Full Appreciation For Full Length Resizing

[@r2com641]

I'm about to begin reloading and in the middle of figuring out the gadgets which I need! Damn! This video is a pure gold for me! I can't tell how much I appreciated this video! If I could give thousand likes I would!!!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Rtwo Comm - This is the reason YT posters like me are doing these things...Your comments are tremendously appreciated... Good reloadin' to ya, FC

[@calebgodwin3224]

Man who are you telling. I just started reloading myself and was getting pressure signs on my primers with 2 full grains under max load. Been doing some reading and it can be caused as by a headspace issue in my rifle. I set my Lee die up by the same paper and im guessing it pushed my shoulders back more than it needed too and let the case head smack the bot face. Think im gonna fire form all these 20 rounds I loaded and just neck size them and bump the shoulders back .001 and see how that works.

[@vincef5832]

Hope by now you learned about the Feel Method for minimal shoulder bump and head space.

[@bryanmarks4070]

Caleb Godwin man I had the same issue I couldn’t figure it out. I even pierced a primer. I used a lee die and set it up the same way. Now I’m using a Hornady match bushing die. I bumped the shoulder back 2 thou on the fire formed brass. We will see when I go shoot if that fixed my pressure issue.

[@robertrussell9336]

There is a lot to learn, keep reading , you can only get better and safer.

[@monstermessgarage452]

That was utterly one of the best explanations of headspace and how the coinciding tools are used in relation to one other that I have ever found on KZbin great job appreciate it keep them coming

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Monster Messgarage - Thank you, much appreciation, for your thoughtful comment - much said in few words. Happy Thanksgiving to you... Steve

[@Alex-gi7sm]

I had to go through an official training and even needed to pass an exam to be allowed to do buy powder and to do handloading here in Germany. In the whole thing over a few days, there was not a single word told about calibrating brass according to specific headspace measurements. They did mention headspace once but nothing about the details I have been learning in the KZbin videos in the last couple of years. Today I know how to do more precise loads thanks to videos like this here. Thank you and take care!

[@MrMayhem1970]

Love your video's bud you are a wealth of knowledge..I have got alot of very useful information from you that I use all the time. I also pass this on to friends and coworkers who are new to reloading. Thanks and keep the vids coming.

[@ericlaird7508]

Once again you have given so much to the reloading community,I am having fun and learning everyday,here's to you the GODFATHER of reloading!!!...

[@jerrymont2595]

One of the best educational and safety videos on KZbin. Excellent! Thanks!

[@maxinspace1]

Man, in a reloading world of chaos and confusion, you are a guiding light. Thank you for this video!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

maxinspace1 - Appreciate the kind remarks...Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve

[@hootowl1108]

I have never commented on any video, but my sincere thanks goes out to you for your informative and thoughtful videos. Powder coating and casting are favorites of mine, and much of the knowledge to pursue these disciplines came for you. Please keep producing your high quality educational videos.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Hoot Owl - Thanks for posting comment...all YT posters need these, and they are much appreciated. Have a very fine day, FC

[@Mr79dream]

if the FL DIE makes body contact with the shell holder, you can turn it another 1 2 3 4 5 turns in, it will not change, neither the shell holder nore the DIE will give in. What might affect your headspace, is different shell holders from different makers, which might give you variance with dies of other makes!

[@nycreloader]

FC I agree full size dies are the best way insure the best result. I have shown other reloaders that some of their cases are not always resized properly only by measuring the cases at various points did I prove that the lower portion of the cases were out of spec. Thanks for making this video now I can just refer people to this link. You rock..

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

NYC Reloader - And much appreciation to you for any and all of your great comments... Best to ya, FC

[@miguelitomigra543]

Outstanding video, much thanks. Just purchased the full Hornady bullet and head space comparator kits and anvil. I wish I would have bought them a long time ago. Excellent tutorial, one to keep for sure. Thanks again for taking the time to make it.

[@patrickjoy9551]

That 1/3 or 1/4 turn of the die is so you get cam over on your press. That is how we know all the slack is taken out and confirms the case is actually bottomed out in the die bumping the shoulders back to within SAAMI. We now also have "small base" dies made which resize to minimum specs for reliable feeding in the plethora of AR style rifles manufactured today.

