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tobnpr · February 16, 2012, 10:43 PM

As mentioned above, it often helps to go 1/2- 3/4 turn past contact with the shellplate.

I didn't have a chambering issue, but I was checking headspace with a gauge for a bolt gun and wanted to bump the shoulders back .002 less than the fireformed brass. Couldn't make it happen.

Then someone suggested what I did above. There can still be some "slack" when you adjust for light contact. Adjust it so that it really cams over hard- and it'll bump the shoulders back.

The cautionary note above is legit, although I really don't think the manufacturers' tolerances will allow for enough bump to cause a headspace issue unless you've done some grinding on the die base...

Best to get a heaspace gauge, then you know for sure. Can't beat the Hornady Lock N Load:

http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-...h-Body-1-Each/

And, you should go with small base sizing dies for an AR. Guarantee it'll help with the sizing issues.

February 16, 2012, 10:43 PM	#26
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	As mentioned above, it often helps to go 1/2- 3/4 turn past contact with the shellplate. I didn't have a chambering issue, but I was checking headspace with a gauge for a bolt gun and wanted to bump the shoulders back .002 less than the fireformed brass. Couldn't make it happen. Then someone suggested what I did above. There can still be some "slack" when you adjust for light contact. Adjust it so that it really cams over hard- and it'll bump the shoulders back. The cautionary note above is legit, although I really don't think the manufacturers' tolerances will allow for enough bump to cause a headspace issue unless you've done some grinding on the die base... Best to get a heaspace gauge, then you know for sure. Can't beat the Hornady Lock N Load: http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-...h-Body-1-Each/ And, you should go with small base sizing dies for an AR. Guarantee it'll help with the sizing issues. Last edited by tobnpr; February 16, 2012 at 10:50 PM.