308 - .001

So if the neck walls are .014 thick:

.014 x 2 = .028
.028 + .308 = .336
.336 - .001 = .335

You'd need a .335 neck bushing. Again, it isn't perfect but it'll get you started.

[ar15barrels]

So I pretty much have to go out and get another sizing die or borrow one from somebody.

Are you running a bushing now?
I don't think that 0.001" is enough tension.
I recommend 0.002" to 0.003"

Also, are you using a micrometer or calipers to take measurements.
Calipers are not accurate enough sometimes.
The in-accuracy of calipers could be an issue in this case.

It's best to have a few bushings.
Then you can try more or less tension as one more factor in fine-tweaking the load for best accuracy.

Here's a cutaway picture of the redding comp sizer.



Notice the gold neck bushing?
Do you have one installed in the die?

Also, the die should come with two expander bushings, one will neck expand and the other will only retain the decapping pin.
When using the proper bushing, you remove the neck expander button and just run the decapping pin retainer.
The picture above shows the neck expander installed.

[smokingloon]

I am currently not running any sort of bushing.

Currently using a dial caliper to make measurements.

This is everything that came with my set.

[Beelzy]

Well ain't that dandy!

[Fjold]

Edit:

This works best with high quality brass, (Lapua or Norma brass) take a fired round and size the neck to the point that it just barely holds the bullet and mic the neck diameter. You want to get a bushing that is .003 - .004" smaller than that. The brass will spring back about .001" or so so it will leave you with .002 - .003" of neck tension.

Ideally your chamber should be cut .002 -.003" larger than the neck diameter of your loaded ammunition to align the bullet with the throat and still leave some room for the bullet to release.

[ar15barrels]

I am currently not running any sort of bushing.

There's the problem.
You need a bushing if you want the neck sized.

It's not a suprise that the neck will not hold a bullet as you have not sized the neck.
The die only sizes the body.
The bushing sizes the neck.

[buffybuster]

Press: RCBS Rock Chucker
Dies: Redding Competition Die Set w/ FL resizing die
Brass: Once used
Projectile: Golden West Brass .308 168 gr.

I full length resize my brass, trim to 2.005", and then chamfer and deburr.
The problem I am having is that the projectile falls into the brass. The case neck is loose as a goose. What am I doing wrong?

I have been reloading for a short while and never had this problem with .223

As others have stated, the Redding Competition FL die ONLY sizes the body. You need neck bushings to size the neck. Depending on your neck thickness, you should get a couple of different bushing sizes, to make sure you have enough neck tension.

[phish]

Time to hit up teh interwebz for some bushings. If you've got the coin, get the .335 to .337, you should be covered for just about any commercial cases out there.

If you just want one, the .335 is a safe bet