[@charleycrawford2857]

Very true but I've never had a need for SB dies.

[@whetski]

Just getting into reloading again, and your videos are GREAT! Well explained and your info has helped tremendously.

[@phillippaul9614]

Very good info! I have yet to use a full length die for my 308, I used the lee collet die for the first time and achieved 2 thousandths inch of neck tension easily. This video will help me make the best possible reloads with full length resizing. Thank You!!!

[@deepwaterescue4u]

Just ordered the rcbs mic im used to doing precsision work with mic so this is why i bought the rcbs unit very good information thank you

[@michaelajero2409]

Also Redding competition shell holders that add or subtract .002 makes controlling headspace when resizing a lot easier than screwing the die back and forth 1/4 turns. Also when you set your die put on a hornady die lock ring.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Michael Ajero - And of course, we check the tightness of dies regularly, unless we are doing handgun ammo where sub MOA is not an issue. Those shellholders allow for easy bumping for sure. Cam over presses also allow good bumping, and we have to use our Precision Mics or Comparaters either way...The only reason I don't have those variance shellholders is that bumping with my Co - Ax does it well for me - and it doesn't use shellholders. It really bumps nicely... Best to ya, FC

[@AvocaSingleTrack]

Once you screw the die down to the shell holder, that's it. It hits and any further turns inward will result in the die hitting the shell holder. No change once you're bottomed out. I think extra 1/8 turn is just to make sure you have good contact ??? Love the video's, thank you !

[@Impala-qp9cb]

Exactly. I shut his video off once he said that

[@robertbrandywine]

No, wrong. There's some spring in your press and if you adjust past the point where the die contacts the shellholder, you will get some additional set back of the shoulder. You aren't actually getting all of the full length resizing if you just stop at the first contact. I had some cases where I did as you said and they wouldn't chamber! I then went another 1/4 turn and resized and then they all chambered.

[@randylahey2242]

@@robertbrandywine makes sense, were are talking about both thousandths of an inch and thousands of pounds of pressure

[@aussiesteveakastevecallagh2280]

Great video mate very easy to understand .Steve from Australia

[@fightingbear8537]

Videos like this is why you are called the "Godfather of Reloading"!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

General Steven D. Lee 5683 - Thanks for the comment. Used to be at meetings, I was the youngest one there. That has changed as of late. Have a great day, FC Steve

[@joe74ta1]

I have never completely understood headspace discussions before ever I completely understood everything you said and have a much better understanding and for that I thank you very much

[@bashlinedennis4974]

Thank you! Your video just explained what the compensators that I have are used for. I bough out a friends reloading stuff and he did not know why he had purchased them. I have asked around at the shooting range but it was just a bag of aluminum looking parts. i have been using a case gauge to make sure the rounds where sammi. Any cases that didn't fit i put in the scrap pile. Now I know ! Thanks for making things safer.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Bashline Dennis - Those rounds that were OKed by the case gauge may still have some issues that will be brought out in future videos...Most reloaders have been led to believe that simply full length sizing our brass assures goodness - thanks to SAAMI, we are usually OK. Sometimes we are not, but it's always better to be more than OK...we want to be more informed and precise than just OK... Best to ya, FC

[@klshipower]

don't matter how far you screw die down, when shell holder touches bottom of die, that's it, shell does not go further into die, you might not be able to cam over if you have it screwed down too far.

[@cazorp]

Measuring headspace with spent primers in your case is a huge error factor. Buy a Lee decapper tool and remove the primers before measuring any headspace measurement on fired brass...

[@altruisticscoundrel]

You paid for my education, thank you!

[@organicmaterialsciencecorp6115]

This video reminds me of one of my Chemical and Mechanical Engineering classes, this video was so thoroughly done sir. Thanks!!!

[@briansouth9325]

Very good information, I've always FL resized everything just because I've got it on all dies.

