Proper die set up???

S

skeetlee

Active member
There is something that has been on my mind for a while now. that being "proper die set up". I here a lot of you fellas talking about this threw out various posts here, pertaining to several different, but similar post or topics. I have searched high and low looking for posts that pertain only to this subject, but i am not finding much.
I think i set up my FL size dies properly allowing only minimal shoulder bump, but i cant but wonder if the process goes farther than that?? I also use a lee rubber o-ring locking ring, so it allows my die to self align. I dont really know if thats the right thing to do or not, but it makes since to me.. Anyway, i want to make sure im doing everything i can, and i was hoping maybe we could talk about all aspects of proper die set -up or if you fellas can find me a link, we could save a lot of time. I have noticed that my die, while screwing it into my press tends to wonder to one side or the other of the threads in the top of the press. I remedy this by running a case up into the die before snugging the die locking ring down. Is that the proper procedure? Any info would be great!! Thanks fellas! Lee
 
Running a case into the die before snugging is something I had never thought of, it will be worth trying as in theory it is a good idea.
Setting dies is easier if you only set them for one rifle. I load for a variety of rifles in the same caliber and I have found the press "spring or give" varies with the size of the chamber. If a chamber is oversize it makes the case harder to size and therefore springs the press more,in theory, not much but enough to make a difference especially in larger calibers; 30-06 and up.
To minimize spring I use a Redding Ultra Mag Press, I have not done enought testing to confirm that this is the answer but it makes me think it does.
I have never used the O-ring under the locking ring so don't know if it works.
Since I load for a variety of rifles in the same caliber I do not lock my die lock ring with the set screw but reset my dies each time I load. The exception is that on pistol dies I lock the ring on the sizing die since I do not have shoulder bump to worry about.
 
Skeet, You need the Sinclair Bump Gage Inserts to use with a 6" dial caliper. This way you can size your cases and determine if they are .001" or .002" or more sized. Pick up a set of Machine die Shims so you can lock your set up and then you only have to change shims to change amount of bump.
Centerfire
 
Agree with Centerfire about a gauge like Sinclair's so that you KNOW how much you're bumping the shoulder on your cases.

I use 7/8" ID O rings that are 3/32" or 1/8" material under all my rifle dies to help with self alignment in the press, a paint mark on the lock ring and press allows me to get the die to the same place every time I install it. Lee's lock rings never impressed me because they've never stayed locked on the die for me. Adjusting FL dies pretty much spoils my fun after they've been set originally, until a new barrel requires it anyway. I've replaced the lock rings on most of my dies with RCBS rings which don't use the little lead shot under the set screw so that if/when the die needs adjusting I don't have to use a mallet to whack the set screw so that I can turn the lock ring. Did I mention that I'm lazier than average? :eek: RCBS die lock rings are available from various reloading suppliers for not much per how many ever they're sold per set, and worth the cost.

Uniform lubing of cases is important for uniform sizing too, especially if minimum shoulder bump/body sizing is employed. If cases aren't lubed uniformly with a good lube (Imperial sizing die wax from Redding is about the best IMHO) they tend to be sized differently in my experience. That doesn't do much for the uniformity of the loaded rounds.
 
thanks guys, i have the bump gauges and all that. I had a conversation with a new friend of mine a few days back about run out in a Harrell's die. This conversation really had me wondering, so i discussed it with another fella here on the site. We kinda came to the conclusion that if your die wasnt set up properly you could possably have a bit of run out with a Harrell's die, or any other die for that matter. I like my Harrell's dies very much, and i just order 2 more of them for a 22ppc and a 30br. I just want to make sure i am setting these dies up properly when i use them. I take it from other post that this topic was thoroughly covered at on time in a hole post dedicated to proper die set up. I really wanted to read that post, but i cant find it. Like i said, i want to make sure im doing this properly. I think i probably am, but i want to know for sure. Thanks Lee
 
One other thing i thought i might add, is that i do not have one of those fancy run out checker gauges. To be real honest i dont even think i want one. The mind is a powerful tool, but it is easily used against you if you let it. I dont really want to know if i have excessive run out in my cases, unless i am seeing something way wrong at the target. So far i havent. I just want to know i am setting my FL dies up the best way i can. I would really like to talk about the proper way to set a fl die up if someone has some free time. I have a couple real good fellas helping me out a bit and i always appreciate that. But i am a junky on this stuff, and i love to read about it so i do learn the proper ways this is all done. Like i said, i think i am doing OK, just want to be sure. Lee
 
Skeet, IMHO you need a run out fixture or two. For your cases try the Forester (small red casting). This will tell you several things. Also a key piece of equipment is the Bruno as reviewed by German Salazar on 6mmBR April 25th, 2010. I bought mine in 2008 and check every cartridge but you can read the review on 6mmBR in the daily bulletin. The Bruno will do the work of the Forester but I like both tools. It is great and it corrects errors. The best thing about checking your reloads is knowing that you and your equipment is up to snuff. If your seating die is bad you won't know, etc.
Centerfire
 
Centerfire
After some research and talking with some great members here i have came to the same conclusion. I think i will buy the sinclair tool when they become available again. I had the forster tool and i really didnt care for it much, and i sold it. I didnt think i wanted to know if my cases had any run out, but i do want the most out of my reloads so i do feel the need to have one. Thanks fellas!
 
I find that if I run less neck tension, run out is less. I jump, so I'm ok with .0005-.001 neck tension.
 
Thanks you german, that was much appreciated. I have located a sinclair tool and it will soon be on the way. At first i didnt think i wanted to know if i had run out as i figured it would mess with my mental game. I now have come to the conclusion to be without one is like a mechanic with out his wrenches. A good friend around here helped me come to this conclusion. This is a great site and i cant tell you all how much i truly appreciate each and every one of you!! Lee
 
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