.257 AI dies

yggorf · February 8, 2011, 08:26 PM

I need to buy some Redding dies (my favorite) for my new .257AI bolt gun. This is my first reloading experiment for a bolt gun (shot gas guns up until now) and also my first experiment with AI chambering.

I understand that I get .257 brass, shot it in the AI chambered rifle, and it is magically transformed into .257 AI brass from then on. My questions are:

1. Should I need a full length resizing die? Once the brass has expanded in this rifle's chamber, can't I just neck size form then on?
2. If I need to full length resize, I assume I should use a .257AI resizing die (not a .257 resizing die).
3. I like to use the Series S resizers with the neck bushing. What size neck bushings will I need for this?

t45 · February 8, 2011, 08:58 PM

I neck size my 243AI only. As far as bushing size goes, it depends on your chamber size. Mine is a tight neck.

Ideal Tool · February 9, 2011, 02:06 AM

Hello, yggorf. Yes you can get away with neck-sizing..up to a point..brass tends to work harden & won't spring back as it did when new. Your bolt will tend to become harder to close. You might want to invest in a bump die..this pushes the shoulder back to original position, but doesn't reduce case body size like a F.L. sizer would. I like the Redding bushing dies myself, lets you tailor neck tension. Best of luck with your Ackley. That reminds me...I have a custom rifle in .22 Ackley Bee..I have to get busy & buy dies for that myself!

P.S.
I re-read your post & saw where you asked about bushing size? Seat a bullet in case neck, & using micrometer measure neck dia. I like to go .002 to .003 under this dimension..usually I buy the two bushings..as brass work hardens, you can go to smaller size.

February 8, 2011, 08:26 PM	#1
yggorf Senior Member Join Date: April 17, 2009 Posts: 125	.257 AI dies I need to buy some Redding dies (my favorite) for my new .257AI bolt gun. This is my first reloading experiment for a bolt gun (shot gas guns up until now) and also my first experiment with AI chambering. I understand that I get .257 brass, shot it in the AI chambered rifle, and it is magically transformed into .257 AI brass from then on. My questions are: 1. Should I need a full length resizing die? Once the brass has expanded in this rifle's chamber, can't I just neck size form then on? 2. If I need to full length resize, I assume I should use a .257AI resizing die (not a .257 resizing die). 3. I like to use the Series S resizers with the neck bushing. What size neck bushings will I need for this?

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February 8, 2011, 08:58 PM	#2
t45 Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2010 Location: Foothills, NC Posts: 782	I neck size my 243AI only. As far as bushing size goes, it depends on your chamber size. Mine is a tight neck.

February 9, 2011, 02:06 AM	#3
Ideal Tool Junior member Join Date: October 6, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,080	Hello, yggorf. Yes you can get away with neck-sizing..up to a point..brass tends to work harden & won't spring back as it did when new. Your bolt will tend to become harder to close. You might want to invest in a bump die..this pushes the shoulder back to original position, but doesn't reduce case body size like a F.L. sizer would. I like the Redding bushing dies myself, lets you tailor neck tension. Best of luck with your Ackley. That reminds me...I have a custom rifle in .22 Ackley Bee..I have to get busy & buy dies for that myself! P.S. I re-read your post & saw where you asked about bushing size? Seat a bullet in case neck, & using micrometer measure neck dia. I like to go .002 to .003 under this dimension..usually I buy the two bushings..as brass work hardens, you can go to smaller size.