[@raptorshootingsystems3379]

If you look at SAAMI Specs for many cartridges, there is a .010” range from min to max spec. If you have a chamber cut to the minimum spec, many people don’t realize that even factory new brass will be above the minimum spec. This is also the reason why some of these “match spec” guns are problematic if you try to shoot factory ammo. In a bolt action, this can be felt by effort to cam over the bolt when chambering a round. In a semi auto (AR) or even some lever actions (browning BLR), a minimum spec chamber can result in the bolt not closing with brass that is above minimum spec. Some people still advocate neck sizing only. Having designed ammunition and shot competition from service rifle to f-class for over 25 years, I only full length resize. Reason is that during a match, my gun will get dirty and that extra grime that is building up can lead to issues chambering. Bench rest is fine for neck sizing only, but remember they religiously clean after 5 to 10 shots, not the 50-100 shots before I can or will clean. In fact, I purposely fire 10-20 rounds before a match and start with that fouling so I don’t have irregular shots as the barrel goes from sparkling clean to fouled. Has full length resizing impacted brass life? No, I normally will take 500 pieces of brass and Load it 4-6 times and retire the brass at the same time I replace a barrel (2000-3000 rounds depending on the cartridge). Has full length resizing made my rifles less accurate? No, I went all the way to high master using nothing but full length resizing using mostly Redding competition dies. It’s also asked if I neck turn as well. No again because I design my chamber to use the brass I use without neck turning. For my competition bolt actions, I use only Lapua. However, when shooting service rifle or cartridges I design for hunting, I use Winchester as my baseline and allow enough clearance that the brass can be formed with thicker brass (Federal) without clearance issues. Since these designs are shooting sub 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards with hunting bullets on both Winchester and Federal brass, clearly the extra chamber clearance is not impacting accuracy.

[@craigbenz4835]

Additionally the SAAMI specs for cases and chambers are different. Comparing the min/max cases v. chambers is interesting. Broadly there are three type of fits for different case designs. The .30-'06 and 308 Winchester are typical of cases shaped like them. The range of fit with max. ammo/min. chamber v. min. ammo/max. chamber is .004" interference to .013" clearance. The 7mm Rem. Mag. and similar belted magnums the range of fit is.009" clearance to .026" clearance. The .30-30 and similar rimmed cases the range of fit is .017" clearance to .047" clearance.

[@RealMrSmit]

There is a difference between bumping the shoulder back 2 thousands or 10 thousands 2 thousands will not affect case life as much as 10. Personally I bump 2 thousands with a fl die on my 30-06 for hunting

[@valentinrieuf9983]

Loved your video, very high quality. Thanks!

[@bretthl1]

I agree. For my bolt rifles I like to take a batch of fired brass, neck size about 10% of total and check the chamber fit. If tight, I FLR the entire batch, if not I neck size the entire batch. Next time the same brass is fired, I neck size about 10% of total, check chamber fit, if tight then I FLR (most likely depending on the rifle) the entire batch pushing the shoulder back 0.002" less than fired brass head space followed by trimming. Blindly FLR'ing each reloading shortens brass life unnecessarily. I don't mix loads across rifles.

[@natewesselink]

I've been reloading for a little over 6 years and I've never known how important measuring headspace is and the reason your told to add a 1/4 to 1/3 turn when setting up the die. I'm always doing research on new reloading techniques and practices and this is the first time I've heard it explained properly. Thanks for providing a very useful and important piece of information.

[@alamotoracing8792]

natewesselink after your shell holder reaches and touches your die, the extra 1/4-1/3 turn gives you “cam over”.

[@albertforletta1498]

Progressive, or turret presses have the base plate for the dies. That base plate will lift up a little when the ram makes contact with the die. The extra 1/4 turn will allow the ram to always remain in contact with the die as the plate rises. I use a single stage press, therefore, I never give the die that extra 1/4 turn.

[@archersfriend]

Whoever said you can't teach old dogs new tricks was WRONG. I just learned the Answer to a problem I have had sever times in my over 50 years of reloading. Cases not going to battery on 2 of my bolt guns. Repeated measuring of CASE LENGTH never fixed the problem and when I began reloading, there were no such Head Space tools to my knowledge. I still do not have one, BUT I WILL IN THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO. That sort of Shoots Down the Neck Size Only people UNLESS They ALSO check Head Space. Thanks for Shining a Light on this old dog.

