SgtDog0311

Interesting Magwa. I posed something like this question elswhere: Over in the Service Rifle forum I followed some instructions to set up my sizing die for my M1A. It involved removing the extractor paw from the bolt and lowering till the bolt rotated closed on a piece of brass I’d sized after adjusting the sizing die down till the bolt lugs just barely latched freely closed with the latest adjustment. The aim was to achieve minimum headspace with the die setting. So, when you say you bump 0.002 then, I’d guess using the above method you’d recommend a 0.002 allowance from whatever reading I took from a sized peice of brass that just allowed the bolt to rotate as I eased it down on the sized case. My question was if what worked for an M1A would it be adequate for an AR style gas system? Or if perhaps I should allow for a dirtier gas system for reliability sake. At any rate, I didn’t do this with my first test batch. I just went with a datum GO gauge. Odd thing was my RCBS sizer wouldn’t take case diameters all the way back down to new case dimensions, even bottoming out on the shell holder. Cases lacked almost a rim thickness of fully chambering in a case gauge. But they chamber fine in the rifle. If I used a small base die they fit both. On your mandrel comment, I tried this NOE, just to satisfy my curiosity. Worked fine. No stretch showed up with or without neck lube.

I did score some 165gr SGK. Already had some 168 SMK. I’ll get a chance to test some loads shortly. I have the first 100 of my LC processing done. Trimming with a Wilson will talk you into some automation.

68 shooters would be a good turnout in the venue I was shooting. Unless maybe a Regional match. This looks to be a whole different kind of fun.

Well an answer wasn’t hard to find for trimming. ‘Trim it all’ is gonna be brutal with the Wilson. Always loved it, but too much of a good thing is possible. Retested the swager and it won’t be so bad. Assume you guys uniform primer pockets so I added that. I can see the ‘volume’ nature of the semi-auto changes $$ equations for automation. jtallen’s words reverberate!

I’m done sizing 850 cases (600 LC & 250 Commercial). The Lee factory crimp die is more of a collet die, right. So how much effort is recommended to bring all of them to the same case length? If they need to be chamfered and bevelled then I’m already handling once, but would there be a range within which you’d consider it unnecessary? Looks like mine vary anywhere from 2.004 to 2.015. Say maybe trim everything over 2.010 and not worry about those under??

Copy that! the Lee Factory Crimp arrived Friday I think it was. I’m paying attention, even when on detour. Do wish my search capability better. I know about every question has dozens of predecessors.

Well that works like a champ. No difference in shoulder/datum measurements with or without lube between standard die/expander vs a custom NOE expander. But I don’t think it saves time by avoiding a second tumbling since you are either tumbling or wiping each case on the outside with a cloth. Probably a wash on time. Only advantage would be if you wanted a specific neck tension that a custom sized expander would provide. Satisfied my curiosity anyway!

Package from NOE arrived today so I think I’ll give it a try. Already had the Lee die so experimenting only cost $10. Nothin like what you determine for yourself!

98Z5V, I sent you a pm in case you missed it.

dpete, are the 32 Special same headstamp or assorted? if same headstamp what say you to a two-for-one swap? I’ve got in .308: RP (38), BHA Match (19), FC (45), CBC (4)

Ok, another one. Could be stupid but I have to ask. I don’t like the button expanders for a couple reasons. Was thinking the straight-wall expander, even if adding a step would eliminate two (lubing the neck and maybe even tumbling afterwards). They go in easy and hardly put any stretching tug at all coming out. Bonehead idea or does it have possibility? And if it has possibility, for neck tension on a .308, you think .004 neck tension (.304) diameter would be the tension I’d want. Wouldn’t think More but perhaps Less??

Right jtallen, especially about the 0s! And I’m winding down not up. Spending more time with my grandson’s High School wrestling than I am in the gun room. Another question that indicates my overthinking. Over in the Service Rifle forum I followed some instructions to set up my sizing die for my M1A. It involved removing the extractor paw from the bolt and slowly adjusting a sizer die down till the bolt lugs latched freely closed on a case from the latest adjustment. Aim I guess was to achieve minimum headspace with the die setting. I’m thinking with the AR, that would be programming in potential failure as fouling increases. (Perhaps with the M1A too. I didn’t question the technique offered by one of the seasoned gurus). Anyway, I’m thinking getting as close to the “GO” on this gauge as my die allows is the thing to do here. You fellas agree?

Thank You again. Evidently I appreciated the logic of preserving the brass in the primer pocket a decade ago. Just found the RCBS swaging die. My recollection was it was slow. I’ll reacquaint myself. If I don’t like it I reckon I’ll spend $16 to experiment.

Any thoughts for most efficient way to remove crimps. The RCBS attachments for the Prep Center like it’d be be a better approach for 4-500 cases. Am I right? https://palmettostatearmory.com/rcbs-tm-military-crimp-remover-2-la-90387.html

Thank You!