Redding Type S: How do I figure out which bushing?

[BigJ]

I'm reloading for my Garand; PPU brass and SMK 168gr bullets. This is the first time loading these cases and this bullet for this gun, and it'll be the first time I'm using a Redding Type S FL die. How do I figure out which bushing to use?

Thanks in advance.

[highpower790]

Never having used bushings,I would start with the largest one first.Measure inside diameter of case..should be about .306,you only need .002 neck tension.this is the difference between bullet diameter and inside case diameter.

[FTC]

Make a dummy round or measure a factory round, measure diameter of brass neck and subtract desired tension. .002 is common

You have to order bushings separate, none come with the dies if you're buying new

[BigJ]

Thanks highpower, makes sense.

If not with bushings, how do you control neck tension? I'm a relative novice when it comes to bottleneck case resizing/reloading.

[BigJ]

Make a loaded dummy round, measure diameter of brass neck and subtract desired tension. .002 is common

You have to order bushings separate, none come with the dies if you're buying new

A loaded dummy round without having resized first?

[highpower790]

Thanks highpower, makes sense.

If not with bushings, how do you control neck tension? I'm a relative novice when it comes to bottleneck case resizing/reloading.

As a match service rifle competitor I dont worry about neck tension.With the M1 I really wouldnt worry .I use standard RCBS dies for the M1.

[BigJ]

So you don't worry about runout or concentricity, '790? Or am I confusing issues?

[highpower790]

So you don't worry about runout or concentricity, '790? Or am I confusing issues?

Thats right,just load it and shoot.The cartidge will be better than you.As was told to me by an old Marine" the M1 is just a boat oar,load it and shoot" and would you rather reload more or shoot more?"

[FTC]

A loaded dummy round without having resized first?

Nope, gotta be resized. Catch 22 if you don't have new brass, but I think the type s dies are a little overkill for a garand or any other semi auto anyways. As just a casual shooter I also use standard rcbs dies for 30/06. Only bushing dies I have are for 6.5 x47L

[Fjold]

Unless you are using match quality brass the S Type bushing dies really won't do you that much good. Bulk brass in a factory/military chamber is going to have so many variations that the .001 accuracy of the bushing dies is not going to gain you anything. Concentricity and even neck tension of your ammo is going to be affected more by your brass than the die can correct.

Even if you use Lapua brass and skim cut the necks, your cartridge is still going to be laying off center in the bottom of an oversized chamber.

[Bastard]

neck thickness x 2 + bullet diameter - desired neck tension (usually .002)... or something like that.


like other have said, unless you are using match quality brass & turning the necks the - you probable would have just been better off with the Lee collet die.

[BigJ]

Roger that, Gents. Thanks for the knowledge.

[JMP]

You need a ball micrometer to measure the neck thickness. You should measure the brass in four quadrants (or more) and get the average neck thickness. From this, you would use bullet diameter + neck thickness x 2 - desired neck tension - 0.001". You generally reduce it by an extra 0.001" as the brass will tend to spring back a tad; however, this effect is reduced as the brass ages, so it requires judgement. Then, with a standard micrometer, you can verify your sizing by measuring the outer diameter.

There's no prescribed neck tension that is right, but the key is to maintain consistency. Most people use 0.002" as a bogey. However, this is dependent on the circumstance. With very long bullets, you will generally go with less tension than with shorter bullets. This is due to the fact that the longer bullet is seated deeper, so it'll need to overcome more force due to additional friction to exit the case.

[RandyD]

I assume the OP's purpose in using a die that allows for variable neck tension is to seek accuracy. You need to perform accuracy tests to find the neck tension that produces the best accuracy in your barrel. After finding the correct neck tension, you need to consider that there are a number of variables to consider regarding your cartridge. The amount of spring in the cartridge's neck can vary depending on manufacturer, thickness and number of times it has been reloaded. The most significant factor in accuracy is consistency, which can be accomplished with a die that provides a non-adjustable neck tension.

The advice of highpower790 is on point. The M-1 Garand is not a precision rifle. It can be accurized to shoot 1 MOA, which is sufficient for Highpower competitions. If you are shooting the Garand, the conventional wisdom to shooting it accurately is to spend time shooting it instead of spending time in seeking the most accurate load.