[@TimKollat]

you should have no problem neck sizing only on fire formed brass. headspacing shouldn't be an issue as the case is blown out to the exact size of the rifles chamber I have at least never had any issues on neck sizing only on fire formed brass as long as they only go in the one rifle of course.

[@archersfriend]

What I was refereeing to is my brass that is 30 years old and fired several times.

[@larryrichins7887]

Thank you for the video I just started reloading again! Boy things have changed.

[@happyhome41]

I suspect @Erik Cortina was influenced by this video. He as a great one he made last year which could be a "Part 2" to this one, where he advocates explicitly full length resizing to minus .002" compared to the fired case. Per @FortuneCookie45LC this is within his range, and could be considered a sweet spot. This full length resizing is critical, as when that is set as a repeatable baseline across the brass, then one may perform the ladder of rounds with 0.003" variation in seating depth. And I have bought in to the school of staying away from the lands. He starts his ladders 0.002" off "jam", and works increments of 0.003" to find, hopefully, two adjacent small group nodes, and that seating depth (see his video) is pretty much set for the life of the barrel. Not being a competition shooter, I doubt I will ever change barrels because of wear, so this is wonderful news/advice.

[@shotdog4237]

FC, i had the same problem many moons ago with a 243m77, on warm days it would chamber just fine, but if it got down to 10-20 degrees you couldn't get the bolt to close, and i didn't have all these fancy tools like now a days, but what i did was cut a case down to see if it was the head or the neck! anyway i ended up shaving about .005 off the bottom of the die to push the shoulder back a little more, and it worked fine after that! but now there's access to every tool you could ever think of! a few clicks and it's at your door, excellent vid FC thanks

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

shotdog - And I believe it's Hornady that makes thinner shell holders to do the same thing that you did shaving the die bottoms...Plus we have presses that toggle over to give us bumping action. I gave away those small base dies as the problem wasn't the heads of the rounds. Have a great day, FC

[@andreiyermakovich1149]

It doesn't matter 1/3 of a turn or 1/4. You can add 5 extra turns and nothing will change. It still will be resized to the FS specs.

[@jamiesloan5902]

Andrei Yermakovich Wait. What!!?? I thought if you screw down your dies further, it bumps the shoulders back further. Please explain.

[@andreiyermakovich1149]

@@jamiesloan5902 It's only if you unscrew the die you increase the head space. In this case there is no contact between the die and the shell holder. If you first unscrew it and then screw it in, then you can reduce it. But once contact is made, it doesn't matter, how much you screw it in, it's FS.

[@totherepublic358]

Yup. When the shell holder contacts the bottom of the die it stops. Unless you are compressing the steel of the die, I fail to see how the cartride case can be pushed further into the die by pushing harder. It is steel against steel.

[@totherepublic358]

My belief is that the 1/4 to 1/3 turn is done only to insure that any slop in the threads is taken up. But you can't make the headspace shorter than what the die length allows. I guess using a thinner shell holder would, like if you ground the top side of the shell holder down with a wet stone.

[@totherepublic358]

I did a test of this today. I am surprised actually, I am not entirely correct in my thinking. On my presses I tested a Hornady and a lee die. If adjusted so that the dies are screwed into the the press until it firmly touches the ram and they are locked down with the lock ring, both dies gave a base to shoulder datum measurement 5 thousanths longer than if adjusted with the extra 1/4 turn as instructed by Lee. That is more than the 2 or 3 I would have guessed. But in the end the difference between 1/4 turn and almost a half turn (that was the most I could get before I felt like I might break something) was only 1 thousandth. So the difference between 1/8 of a turn, and the maximum you can adjust the die in without damage is tiny...maybe 2 thousands, and even an idiot would be aware that much cam over is destructive. Certainly not the dangerous 17 thousandths cited here, at least with my dies and presses.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

A very informative video, the Hornady comparator looks to be an essential tool for anyone that shoots rimless cartridges, I am very glad that of all my many rifles/handguns, no one single one uses rimless, when you headspace off a rim, you have no such problems. The S.A.M.M.I and CIP standards are a fine system, however, they are only as good as the manufacturers that use them ! I have recently bought 50-110 Winchester brass that is .010" undersize with a rim dia that is .08" undersize, a friend has a Ruger No1 in 303 which has a groove size of .316" ! when it should be .312", and most guns in Colt 45 are groove size .452" when SAMMI spec is .454/6", so no one would appear to be following standards.

