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Which FL Bushing Die

Kmccord

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2016
Messages
1,687
Location
Reilly Springs, TX
I have been looking at changing my reloading steps.
This is my current setup, universal decapper die, then FL sizer die without the decapping rod, next is mandrel die with specific mandrel for neck size, finally bullet seater. I would like to eliminate the first three and have a FL Bushing sizing die, however I am wondering which brand works the best, Forester, Redding, Hornady, Wilson?? What has worked the best for you that has zero neck runout? Thanks in advance.
 
I have been looking at changing my reloading steps.
This is my current setup, universal decapper die, then FL sizer die without the decapping rod, next is mandrel die with specific mandrel for neck size, finally bullet seater. I would like to eliminate the first three and have a FL Bushing sizing die, however I am wondering which brand works the best, Forester, Redding, Hornady, Wilson?? What has worked the best for you that has zero neck runout? Thanks in advance.
All of mine are from Redding. Below is my latest purchase this week.

1736080387011.jpeg


There are far more pricey ones, but I have been very satisfied with Redding.
 
I use Redding also. One thing to watch out for when using this approach. If the change in fired case neck diameter to your desired resized neck diameter is greater than 0.004" it is better to do the resizing in two steps.
 
I use Redding Type S bushing FL dies and I'm happy with them. However, I believe only SAC makes bushing dies (and bushings) that actually size to the bottom of the neck. Their bushings look like inverted funnels. SAC does make a lot of high quality, precision reloading equipment.
 
I've used them all with good results but I did have a Forster 28 Nosler X die crack in the body which was covered quickly under warranty. I prefer the Redding type S for Speedy Gonzales die. However the Redding bushings in my calibers 5.56-.308 had the worst runout. Which ever die you invest in, buy all your bushings from Short Action Customs I tried them when they first came out a few years back and I ended up swapping all mine out. I use the SAC bushings exclusively. They won't scratch or shave brass off your case necks and as I recall they are guaranteed to improve runout measurements over all the others.
 
I think Redding was the first? Have 2 Redding Type S fl bushing dies.

Patent

Tip- Sizing necks down more the .008" at a time may cause runout? From their website.
 
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I've been using either Whidden or Redding. Look at the SAC bushings. Pricey but give better results than my Redding bushings in the same dies.
 
The best I have used are Forster, Whidden and Redding. The Whidden/Redding dies will be all over if you run a loose bushing. I like Forster with no bushing.

The bushing dies seem to get me 0.002" TIR. The Forster dies get about 0.0002" TIR better.

So, I use the Forster Bench Rest FL Sizer. My next step is to figure out how much to hone it out…
 
The best I have used are Forster, Whidden and Redding. The Whidden/Redding dies will be all over if you run a loose bushing. I like Forster with no bushing.

The bushing dies seem to get me 0.002" TIR. The Forster dies get about 0.0002" TIR better.

So, I use the Forster Bench Rest FL Sizer. My next step is to figure out how much to hone it out…
So, you set the neck tension with a Mandrel since you use a FL sizer die? If so, I am using a FL sizer die and mandrel to set neck tension and was hoping to get it down to one step. Believe it or not, using a cheap Lee FL sizer die without the expander I get zero runout, but when I run it through the Mandrel it will develop .002 runout, I was hoping with a FL Bushing die I could get zero on runout
 
Sac bushings do the necks and shoulder. Others just do the neck. I mostly use Redding Match dies. If you are necking down for smaller bullet diameters then they really shine cause it gets rid of the donut problem.

Not really sure how your getting more runout after running the mandrel through it. I've never experienced that.
 
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