Legionnaire
Well-Known Member
Interesting. Could it be that the OP has a sizing die that is for a 22-243AI instead of a 243AI? In which case it's simply the wrong die rather than an out-of-spec die.
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Varmint Hunter
Well-Known Member
Why not just re-ream the chamber to match your dies? You would probably only loose a 1/4" of barrel.
Yes I could rechamber to the 243 Win Imp but as I have the 243 Ackley Imp reamer and that is what I want I just don't think it would set right with me. David Manson suggested in our emails that since this is not a SAAMI certified cartridge not all where cut to the same spec.
When I started with these dies and the first rounds sizing It was extremely hard to run them through my press. At first I tried backing my body die out and barely hitting it but the result was actually squeezing the shoulder and moving it forward a little. This created a tight chamber and difficulty closing the bolt. I was not neck turning and never have but I now have started to turn these. This has helped but the fact of the matter is this die is not correct for the Manson reamed 243 Ackley Improved cartridge which I believe is based on PO Ackley' s design.
I do appreciate everyone's thoughts as I have not had this problem before. I've seen it suggested multiple times that Redding could hone dies if you give them the fired cases to go by but that's not the response I have gotten from them. I won't try reaming my die as it will just ruin my reamer I'm afraid with the dies being hardened. I want to do at least one more barrel for this rifle so would like to just get the correct sizing die, body or full length.
I will add that since we are working in these "covid times" things have changed. I believe the options companies have chosen to take in making extra inventory and being able to do extra work seem to be affecting the inventories and the services they offer. Understandable but frustrating.
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ntsqd
Well-Known Member
Probably are going to have to change your approach and go the custom die route. At least then the die will match your chamber and cases.
Mikecr
Well-Known Member
It's a weird problem. A mess really. Wish I knew the story behind the .460 reamers.
I think you'll need to have a custom body die made (preferably fitted to your fired brass).
If you can contact JLC Precision, they do this really well, and inexpensively.
I think you'll need to have a custom body die made (preferably fitted to your fired brass).
If you can contact JLC Precision, they do this really well, and inexpensively.
Barstooler
Member
My RCBS dies are labeled ".243 Ack Imp 40• FL"
Box also says "Group G. PN 56096"
I know that RCBS has cut back on types of dies that they sell, but call and they may have that die as old stock sitting on the shelf. And it is no longer listed as a Group G die. However they also know how to make a 243 AI die so might be able to special order a set
Box also says "Group G. PN 56096"
I know that RCBS has cut back on types of dies that they sell, but call and they may have that die as old stock sitting on the shelf. And it is no longer listed as a Group G die. However they also know how to make a 243 AI die so might be able to special order a set
Glenn,
I also have the same problem you do with the Winchester Improved dies, and was trying to find Ackley Improved dies when I came across your post. I called Redding Reloading and talked to one of their engineers. They have made the dies in the past with the .460 diameter just below the shoulder, which is what my fireformed brass measures. I am having a full length sizing die made and there isn't a design charge because it's been previously done. Lead time however, is 6-12 months, but hopefully earlier. I'm attaching the email reply from Mike Speary with information for you. Hope this helps.
Timothy Sanders Sr.
Hello Tim,
We have made a full length sizing die for chambers with a body/shoulder junction dimension of .460" that can be used in lieu of the sizing dies that comes in the 84420 set. This is a custom series die and currently we do not have any in stock. The lead time for this die could be 6-12 months.
Thank you,
Mike Speary
[email protected]
Redding Reloading
1089 Starr Road
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 753-3331
Tim,
Thank you for the great info. Did they by chance say what the cost would be.
Currently I am using my S type Neck sizes and as I have quite a bit of fire formed brass I'm using that but bolt closed just a little snugger than I would like. I would prefer to full length size.
Thanks again,
Glenn
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
Let me check my fired and FL sized brass. I am building a .260AI, and have a set of .243AI bushing FL and comp seater die used. I have since ordered a .260AI comp seater and .260AI FL bushing die. So of my dummy rounds measure .460", I might not need the .243AI die set.
Glenn,
Redding had me order it through Accurate Arms and Ammo, I'm guessing it couldn't be ordered directly from Redding. The lady who answered the phone was very helpful and knew most of the people with Redding. I sent her a copy of the email I sent you and she called and made sure everything was right before placing the order. I had to pay upfront and it was $142 and change. I'll attach a copy of my receipt from them. I don't mind the wait as my hunting season just started and I've still got a lot of fireforming to do. Good luck and hopefully I was able to help.
Timothy Sanders Sr
Attachments
Let me know if you want to sell it. Shoot me a PM. Thank you
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
Here is what I have. .243 Win Imp 40°.
But....a FL sized case through the body die is .460" just behind the shoulder junction.
But....a FL sized case through the body die is .460" just behind the shoulder junction.
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