Resizing Die Setup

SizingEvery reloader needs to set up their sizing dies and the instructions provided by most manufacturers are terse at best. Beginning reloaders also struggle because they are not yet familiar with certain practices that can optimize sizing die setup and use. The 6.5 Guys recently changed over their 6.5×47 Lapua sizing dies to Redding Type S bushing style full length sizing dies. While setting up the new dies we documented the procedure for the benefit of our audience and discussed the technique we use to measure shoulder setback.

We both started out with Forster dies. Ed was using the Forster Bench Rest Full Length Sizer Die (Forster #: 005346), but being a non-bushing die he wanted to avoid overworking the case neck. The aggressive over sizing of the neck also resulted in brass spring-back which increased neck tension to the point that the bullet jackets were shaving slightly (Note: This was not a shortcoming of the Forster die – you would have this problem with any non-bushing die as they are designed to accommodate brass of varying neck thickness). Steve was using the Forster Bushing Bump Neck Sizer Die (Forster #: BBK2261) but wanted the ability to size the entire case. Steve noticed that every 2-3 firings he was getting heavy bolt life and had to size the body using a .308 die. Having both used the Redding dies in other calibers, we were comfortable with them and decided to get the Redding Type S Bushing Full Length Sizer Die (Redding #: 77479). We also purchased the 6.5mm Redding carbide expander ball (Redding #: 48263).

What size bushing should you use with the 6.5×47 cartridge? We’ve found .287″ works well. It sizes the neck enough to accommodate any variations in Lapua brass. The expander ball just “kisses” the inside of the neck pushing any inconsistencies to the outside. Either the plain steel or titanium nitride coated bushings work. Ed went with the plain steel bushing but Steve went with the coated bushing. Note: Once you determine the proper bushing size, Forster can hone the neck of their non-bushing dies accordingly – this only costs $12. Many believe that a properly honed full length die will produce brass with better concentricity than a bushing die.

Here are some of the tips and tricks we picked up from Glen Zedicker’s book Handloading for Competition:

  • Glen is a big proponent of floating the die and this is the main philosophy behind the Forster Co-Ax press. It may seem counter intuitive, but floating the die enhances concentricity.
O-rings

O-rings can be used to float die. We use one underneath the lock ring and one underneath the decapping rod lock ring.

  • If you are using a standard press, you can float the die by inserting an o-ring underneath the lock ring. This also makes it easier to make small adjustments to the die without having to loosen the lock ring. You’ll notice that the lock rings on Lee dies have an integrated o-ring. If you have a Forster press, this step is not necessary as the design of the press floats the die. We also insert an o-ring underneath the lock ring for the decapping rod. This allows the rod to float and it also addresses the nagging tendency of the lock ring to come loose.
  • Redding recommends turning the decapping rod by 1/16 turn to float the bushing. We opt for 1/8 turn because it leaves a slightly larger un-sized portion on the neck which will help center the cartridge in the throat. Some will even go half a turn or more. If you don’t subscribe to this philosophy, follow Redding’s instructions. In the video we show how you can add hash marks to make the adjustment easier.

To measure shoulder setback we use the Hornady Lock-N-Load headspace gage. You can find similar tools from other manufacturers. What they all have in common is they measure the shoulder setback from the middle of the shoulder (or datum line) to the base of the cartridge. When performing these measurements, you want to remove the primer as any primer cratering can throw off the measurement. We aim to set the shoulder back by .002″ given that we shoot in some dirty environments.

DieIndex

Align index mark on die with slit in lock ring

To set up the die in your press, screw it in until you get the slightest degree of cam over. From our experience, this will get your shoulder setback in the ballpark. If you start adjusting the die from a position further out, the case will actually start to grow before the shoulder gets set back. This can be very confusing and lead to improper die adjustment. If when adjusting your die some of your cases are set back too much (say .005″) they will be safe to fire. As illustrated in the video, you will want to create index marks on your die to facilitate adjustment. We also replace the Redding lock rings with Forster lock rings because they are easier to index and adjust.

