Keeping things consistent

[BowBaboon]

How does one keep a resizing die consistent each time you screw it into the press? I checked my headspace after resizing and realized they weren't going to chamber, so I had to run them all through the press again after figuring out what my gun would accept and getting the die set properly. Is it just slow adjustments with a piece of brass and checking headspace after each press?

Secondly, what's up with the SAAMI headspace specs on 6.5 creedmoor? Using a .400 headspace gauge, a round sized at 1.537 wouldn't chamber while the SAAMI spec states "1.551 to 1.541". That seems significantly shorter than spec.

 

[Ram94]

I use the Hornady LockNLoad bushings. They stay on my dies. Set them and forget them.

 

[BowBaboon]

I use the Hornady LockNLoad bushings. They stay on my dies. Set them and forget them.

Cool concept. Unfortunately I’m using an rcbs rockchucker supreme and it looks like those only work with hornady presses?

 

[Ram94]

Cool concept. Unfortunately I’m using an rcbs rockchucker supreme and it looks like those only work with hornady presses?

They work with all standard threaded presses. The kit comes with the press-side adapter the stays on the press and then a few die adapters that stay on the dies. I’m using them in a Rockchucker as well.

 

[BowBaboon]

They work with all standard threaded presses. The kit comes with the press-side adapter the stays on the press and then a few die adapters that stay on the dies. I’m using them in a Rockchucker as well.

Okay, I misunderstood the description then. I’ll look into them a bit more. Thanks!

 

[Dave Thomas]

I also use the Hornady bushings.

 

[Marbles]

I use the Hornady lock rings on my RCBS and Redding dies in a Rockchucker Supreme.

 

[SloppyJ]

Lock the set screw down on your die after you get it set. Also, use the headspace comparators to measure to the shoulder. Bump it back 2 to 3 thousandths from a fired case and youre good.

 

[Harvey_NW]

When initially setting a sizing die I measure about 10 fired cases and make sure they're all the same size, run the die down until it touches the shellholder with the ram at full cam and back it out 1/2 turn, then start sizing and adjust the die down in small increments (about 1/8 turn of the die) using a new piece of brass each time until I get .002-3" shoulder bump. Then set the lock ring (I like Hornady clamp style the best) and run all the test pieces back through, and measure a couple more new ones to make sure sizing is consistent. Once the lock ring is set tight, just try to apply the same amount of torque each time you screw that sizing die in and it should stay consistent.

 

[Harvey_NW]

Secondly, what's up with the SAAMI headspace specs on 6.5 creedmoor? Using a .400 headspace gauge, a round sized at 1.537 wouldn't chamber while the SAAMI spec states "1.551 to 1.541". That seems significantly shorter than spec.

Headspace gauges are comparators for comparison measurements, they aren't precision tools so 2 different brands of inserts might produce different measurements. I think the only way to verify the headspace isn't under spec is to check it with a go gauge, and measure the base of a fired case to make sure the diameter isn't under spec from a worn reamer (personally experienced this problem).

 

[BowBaboon]

Thanks everyone, for the advice. Seems I've been making it more complicated than necessary.

 

[BowBaboon]

Headspace gauges are comparators for comparison measurements, they aren't precision tools so 2 different brands of inserts might produce different measurements. I think the only way to verify the headspace isn't under spec is to check it with a go gauge, and measure the base of a fired case to make sure the diameter isn't under spec from a worn reamer (personally experienced this problem).

So comparators aren't built to the exacting standards I was expecting and therefore can give me different readings than another .400 comparator?

 

[SloppyJ]

So comparators aren't built to the exacting standards I was expecting and therefore can give me different readings than another .400 comparator?

Correct.