Rookie neck tension question

[coueskiller43]

The micrometer top on the Redding and Forster dies is nice but, what I like more than anything is the way they seat the bullet. The bullet and cartridge are completely supported and aligned before the bullet seating begins.

View attachment 641533

Forster bench rest dies do the same thing just no micrometer and a lot cheaper

 

[MarkInPA]

I know the only type of shooting I will be doing is hunting and practicing on steel for hunting. I do not want to turn necks so I figure sizing the neck from the inside with an expander is probably the way for me. My 7PRC already shoots great with factory ammo so I am hoping we can get a load dialed in to shoot even better. My son who was 16 at the time with not a ton of experience shot 1/2 MOA group at 700 yards with factory Hornady eld-x ammo. Maybe I won't be able to improve on that and I will end up just spending money for nothing???

If you are not going to turn necks, I think you should be using an expander of some sort. Either the expander ball in the sizing die or else with a mandrel like you were talking about but, I would not skip this step. Most of the people not using a final neck expander are turning their necks for uniformity.

There are lots of good sizing dies on the market and at different price points too. I think you should give the Forster full length sizing dies a try. I think they are a step above the more common RCBS, Hornady, etc. They set there sizing ball up higher in the sizing die which is supposed to lesson run-out.

 

[MarkInPA]

Forster bench rest dies do the same thing just no micrometer and a lot cheaper View attachment 641538

Very true. No argument from me except, the one I just purchased was $143.99 retail. That's only a $20.24 difference. Isn't the micrometer worth that much?

 

[ickes123]

So does that bushing style die set the neck tension?

jump on you tube there's some great videos on there that will make you a pro in no time.

 

[Nicoli7153]

I use FL dies and pull the expander stem. Run them trough a mandrel to expand the necks. I deprime with the Frankfort Arsenal hand held unit.

Think using a mandrel is the best way to go for most applications, unless you are doing long range precision shooting

 

[tomcat818]

Yep agree with CST on understanding what you need based on your goals\expectations. I initially bought a standard two die set for 300WM (Full length and seater no mic) and later realized this would be overworking my brass and usually end up creating a couple of foulers finding the right seating dept. This lead me to purchase the 3 set Redding die w/ full length die, neck bushing only, and seater w/ micrometer. The standard full length die would take the neck tension to .007" then the expander ball opened to .0035" tension . With the three die set I use a .334 bushing (neck only die) then a .3065" mandrel for .0015 neck tension. I see two advantages to this method lower SD's and less brass work in the neck which is susceptible to cracking. I'm planning on taking this rifle out to 1K is why I'm so concerned about SD and ES. If your intentions are to hunt at typical hunting ranges and not a lot of recreational or competitive shooting I would suggest a full length die and micro seater.

 

[huntoregon]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm looking into either Forster or Redding sizing and seating dies. Probably with the micrometer. Also looking at the 21st Century expander mandrel and body. Now to figure out what size mandrel to start with.

 

[huntoregon]

Yep agree with CST on understanding what you need based on your goals\expectations. I initially bought a standard two die set for 300WM (Full length and seater no mic) and later realized this would be overworking my brass and usually end up creating a couple of foulers finding the right seating dept. This lead me to purchase the 3 set Redding die w/ full length die, neck bushing only, and seater w/ micrometer. The standard full length die would take the neck tension to .007" then the expander ball opened to .0035" tension . With the three die set I use a .334 bushing (neck only die) then a .3065" mandrel for .0015 neck tension. I see two advantages to this method lower SD's and less brass work in the neck which is susceptible to cracking. I'm planning on taking this rifle out to 1K is why I'm so concerned about SD and ES. If your intentions are to hunt at typical hunting ranges and not a lot of recreational or competitive shooting I would suggest a full length die and micro seater.

I do plan on hunting at longer ranges if the opportunity presents itself. I am comfortable out to 700 yards now. With more practice and confidence maybe more.

 

[Beluebow]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm looking into either Forster or Redding sizing and seating dies. Probably with the micrometer. Also looking at the 21st Century expander mandrel and body. Now to figure out what size mandrel to start with.

I would start with a .2825 mandrel and a handful for bushings from .309-.313 and see what combo your gun likes.