Update 4/12/15: Some of our viewers use the Redding Competition shell holders to adjust shoulder setback. These shell holders allow you to adjust shoulder bump in .002″ increments.

The use of an expander ball borders on a religious debate in reloading circles with passionate viewpoints on each side. Glen Zediker does a good job of explaining both sides of the debate in his book. If you neck turn, we could see the merits of not using an expander ball. However, even high quality brass like Lapua will have neck thickness variations. You can either deal with those variations by using an expander ball or letting the bullet act as an expander. For us, we prefer to let the expander ball do the work.

Update 3/1/17: We have been using a mandrel for some time to size the case necks in lieu of the expander ball. Please read our article on the topic.

You will find the video below quite useful as illustrates the various points made above. As with any reloading pursuit, follow all manufacturer’s directions and use common sense. If you encounter anything in this article or video that do not make sense, STOP what you are doing and consult with a knowledgeable source.

Latest Comments
  1. David Milligan

    Thanks for your videos and advice/experience guys. I stumbled onto your videos, and really enjoyed watching. I have a very nice .308, and I’m new to shooting. I do like my .308, but I’ve been reading that .260 is better in many ways, and I can take my 1200 fire formed cases and turn them into .260. My particular rifle can’t be simply re-barreled, so I’d have to sell it and buy a .260. Or I may just shoot .308 for a couple years, then migrate to .260. Either way, like you guys, I’m enjoying the journey. I also appreciate how well you gentlemen work together. You guys make a great team. Happy shooting.

    David

    • 65guys

      Thanks David for reading and watching.

  2. Brenton O'Reilly

    Hi guys love the videos have only just found your website thanks to AccurateShooter.com. I am just in the process of building my own 6.5×47 based on a Barnard Model SM action dropped into an AICS. Any chance of sharing with us the recipe for your Lanolin case solution? I normally use the cans of Hornady One-Shot case lube but it is very expensive here in Australia. Keep up the good work on the videos I just learnt something new with the O-ring trick on the dies to float them. Cheers

  3. Michael Landoli

    What size o rings did you use?

    I love your site and videos. I am a highpower rile competitor for across the course, id-range, and long range. I am very interested in the tactical rile competition.

    Thanks

    • 65guys

      Hi – we use 7/8″ ID O-rings. Ace Hardware has them. Thanks for watching!

      Regards,

      Ed

  4. Len Jeter

    Great video Guys! What do you use to mark your dies cam-over and other reference points? Thanks.

    • 65guys

      Thanks for reading Len. We just use a permanent marker. The metallic silver ones show up really well. When you need to erase them, just use acetone.

      Regards,

      Ed

  5. C.Carlson

    Steve, Ed,

    Just found you guys. Love the informative articles and corresponding videos. I know this was posted over a year ago, but can we get some updates? Are you still using the Redding Type S Dies? How is Brass Life? Any other tips? ThanK You, keep up the good work.

    • 65guys

      Hi,

      Thanks for watching! We are still using the Redding dies but we are now using mandrels in place of the expander ball. Initial results are encouraging. Ed has 6.5×47 cases with 12-15 firings with no sign of giving up. As far as other tips, use the lanolin lube – so much quicker and consistent.

      Regards,

      Ed and Steve

      • C.Carlson

        Mr. Steve,

        Thank you for the quick follow up. Can you supply more information on the mandrels you are using? Available from Redding or somewhere else? I know in the article you were using .287 bushings to just “kiss” with the ball. Still using this bushing?

  6. Nick Weidhaas

    Thanks for doing these vids. New to PRS and long range reloading. I was hoping I’d see you use a Forster Co-Ax press in the vid as this is what I have. How do you deal w/ shoulder bump w/ the co-ax as they don’t use the differerent size redding shell holders, but the floating jaws? Other words, how do I increase bump if my die is already adj all the way down? (Per set up instructions). Thanks again.

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