How to Set Up a Full-Length Sizing Die for Bottleneck Cartridges

Hey everyone, it’s Steve from Brownells here. Today, I’m going to walk you through a quick and easy guide on how to properly set up a full-length sizing die for bottleneck cartridges. Whether you’re just getting into reloading or need a refresher, this step-by-step process will help you get your die set up correctly for consistent and reliable results.

Preparing to Set Up the Sizing Die

First things first, let’s start by getting everything in place. I begin by putting the shell holder into the press. Once it’s securely in place, I raise the ram all the way up. This step ensures that everything is aligned and ready for the die. Installing the Shell Holder With the ram raised, I take the sizing die and start screwing it into the press. I continue turning it until it makes contact with the shell holder. This contact point is critical because it tells me that the die is at the right depth for full-length sizing.

Adjusting the Die to Correct Depth

Once the die is in contact with the shell holder, I know I’m at the proper depth. Now, I tighten down the lock ring to secure the die in place. This ensures that every time I screw the die into the press, it bottoms out at the same spot, giving me consistent results.

Securing the Lock Ring

After tightening the lock ring, I like to double-check everything to make sure it’s secure. This step is important because it prevents the die from shifting during reloading, which could affect the sizing of your cases.

Using Case Lube and Clean Brass

One thing you don’t want to forget is using a good quality lube on your cases. This helps prevent the inside of the die from getting scratched and makes the resizing process smoother. It’s also crucial to use clean brass to avoid any debris getting into the die.

Adjusting the Decapping Rod

Before you start sizing your cases, make sure the decapping rod is adjusted correctly. It should stick out about 3/16 of an inch from the die. If it’s too short, it won’t push the primer out completely, which can cause your case to get stuck in the holder.

Final Checks and Tips

Once everything is set up, do a quick check to ensure the decapping rod is properly aligned and everything is tight. This will help you avoid any issues during the reloading process. Remember, the key to successful reloading is attention to detail.

Closing Remarks

And that’s it! Setting up a full-length sizing die for bottleneck cartridges is pretty straightforward once you know the steps. If you want to dive deeper into reloading, be sure to check out our complete reloading series on Rumble. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next time!