[@cal30m1]

In 1926, SAAMI was founded, the Great Depression was still over 3 years away. We were enjoying prosperity.

[@CustosLibertas]

cal30m1 yep, stock market crash was 1929

[@ronniehallmark1278]

Awesome info. I'm starting out reloading. Thank you. Subscribed

[@kennethgarrison521]

The Sinclair comparator allows for much faster, high volume, comparisons. I use both the RCBS Precision MIC to find a baseline case with the headspace I want, and then I use the same case to set up the Sinclair comparator. You can compare cases at one a second. Same goes for base to ogive and COAL comparisons.

[@larryrichins7887]

Thank you for the video I just started reloading again! Boy things have changed. I'm learning all kinds of good stuff!

[@dowdawg]

This is great info i must admit i dont pay enough attention to this ... Thank you so much for pointing it out !!!

[@carlosloomis9826]

you are awesome my friend. thanks for the video.

[@kurt9894]

so much valuable knowledge. thanks for passing down your wisdom

[@vincentdivita7800]

More succinct and clear than anything else I've reviewed on the matter. Call Hornady for your commission, you just made them a sale. Thank you as always, Mr. Cookie.

[@cooksey826]

Drinking game rules: Drink every time he says, “Full length resize your brass”

[@ironbomb6753]

Ha! Right on! Or mispronounces "comparator"🤣🤣👍

[@frenchaccent540]

Great video! Thank you

[@Werner7711]

Very nice video. Lots of info the think about.

[@vincef5832]

Got the Wilson case guage,RCBS micrometer and Hornady comparator. In the end I take firing pin out(or set a 3 way safety for no pin cam) and use the feel method. I turn die out,and incrementally turn it inward until there is the least(if any ) amount of pressure when camming the bolt lugs. That bumps the shoulder just enough to minimize head space. Of course this requires cleaning off case lube and feeding sized case in chamber each time until you reach the desired die adjustment(depth) for head space. But good video thanks.

[@bigal9808]

That was absolutely fantastic info FC! Now I'm really nervous to get into bottle neck reloading!

[@bobhartman2571]

Excellent FC45LC, thank you!!

[@sandhollowhomestead6972]

Eye opener! I'm listening.

[@jamiesloan5902]

I'm just getting started in reloading. I don't own the headspace kit, yet. So, I plan on starting my resizing die out on the "long" headspace end of the spectrum. I'll see if the brass will easily chamber in my AR, then if it doesn't, I'll screw the die down a little at a time, until I get the headspace that I need. Is this a good approach? I've seen other people recommend this method. Especially with a bolt action rifle. I ordered the AR Series small base dies for my ar 15, so the last thing that I want is excessive headspace, on top of already loose tolerances in diameter(for reliability purposes).

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

I have the 223 & 308 Rcbs precision mics to be honest I like them more then the Hornaday unit. I guess my question to this video is how do you get the proper head space. Because I also went into my 308 stash and it’s ALL exactly like what you just showed in this video. Some is at 0 some is +5 some is -4 it’s all of it is all over the place. I purchased this brass once fired I cleaned it de capped it and resized it in the Rcbs small base AR set thinking oh well it will be there when I need it. Boy I’m glad I watched this video before I possibly popped my $2500 AR10. Well looks like I have a ton of sorting,annealing possibly trimming again. At least the brass is clean now smh 🤦‍♂️ there’s so much to reloading. Fun but definitely a in-depth hobby that needs to be taken very seriously.

