Neck size bushing?

[nvbroncrider]

What size bushing do I need for my .280AI? Loaded rounds are at .311. Does this seem right? Using a set of Redding Competition dies on it. The instructions are kinda vague and I may be a bit stupid on this is this is my first set of neck dies.

Thanks,

Jake

 

[rick smith]

Measure the neck OD of a loaded round, subtract 0.001-0.002.Rick.

 

[joelkdouglas]

Jake,

I go 0.002 below the size of a loaded round. Before I started neck turning my loaded round, with Lapua brass and a .308 bullet (30-06) measured 0.336. I initially got a 0.335 bushing, and then switched to a 0.334 bushing, and I believe I saw more uniformity. 0.001 was okay, but more sensitive to things like work hardening and how many times the brass had been fired before annealing.

Now that I neck turn to 0.013 my loaded rounds are 0.334, and I use a 0.332 bushing.

By the way, that's some thick brass you've got! 0.311 - 0.280 = 0.031 / 2 = 0.0155. My Lapua brass normally runs 0.014 to 0.0145. I'm not saying you don't know how to measure, I'm more impressed at the brass thickness. What kind of brass is it?

v/r
Joel

 

[tjen]

Measure 5 loaded cases and get a a bushing .002" under the smallest diameter you measured. This can be different for different makes of bass. Get Two bushings one .002" less and on .003" less. Get the nitrate bushings too.

I just did this for my 223Rem and 221Rem. Lapua and Rem brass in the 223Rem needed a .246" the Win brass I had needed a .244" bushing. The 221Rem is Rem brass and a .245 was needed. I am told after a "few" loads you may need to drop down .001" thats why I said get two bushings.

I use the Imperial dry graphite lube for neck sizing and it works great. I bought the Imperial wax for when I may need to size the body with the body die. Bought the reddington bushing storage box too.

 

[velvetant]

Jake,

I go 0.002 below the size of a loaded round. Before I started neck turning my loaded round, with Lapua brass and a .308 bullet (30-06) measured 0.336. I initially got a 0.335 bushing, and then switched to a 0.334 bushing, and I believe I saw more uniformity. 0.001 was okay, but more sensitive to things like work hardening and how many times the brass had been fired before annealing.

Now that I neck turn to 0.013 my loaded rounds are 0.334, and I use a 0.332 bushing.

By the way, that's some thick brass you've got! 0.311 - 0.280 = 0.031 / 2 = 0.0155. My Lapua brass normally runs 0.014 to 0.0145. I'm not saying you don't know how to measure, I'm more impressed at the brass thickness. What kind of brass is it?

v/r
Joel

.002" subtracted from a loaded round as others suggested has worked well for me also
Joel the 280 AI uses a .284 dia. bullet so that puts him at .013"

 

[joelkdouglas]

Jake,

I go 0.002 below the size of a loaded round. Before I started neck turning my loaded round, with Lapua brass and a .308 bullet (30-06) measured 0.336. I initially got a 0.335 bushing, and then switched to a 0.334 bushing, and I believe I saw more uniformity. 0.001 was okay, but more sensitive to things like work hardening and how many times the brass had been fired before annealing.

Now that I neck turn to 0.013 my loaded rounds are 0.334, and I use a 0.332 bushing.

By the way, that's some thick brass you've got! 0.311 - 0.280 = 0.031 / 2 = 0.0155. My Lapua brass normally runs 0.014 to 0.0145. I'm not saying you don't know how to measure, I'm more impressed at the brass thickness. What kind of brass is it?

v/r
Joel

.002" subtracted from a loaded round as others suggested has worked well for me also
Joel the 280 AI uses a .284 dia. bullet so that puts him at .013"

That's me showing I only shoot a .308 caliber! I'm a rookie!

 

[SJB358]

That's me showing I only shoot a .308 caliber! I'm a rookie!

Danged AF guys. Gotta watch em, there are a few lurking around here! :lol:

 

[257 Ackley]

It is important to check new lots of brass when you get them as well. I am finding that the old gold box Lapua brass is thicker in the neck than the new blue box brass is.

 

[nvbroncrider]

Nosler. Need to order one before my glass shows up.