bullet tension

[Jalex]

Hi all.
I've just started to reload for bottleneck cartridges.
I have a question on how much bullet tenion is needed ?
I'm using redding neck sizing comp dies no crimp.
I measured per the instructions for bushing size
and it sure seems tight. Going to give .007
of tension.
I know i'll have to go up little but how much,
what prefered?
Shooting .308 in a bolt gun.

Thanks in advance

Jim

[Ammo Junky]

If you are shooting a off the shelf gun with a saami chamber you will need to go with a bushing .001 larger than your loaded rd measures. Yes I said .001 larger not smaller. I use redding bushing die with a carbide button. I set the bushing to give .001" min and .002" max tension. If your brass is good or neck turned and the bushing is the correct size, the button will give very little resistance to the sized case. If you feel a lot of resistance pulling the button out of the case that is not good, but it is better than leaving the cause of the resistance in the neck. I lube any rifle case inside and out, even for neck sizing.
good luck

[Bullet94]

Jalex

You should not have .007 neck tension, .002 is enough unless using moly bullets.

On my 308 a loaded cartridge measures .338 at the neck (Lapua brass). So to get .002 neck tension use a .336 bushing. You might even have to use a .335 bushing depending on how much the brass springs back.

Use a bushing .002 - .003 smaller than the measurement at the neck on a loaded cartridge.
I don’t use the expander button.

Is your .007 measurement on a fired case?

[Jalex]

Thanks for the info.
I believe I'm on track now,
Yes it is once fired brass, measured loaded
cartridge minus 2-3 ended up with a casemouth
of .301 .
If i do as Ammo Junky stated it should be a heck
of a lot closer than I am now.

Thanks again
just have to ask experts

Jim