I'm in the process of upgrading some equipment in my reloading room and, as many others have, I've started looking at the Redding and Forster bushing dies for my sizer.
The Forster neck die (and its bushings) let you control neck tension, are a little cheaper, and seem to be well regarded. Some claim neck sizing only extends brass life, while others say that "done properly" FL sizing cases can last just as long (not sure if this just means "don't bump the shoulder too far back," or if there's something more to it). Forster does not make a bushing type FL sizer.
The Redding Type S FL sizer also allows control of neck tension, but many seem to claim that FL sizing is simply better for accuracy purposes, whether or not case life suffers as compared to neck sizing. Accuracy is my primary concern, so this is the way I'm leaning. As another plus, I understand that even a neck sizing bump die will eventually require a body sizing operation sooner or later, meaning I'd need to buy a body or FL size die if I just went the Forster route, something I wouldn't need to do with Redding Type S FL sizer.
Another post I found here (see post #4) claims that simply buying a regular Forster sizer and having them hone the neck for $12 is even better than the Redding. The poster appears to know what he's talking about, but the Forster website only says this process is helpful in certain circumstances that don't seem to apply to me (i.e. your brass has thick necks and/or you won't turn after neck thickens on repeated firings). Presumably, if one goes this route, they'd essentially specify the hone size just as they would select a bushing for one of the above dies.
FWIW, I currently have a Lee collet neck sizer, which is how I've been sizing for the past few firings. Results have been decent, but I'd like to see if I can improve, and in any case, it won't bump the shoulder, so I'm looking for a sizer that will at least do that much.
I'd like to know what you precision shooters out there think about these (or other alternatives). What works best for accuracy?
The Forster neck die (and its bushings) let you control neck tension, are a little cheaper, and seem to be well regarded. Some claim neck sizing only extends brass life, while others say that "done properly" FL sizing cases can last just as long (not sure if this just means "don't bump the shoulder too far back," or if there's something more to it). Forster does not make a bushing type FL sizer.
The Redding Type S FL sizer also allows control of neck tension, but many seem to claim that FL sizing is simply better for accuracy purposes, whether or not case life suffers as compared to neck sizing. Accuracy is my primary concern, so this is the way I'm leaning. As another plus, I understand that even a neck sizing bump die will eventually require a body sizing operation sooner or later, meaning I'd need to buy a body or FL size die if I just went the Forster route, something I wouldn't need to do with Redding Type S FL sizer.
Another post I found here (see post #4) claims that simply buying a regular Forster sizer and having them hone the neck for $12 is even better than the Redding. The poster appears to know what he's talking about, but the Forster website only says this process is helpful in certain circumstances that don't seem to apply to me (i.e. your brass has thick necks and/or you won't turn after neck thickens on repeated firings). Presumably, if one goes this route, they'd essentially specify the hone size just as they would select a bushing for one of the above dies.
FWIW, I currently have a Lee collet neck sizer, which is how I've been sizing for the past few firings. Results have been decent, but I'd like to see if I can improve, and in any case, it won't bump the shoulder, so I'm looking for a sizer that will at least do that much.
I'd like to know what you precision shooters out there think about these (or other alternatives). What works best for accuracy?
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