What Size Bushing?

[IdahoJoe]

I have RCBS gold metal dies that require the bushings for my 6.5-284. I am planning on loading Bergers but currently I have been shooting Sierra matchkings. Any way I need to by the bushings to resize my brass. if I figure .264 and .012 for brass with .001 undersizing I am at a .287 bushing. I was wondering what every one else uses for this caliber?

 

[Gene]

The general rule is choose bushings .002" - .003" under loaded round diameter. I usually select one size I hope will work, then also buy one of each thou larger and smaller, in steel bushings. So you have three to work with. You could later sell the extras, and buy one titanium bushings. Make sure the necks are tight enough to hold bullet securely.

BTW, In my 30 BR I have numerous Redding bushings, but the .323 has worked well. I bought a titanium, and accuracy went poof!! Returned to the steel bushing, and accuracy restored. So, you should not completely trust the listed dimensions. I note you are using RCBS bushing sizer. I would check with them and ask whether the bushing should be inserted numbers side up or down. Reddding says insert them down. It can make a difference.

 

[Greyfox]

With Lapua unturned brass I use a .292 bushing in my Redding Competition dye with the provided expander. The case mouth thickness is .015". This gives me a total dimension of .294 with either 140 Bergers, JLK's, or 142 SMK's. My .292 bushing gives me .002" of neck tension that holds the bullet well and is very accurate in both my Cooper and Savage which have identical chamber dimensions. The fired brass, neck measurements of both rifles run at .296" for .004" of clearance.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

Just curious - Why would Redding recommend placing the bushings in the die with the numbers facing down? Both sides seem to have the same inner radius on the edge. I place all of my TN Redding bushings in with the numbers UP so that I can read them.

Hmmmmm

The general rule is choose bushings .002" - .003" under loaded round diameter. I usually select one size I hope will work, then also buy one of each thou larger and smaller, in steel bushings. So you have three to work with. You could later sell the extras, and buy one titanium bushings. Make sure the necks are tight enough to hold bullet securely.

BTW, In my 30 BR I have numerous Redding bushings, but the .323 has worked well. I bought a titanium, and accuracy went poof!! Returned to the steel bushing, and accuracy restored. So, you should not completely trust the listed dimensions. I note you are using RCBS bushing sizer. I would check with them and ask whether the bushing should be inserted numbers side up or down. Reddding says insert them down. It can make a difference.

 

[Greyfox]

Just curious - Why would Redding recommend placing the bushings in the die with the numbers facing down? Both sides seem to have the same inner radius on the edge. I place all of my TN Redding bushings in with the numbers UP so that I can read them.

Hmmmmm

So do I .

 

[Gene]

Read the Redding manual, that is what it says. Find it on page 3 "Bushing selection and use".

There is supposed to be a small bevel on the underside of that bushing.

 

[Loner]

The bullet change shouldn't matter on the bushing size. It's the brass neck thickness
you are concerned with.