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  #1  
Old 12-13-2018, 12:38 AM
platapus platapus is offline
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Default 20.223 Improved bushing size?

Hello,

I am building a 20.223 Improved and would like to know what bushing sizes used with Lapua brass?

I have a .223 °40 Improved and use Redding Bushing dies already but am unsure of the sizes needed to 2 step size down to .20cal. .233, .228, and .227 is what I plan on going with based on the limited data available for Lapua brass.

Thanks
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  #2  
Old 12-13-2018, 01:29 PM
Bill K Bill K is offline
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Default 20-223 Improved bushing size ?

Those should work fine to step down the neck. I don't use lapua brass but in my 20-223 40 degree to get the proper neck holding on my chamber I must use a .226 as the final bushing on neck sizing. So you will have to see which bushing you might need in your final reloading procedure. Bill K
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  #3  
Old 12-13-2018, 01:46 PM
redrock ranger redrock ranger is offline
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Default Redding bushings

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill K View Post
Those should work fine to step down the neck. I don't use lapua brass but in my 20-223 40 degree to get the proper neck holding on my chamber I must use a .226 as the final bushing on neck sizing. So you will have to see which bushing you might need in your final reloading procedure. Bill K
Bill covers the bushing needs effectively. I shoot a 20 Practical with L C and 50 rds or such of Lapua.I had some issues with neck tension for bullet grip. The .226 bushing will solve any issues for bullet grip.
The 20 Practical and variants is a wonderful cartridge, like a laser to 300yds. Later i bought a set of 223 Ackley bushing dies with your build in mindset would cut back on case trimming. The Practical is just perfect other than trimming.Use the Ackley dies for a 6 x 222 magnum AI. Works fine so far.
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Old 12-13-2018, 03:04 PM
platapus platapus is offline
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Thanks Bill and Redrock, appreciate the help. I know Lapua brass is thicker so hopefully .227 will be correct.

RB
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  #5  
Old 12-13-2018, 06:39 PM
B23 B23 is offline
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Not a 20-223 but I'm using a .230 bushing in one pass to make my 20-222 from 222 Lapua brass and it gives me right at 1 thou neck tension. I'll have to look later but I'm pretty sure I'm using a .230 bushing to make my 20-250 from 22-250 Lapua brass as well. I run 1 thou neck tension in all of my small to medium caliber guns.
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  #6  
Old 12-13-2018, 11:25 PM
GrocMax GrocMax is offline
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If you are forming from 223 brass last fired in a 223 chamber use a FL die first most put the neck at about .245", many 223 chambers give you .254" or more fired diameter, so the .233" intermediate step is too far and you crush them.

Would recommend a small base FL die as the first step when dealing with once fired. Many 223 chambers get sloppy big base diameters (.377"+), many 223 based custom reamers cut smaller than SAAMI base diameters.

I'm of the opinion the small base reamers help primer pockets stay tight longer, but it can make for extra steps required when trying to use milsurp brass.

New brass no problems with small base or the extra resize step. Brass starts out .373"ish.

Look for donuts at the base of the neck if you start having seating issues.
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  #7  
Old 12-14-2018, 02:41 AM
platapus platapus is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GrocMax View Post
If you are forming from 223 brass last fired in a 223 chamber use a FL die first most put the neck at about .245", many 223 chambers give you .254" or more fired diameter, so the .233" intermediate step is too far and you crush them.

Would recommend a small base FL die as the first step when dealing with once fired. Many 223 chambers get sloppy big base diameters (.377"+), many 223 based custom reamers cut smaller than SAAMI base diameters.

I'm of the opinion the small base reamers help primer pockets stay tight longer, but it can make for extra steps required when trying to use milsurp brass.

New brass no problems with small base or the extra resize step. Brass starts out .373"ish.

Look for donuts at the base of the neck if you start having seating issues.
B23/GrocMax,

I will be using new brass for sure.

I think I'll use some LC I have around to test run on the process rather than ruining the new Lapua brass. I ordered the bushings I listed and will verify neck tension.

I am a few months out waiting on the barrel, a 1-10" 25" CarbonSix.

I have some time to get this figured out.

Thank you for help

RB
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  #8  
Old 12-14-2018, 03:54 AM
Bill K Bill K is offline
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Default 20.223 Improved bushing size ?

I am a few months out waiting on the barrel, a 1-10" 25" CarbonSix.

I have some time to get this figured out.

Thank you for help

RB[/quote]

You will find by sizing down in those 2-3 steps it is very easy. Don't let it overwhelm you. All you are working down really is the neck, then when the time comes fire forming the loads into your chamber. Bill K
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  #9  
Old 12-21-2018, 11:53 PM
GrocMax GrocMax is offline
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For those two (unturned necks) brass choices I'd start at .226" (LC) and .228" (Lapua).
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  #10  
Old 12-22-2018, 12:40 PM
SmokinJoe SmokinJoe is offline
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I would recommend waiting until the rifle is completed, then do your neck sizing to control the crush you need for good tight FF loads.
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