Neck bushings help please.

[Alpha1]

I have a question for you long range shooters when you neck size your cases and you are choosing bushings what size bushing do you go for do you look for a neck tension of 1 though 2 though etc.
Before measuring your bullet neck diameter do you full length size the case then seat the bullet and measure.
I guess you would also use different size bushings for different brands of cases depending on the seated bullet neck measurement. I have filled my re loading bench with Le Wilson neck dies, seating dies, case holders, primer pocket uniformers and a trimmer. I have purchased a slack hand full of bushings so its time to put the stuff into use.

What is your method of choosing bushings.

[ovenpaa]

2x neck wall thickness + 1 x bullet diameter - around .0015" to -.002" works for me

So as an example 2x .013" + 1x .308 = .334 - .002" gives a neck bushing of .332 This is just an example and you do need to check a few cases and you may even be neck turning or uniforming to drop the case neck thickness back to .012" which would mean a different bushing. I tend to prefer .0015"and will often machine the bushings to suit.

EDIT - I only ever use one make of brass which is Lapua unless the brass is not available for my chambering, I will then try and drop back to Norma.

[Ballistol]

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/200 ... -neck-die/

[Alpha1]

I tend to prefer .0015"and will often machine the bushings to suit.

How is that done how do you machine it and keep a nice smooth surface. Do you machine them or do you ream them. I need to spend a day in your machine shop with you. :lol:

I was using Winchester brass. I then got some Federal brass and lately I have acquired some Lapau brass. I am using Le Wilson dies with a Arbor press. The feel was different on the press with the different brass I am sure there is a difference in the neck thickness. hence my question. I guess this is going to be another learning curve.
I guess the sensible thing to do is stick with one make of Brass.

[The Cupcake Kid]

I guess the sensible thing to do is stick with one make of Brass.

[Alpha1]

I just checked some Federal cases they mike at 0.015. Guess the next thing to do is check the other brands. I have quite a few Lapau so I will check them and probably use them. They are all .308.

[Maggot]

Lapua are known for having quite thick necks but are usually quite uniform.

I also tend to only do 80% of the length (let the bush ride huger in the die) so that it is not chomping right down onto the angle between neck and shoulder. Some re-size a bit less.

If you are going for accuracy/consistency, use one type of brass only.

You will find a lot (most that I know) F/TR folks using Lapua Palma brass.

You get what you pay for, and the extra cost is offset (usually) by longevity and consistency.

[Alpha1]

I guess Palma Brass is expensive for my .308 shooting needs probably not worth the extra bucks. I have some newish Lapau brass once fired in my rifle. I noticed there is a difference when using a certain sized bushing on these cases and then using the same bushing on another brand that is what prompted my original question.

[Alpha1]

I just done some checking hmm I think I need to buy some more bushings its true you know a little knowledge can be dangerous.
I bought .334 and .335 for the .308 I think it should of been more like .336. .336 will give me a neck tension of .001
I will have to double check my other Calibers to see if I got them right. This neck sizing business could prove expensive.

[ovenpaa]

Palma brass will display less pressure symptoms however it needs to be loaded anything up to +.5 grains more than usual in order to get to the same velocities.

I use a very good collet chuck to hold my bushings and then bore them to the required size however you do need confidence in your machine and setup process in order to get the best from the job. I tend to hang the bushings out slightly and clock them up from the bore. I have one particular collet chuck and collet just for this job and I can run them to within a couple of tenths, then it is just a matter of boring the bush to size. I prefer to start with bushings around .004" undersized.