Hello all,thank you for the replys to the post about changeing barrells in the field.I have one more novice question I hope you can help me with.
What advantage do you have with Hand Dies and a Arbor Press,instead of useing a standered 7/8x14 Dies and Press?
Thank all of you again for your time and help.Dee.
OK,
I'm going to start from scratch here...... none of this reflects on Jackie's comments.
First of all, let it be noted that the term "dies" encompasses two separate and distinct operations. #1 is prep'ing the case to be reloaded and #2 is seating the bullet to finish the reloading process. I'll approach each die separately because there's a lot to consider.
Of course a lot of this will be overly simplistic and repetitive but there are many folks reading these posts.
#1- the resizing die. ("sizer")
"Sizing" or resizing is a broad term that refers to the process by which the fired case is brought back down in size for reuse. The sizing operation is critical to making straight and well-fitted ammunition. This is NOT a simple straightforward operation. 4 distinct areas need be approached for proper resizing, the neck, the shoulder and the body at both the shoulder and base. There are 3 common types of resizing die, each of them performing differently, and a 4th less common.
-First is the factory full length sizing die with 7/8 X 14" threads. This die does it all, it hits the neck shoulder and entire body of the case. Problem is, it hits it TOO HARD. It not only ruins the brass quickly but it ensures that you will never realize the full accuracy potential of the rig. Factory FL dies are completely useless to the accuracy minded shooter EXCEPT that you "can" buy a die and have your chamber reamer ground to fit it as long as you're willing to live with a tight chamber. Generally fine accuracy may be realized using this method. (Note that FIT is more important than "straight" IMO. the loaded round must closely FIT the chamber its being used in otherwise "straightness" is useless.)
-Second is the hand die or "neck-size-only" die. This die is used "by hand" using a small hammer or with an arbor press. While maintaining the accuracy capability of the firearm this method does have some drawbacks. The chief drawback is that brass gets tight over repeated firings and the hand die cannot full length resize. For competitive shooting the overly tight brass will ruin your bag setup and consequently your aggregate scores will suffer. This die style used to rule the roost but has fallen from favor due to this lack of ability to resize.
-And third is the FITTED full length resizing die. This is the absolute answer for straight loads and long lasting brass cases. In fact this is the only REAL answer to the conundrum of long-term accuracy. With a custom-fitted FL die you get it all.... these dies are threaded to be used with a conventional press.
-And then there is the monstrosity known as a "bump die" which is made using your chambering reamer and a die blank. The purported use of this thing is to lightly "bump" the shoulder back just a thou or two while resizing the neck. In fact this die will cause you no end of grief..... just say NO! to bump dies.
And now we move on to seating dies. I haven't much to say about them. IMO any type or style of seating die can and will produce straight ammunition. I won't rate one style over another except to say that I myself like small hand dies in the original Wilson style because they're handy, light and easy to use. I generally use them with an arbor press. Threaded seaters are equally accurate. Don't waste any time worrying about the "straightness" of your press.
In short, I most gener'lish resize with a threaded press using fitted dies and seat my bullets using a Wilson style hand die and an arbor press. If I had to have only one I would give up the arbor press and keep the threaded one. The threaded one does it all.
opinionsby
al
