Resizing trick

[harley]

I just stumbled across this thread. I've previously looked at only the Savage ML entries, but have been reloading center fire for about 55 years and still do.

I don't know if this trick has been mentioned before; if so, I apologize for the repeat. I read about it in an Outdoor Life column by Jim Carmichael.

In a bolt action rifle consider full length resizing brass as follows:

1. Remove the bolt from the rifle.
2. Remove the firing pin/cocking spring assembly.
3. Replace the bolt. The bolt handle will now fall freely when the bolt is in the closed position.
4. Experiment with your full-length resizing die settings until a sized brass will, when loaded into firing position, just allow the bolt handle to fall with almost no friction.
5. Lock the die; this setting will give you a custom fit for a given rifle, with the least amount of resizing stress on your brass.

Harley

[herman]

I had read that before thought about trying it but never did get around to it.The last few years I have went to the lee collet dies except where I have more than one rifle in a caliber and like the collet dies.I did take the decapper mandrel down in all calibers .001smaller because match bullets were too loose useing as it was.

[harley]

Herman, the resizing trick with the bolt really works, especially in conjunction with the Redding bushing neck sizer. These two, the full-length resizer, set the way I described it, and the bushing neck sizer subject the brass to less stress than any other method, plus the fact that the bushing neck sizer will not change the shoulder on weaker brass (like my 30-30) the way a conventional neck sizer does.

[herman]

Will have to give it a try,thanks for the info.
My shooting buddie is a stickler for run out,he comes to the range with his cases marked to put in the chamber a certain way,He tried the collet dies and says they give less run out.I tried doing the same thing and it was too much trouble for me.But did find out if I set the decapping pin out just enough to knock the primer out I had less run out.
I haven't check the runout useing the collet dies I just take his word for it.I guess I'm getting lazy in my old age.
I posted you some pics with the tikka groups,Those tikkas sure are something.I have shot one holers with other guys rifles in 22/250 up to 300wsm

[harley]

Herman, I saw your Tikka pictures; great work.

As far as reloading in general, I think, in my not so humble opinion, that the subject of runout is the most neglected aspect for most people. Personally, I will not reload a case with runout exceeding .003"; then, after reloading I check the runout again to confirm I'm within the .003" with the finished cartridge. The proof is in the grouping. I posted recently about the Lee Crimping Die's tendency to increase runout; it was bad enough to persuade me to abandon the crimper.

[harley]

An after-thought: Even if you are getting "lazy" it takes no more effort to use the Redding Competition dies than any others. The difference in results on paper speaks for itself. The only drawback is the money to buy them and hitting on the right neck sizing bushing for your brass. I'm now sitting on old Hornady and RCBS sets of dies I'll never use again.

[muslmutt]

I would E-Bay those dies. You will get almost the price of new ones if the are in good condition.