Redding bushing size selection

TexanInOhio4 · July 27, 2006, 02:59 AM

I've narrowed my selection down to the Redding S-type full length die set for reloading .223, but I'm having difficulty deciding on which size bushing to order. I'll be firing all rounds I roll through a 24" AR15.

Redding recommends selecting a bushing 0.001" smaller than the smallest average neck measurement on loaded cartridges. The Sinclair catalog I have recommends selecting a bushing 0.001" smaller than neck diameter on loaded cartridges, and using a bushing 0.002" smaller than neck diameter (along with the expander ball) when intending to use cases with un-turned case necks (which is what I have...half is 5.56 brass, the other is .223).

Every neck of factory-loaded WCC 5.56 (Q3131A) I checked measured 0.250" with dial calipers, and the necks of various .223 factory loads all measured 0.248".

As a newbie, I'm not sure how critical I should be with the bushing size. With only 0.002" difference in neck measurements, would I need to order two different bushings, or can I get away with using one? If I ordered only one, would I still just choose one based on the smallest measurement (0.248"-0.002"=0.246") or go with the next size up (0.0247) to be between the two measurements? Which size would be best?

Thanks for any help!!

Mike

918v · July 28, 2006, 12:02 AM

Ditch the s-die and get a body die with a Lee collet neck die. Your rounds will be 200% more concentric.

The s-die is good only if you are sizing .003" or less. Factory AR chambers measure .257" so you are sizing .007"-.009". The s-die will create alot of runout. The lee die won't cause any.

July 27, 2006, 02:59 AM	#1
TexanInOhio4 Junior Member Join Date: July 16, 2006 Posts: 4	Redding bushing size selection I've narrowed my selection down to the Redding S-type full length die set for reloading .223, but I'm having difficulty deciding on which size bushing to order. I'll be firing all rounds I roll through a 24" AR15. Redding recommends selecting a bushing 0.001" smaller than the smallest average neck measurement on loaded cartridges. The Sinclair catalog I have recommends selecting a bushing 0.001" smaller than neck diameter on loaded cartridges, and using a bushing 0.002" smaller than neck diameter (along with the expander ball) when intending to use cases with un-turned case necks (which is what I have...half is 5.56 brass, the other is .223). Every neck of factory-loaded WCC 5.56 (Q3131A) I checked measured 0.250" with dial calipers, and the necks of various .223 factory loads all measured 0.248". As a newbie, I'm not sure how critical I should be with the bushing size. With only 0.002" difference in neck measurements, would I need to order two different bushings, or can I get away with using one? If I ordered only one, would I still just choose one based on the smallest measurement (0.248"-0.002"=0.246") or go with the next size up (0.0247) to be between the two measurements? Which size would be best? Thanks for any help!! Mike Last edited by TexanInOhio4; July 27, 2006 at 03:30 AM.

July 28, 2006, 12:02 AM	#2
918v Junior member Join Date: September 25, 2005 Posts: 1,372	Ditch the s-die and get a body die with a Lee collet neck die. Your rounds will be 200% more concentric. The s-die is good only if you are sizing .003" or less. Factory AR chambers measure .257" so you are sizing .007"-.009". The s-die will create alot of runout. The lee die won't cause any.