Redding body die in Hornady LNL AP press

[SteveW-II]

I have had real problems using the Redding body die in my Hornady LNL AP press. Using a RCBS case micrometer I can't adjust the body die down far enough to fully resize a case. Even with the die compressed against the shellplate the brass still emerges about 3 thou oversize.

Anyone else come across this ? I have this with both the 308 and 223 versions of the body die.

Just for 'background' in the last case I was loading in bulk for an AR15, but wanted to make the best ammo I could. The LNL AP was set up with the Redding decapper/bushing neck sizer in station 1, body die in station 2, powder in 3, seater in 4. Federal cases, Rem 7 1/2, 26 grains of BLC2, Hornady 55gr FMJBT.

As you would expect, the standard Hornady FL sizer/decapper works just fine in the Hornady press.

Thanks !

S.

 

[atblis]

Could you elaborate what you mean by 3 thousandths oversized? What part of the case were you measuring?

EDIT: It seems that the general use for the Redding body die is not to achieve a true full length resize, but simply to bump the shoulder back. For bolt rifles, 0.001" or so seems to be considered adequate. For ARs, I see 0.003" of shoulder bump suggested. You would do this with cases that were fired in the same rifle you are reloading for. You would measure shoulder bump by using a comparator that references off of the shoulder. Something like this.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/product/5574/Case-Gauges-Headspace-Tools

 

[SteveW-II]

Thanks for your reply. I measure my re-sized brass with (as mentioned in the OP) a RCBS case micrometer.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=574297

When used with the Hornady LNL AP press, the Redding body die is unable to resize the headspace dimension of the brass such that it measures 0 in the micrometer. A 'go' gauge for the appropriate caliber reads 0.

> It seems that the general use for the Redding body die
> is not to achieve a true full length resize, but simply to
> bump the shoulder back.

Where did that come from ?

S.

 

[atblis]

There's not really a universal 223 chamber. Yeah, I suppose there are SAAMI specs which is what that tool should be referenced to if anything. More or less that's a just a suggestion. Manufacturers all vary, machine tools wear... The shoulder bump method is a relative measurement, so it is tailored to your chamber (assuming the case was fired in the same gun you're reloading it for). You can use your RCBS gauge to measure shoulder bump.

IMO, if the rounds chamber easily and shoot well, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[USSR]

I have Redding body dies for 3 different cartridges (.308, .30-06 and 6.5x55), and have never had this problem. A couple of things, I always use the body die prior to using the neck sizing die (not sure if this matters). Also, case holders will vary in height, so you might try a different brand.

Don

 

[SteveW-II]

So, I will ask again. Where did this come from ?

> It seems that the general use for the Redding body die
> is not to achieve a true full length resize, but simply to
> bump the shoulder back.

Don, have you used the Redding body die with a LNL AP ?
I don't get the same results with other presses. Just the AP.

S.

 

[atblis]

It's an accepted reloading practice. Most reloaders could care less what SAAMI chamber specs are, they're only interested in what their chamber is.

Note: For theultimate shoulder bump control, use these dies with our new Competition Shellholders.

http://www.redding-reloading.com/pages/bodydies.html
http://www.redding-reloading.com/pages/compshellhldrs.html

 

[SteveW-II]

The pertinent content of your first link is : "Body Dies are designed to full length resize the case body and bump the shoulder position for proper chambering without disturbing the case neck."

And that is why I bought it.

My point is that in the LNL AP press that doesn't happen.

 

[243winxb]

My point is that in the LNL AP press that doesn't happen.

Measure your shell plate, it may be on the thick side. Should be .125" like a standard shell holder. IF ITS LIKE A DILLON??? Thats my guess. Body dies same as FLRS die, dont touch neck. Check all stations of the shell plate, they could all be different.

 

[243winxb]

IF LIKE A DILLION? Make sure the shell plates screw is tight as it can go and still let the plate turn. My problem what undersize plates with dillon.

 

[SteveW-II]

The shell plate thickness at all 5 stations is a consistent 0.130".

 

[243winxb]

The shell plate thickness at all 5 stations is a consistent 0.130".

The extra .005" might be the problem. You need to see what other owners of the Hornady get when they measure the shell plate.

 

[SteveW-II]

Thank you for the help. I hope other LNL AP owners will join in.

 

[USSR]

Don, have you used the Redding body die with a LNL AP ?
I don't get the same results with other presses. Just the AP.

Ah, nope. I can see now, by the photos, that you're dealing with a whole 'nother critter.

Don

 

[Walkalong]

I just measured some LNL shell plates, and I got anywhere from .126 to .132.

I don't believe the extra .005 is the problem. The taper of the case/die is such that .005 more movement won't get you much when it comes to diameter. I don't think .005 down will get .003 more sideways, but I could be wrong.

The shell plate must not be jammed against the bottom of the die well, since you say it works in other presses.

 

[SteveW-II]

Walkalong, the diameter of the round is not at issue. It's the headspace dimension that is too long, by about 3 thou.
Unless you think that excessive diameter, rather then shoulder setback is the problem. The die most assuredly impacts the shellplate and compresses it against the sub-plate.

 

[243winxb]

1st, do the sized rounds fit the guns chamber? 2nd Have you tried giving the die the extra 1/16 or 1/8th turn down after making contact with the shell plate? Just checking, as its a common mistake. OH also, make sure another die is not keeping the ram from making its full travel up. That all i got, good luck.

 

[Walkalong]

Walkalong, the diameter of the round is not at issue. It's the headspace dimension that is too long, by about 3 thou.

Oops

Sometimes dies are cut wrong, but since you say it works in the other press, it points at something going on with the LNL. If you call Redding they will replace it, but you may still have the problem. You sure the shell plate is tight against the bottom of the die? If it is, I would call Hornady and ask them about the shell plate. They will replace it if they think it is a problem.

That .005 diference could certainly come from that. Usually when jamming the shell holder/plate against the die the brass will be sized way more than needed to chamber, again, pointing to the die. I would call both Redding and Hornady.

 

[45ACPUSER]

Another key is to make sure that there is brass in all the stations when sizing......