SmallCaliberCentral

I just started neck sizing and was wondering what neck tension in thousandths you fellas are using. Redding tech told me bushing s/b .002 smaller than loaded rounds o.d. When the die came they are calling for .001. Does the neck tension have alot to do with accuracy...as long as it is consistent, or should I try another bushing? Thanks!

i agree with Redding's recommendation. We always recommend .002 under as a starting point. If you really feel like experimenting you can always try a little less or a little more and see how it shoots. By the way we keep a selection of the Redding bushings in stock if you need them.

Yes, neck tension can affect acuracy. I've always heard .002 myself. As time goes on and you have to replace your brass be aware that neck thickness can vary from lot-to-lot.

+ 1 On what Jim White said.
My thoughts are, If you have neck bushing dies, this sizes the outside of the neck.
You need to turn your brass to the same neck thickness to be able to get the real benefit out of your bushing dies.
If you use your bushing die without making the necks the same thickness, then when you seat the bullet in the case you will have neck tension all over the place. Not good for accuracy.
Good luck you will get it figgured out .
Don.

When using bushing dies, Redding recommends using a bushing .001" smaller than loaded neck O.D., and .002" smaller if you're using the expander button. If you use the expander, leave the assembly loose so it can self-center when being withdrawn from the case neck, and you'll still get excellent TIR on your case necks.

I use bushing dies and the expander (left loose), and my TIR is usually from zero to .0015" measured with a Holland concentricity gauge at the bullet ogive.