Shim between shell holder and FL size die

[Kevin Gullette]

Also, over the years, I've used a few RCBS Precision Mics. with an assortment of adaptors, in order to measure headspace of both fired and sized cases. Works every time.....indispensible for forming/sizing cases. Note that this arrangement allows repeatable readings to within 0.0005"........which is much better than my old system of using calipers......less "spring".

Pictured are 17AB and 17HeeBee, with their double-ended adaptor........plus a 17PPC brass adaptor in the background.

Kevin

[Daryl]

Originally Posted by Bayou City Boy

Gee........ All of this informative information makes one wonder why they even make neck sizing dies.

I wonder if they exist to avoid partially sizing the case body dimensions while never touching the case shoulder? Like Kevin stated, partial sizing of the case body can affect head space dimensions on smaller cases without the case shoulder ever being touched.

Naw, we probably don't need neck sizing dies..... Neck sizing dies are just another way to get our money.

Anyway...to each their own.

-BCB

Some people use neck dies as you do not have to lube the cases. Most partial sizing with FL dies requires lubing the case - pretty simple, actually. The more cases are being loaded, the more time-saving operations are likely to be used, hence, neck sizing & even insert collar dies used for a variety of cases.

Your attempt at sarcasm, IF that was your intent BCB, was not necessary.

Sometimes it is very difficult to 'see' or 'understand' what the intent of a post actually is, so, pls excuse my sarcasm sentence if I was in error & have a good day.

[Bayou City Boy]

Originally Posted by Daryl

Some people use neck dies as you do not have to lube the cases. Most partial sizing with FL dies requires lubing the case - pretty simple, actually. The more cases are being loaded, the more time-saving operations are likely to be used, hence, neck sizing & even insert collar dies used for a variety of cases.

Your attempt at sarcasm, IF that was your intent BCB, was not necessary.

Sometimes it is very difficult to 'see' or 'understand' what the intent of a post actually is, so, pls excuse my sarcasm sentence if I was in error & have a good day.

About all I can say is the less time you spend looking over your shoulder, the less effect a simple comment will have on you. This is the internet and not real life and death stuff by any means

Your attempt at whatever point you were making made me smile on several fronts.......... But I wasn't offended or dealing with possible hurt feelings as a result. I took it for its face value and moved on.

Originally Posted by Daryl

Ahh, that's the problem with me partial FL sizing and not having ANY problems nor hard bolt lift from doing it. I've been doing that since 1968, not just since 2009.

What I said in more words than just a few was to emphasize the point that neck sizing dies exist for a reason. If someone took it personal, se la vie, I guess........

-BCB

[Kevin Gullette]

Once again, I've wrongly spoke/wrote.

My previous post stated "repeatable readings to within 0.005"........wrong.

Should have said 0.0005". Old post corrected.

Kevin

[inKYfromSD]

Kevin, did you make the adapters? I have an old .243 precision mic laying in a drawer. Would be nice to put it to use.

Thanks,
Brian.

[Kevin Gullette]

Yes.....I do make the "adaptors". Pretty simple really. I usually make them from old brass cases. I spin the case in a cordless drill, and use a Dremel cut-off wheel to cut off the casehead. I then shave the casehead length to give a Mic reading of about 0.004-0.006".......when coupled with a fired case from a given chamber that exhibits a good fit(with firing pin assembly and any spring loaded ejector removed). Yeah......it's a bit of trouble, but you'll only need to do it once.

Note that the pictured aluminum adaptor was a special situation.......in that I invert the case, in the 243 Mic, and put the adapter in last. The 218Bee case had it's odd casehead diameter.

The 223 Precision Mic is much more useful, for cases ranging from 17 Mach IV to 17-222 Magnum.

You really can make adaptors out of many things......caseheads, shim stock, plexiglas, etc.

Hope this helps.

Kevin

[56S]

I've been using the RCBS neck die and found something that concerns me. If I neck size the factory loaded ammo I have to force the bolt closed. Once fired the round extracts just fine. Once the factory once fired brass has been full length resized or shimmed 0.010" the feed just fine.