[@glockerbob]

I have found with the 308 lee dies I have to screw in the die further than it says in book.. If I do what the book says I cant get the bolt to close on the riflr.

[@rtdc5662]

Sb dies are for people who do not understand headspace and die adjustments. I have never needed a small base die. Always measure a fired case before resizing for a new rifle. Always!! It took some time to fully understand headspace in the beginning but once I sat down and figured it out it is now second nature. Btw I use a fried 30 carbine to measure 223 and a .40 for 30 06

[@user.A9]

If you have primers in unloaded cases for 35 years, are they still trustworthy?

[@mnwatertreatment]

What were the conditions of storage?

[@michaelhennegan9637]

If stored in a cool dry place with a stable temperature, heck yeah!

[@SIRJ1895]

What the difference if they are in brass cases or the jenky cardboard boxes they come in?

[@stevendeatley4878]

very good video and thanks I am going get a set of these hornady tools today ,thank you very much

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Steven DeAtley - The Comparator will serve you well... Best to ya, FC Steve

[@airborne350g]

Nice info…. These days I would resize them or pull the primers and reuse those. Too hard to find components.

[@CharlieMikeNS]

It doesn't matter because the shell holder stops on the bottom of the die. It literally cannot go any further, even if you give it an additional full turn.

[@arch3088]

I have been reloading for 30+ years and have always used full length dies with the 1/4 turn and have always had good results. Just my experience.

[@frankwrogg2515]

Never gets old

[@Dadguy86]

Wow, I got the comparator kit in the mail midway through watching this video, that story struck close to home you told about the 308 brass, excpet.. I began working on a new caliber a few weeks ago. I was checking the cbto measurement, and at a length well below my measurement, my dummy round wouldn't chamber. Come to find out, I'm an idiot and didnt have my fl sizing die screwed in far enough. Man, I hadn't considered it being a headspace issue. I have always done like the instructions say, touch the shell holder and go another 1/3 turn. That's funny, I'm glad I watched this and glad I ordered the comparator. Other than feeling foolish, I'm excited to resize my brass again. Thanks for the videos fortune cookie.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Jason Need - It sure is nice to have control over our headspace rather than just going with "touching the die + 1/4 turn" or have we done 1/3 turn? - and the headspace is affected. Good shootin' to ya, FC Steve

[@liamaaronduran]

Great info as always,i have heard that competition shooters will adjust there headspace as you have shown to there rifles chamber to improve accuracy. I have had trouble with 3006 brass i have neck resizing only with brass shot from my own rifle and this is the cause, great info thanks

[@jamiesloan5902]

Liams House Actually, another problem you may be having is a chamber that is slightly egg shaped. It other words, a fire formed case may not be turned in the correct orientation to fit your chamber's circumference imperfections. Most of the time, it's a shoulder(headspace) issue, but I've seen people also encounter a "circumference" issue, when trying to use fire formed cases. Just thought I would mention that to ya...

[@chrisb2915]

a very good video sir ...well done

[@kylelusk8994]

Awesome video! Amazing info! I went through a lot of work(whole notebook) to get my 308 dialed in, but if you take the time, you can shoot the hasp off of a master lock at 250yds. And it's the little things that make the difference! But eventually you have to start over in precision shooting. Let's face it, you have to clean the bore every now and then. Hey! That might be a coffee chat video! Thanks Steve FC45!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

kyle lusk - Very good point, kyle..!! A mildly fouled rifle bore is actually desired. We don't want to remove 100% of the copper fouling even when we are cleaning. Even then, the first round from a "clean" barrel is out of the group - we need fouling rounds, and those aren't always convenient. When we were varmint shooting out in Williams and Weed CA, when we hit a ground squirrel with the fouling round, we knew it was going to be a great day... Best to ya, FC Steve

[@johnx9318]

Great information - thanks.

[@TimKollat]

great vid!! You should start a reloading school as youd be a very good teacher. Coherent and simple. I set my FL dies for a shoulder .002" smaller than chamber

[@blackbear9326]

You're a star mate. Cheers. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼

[@chriswhitehorne1]

Great video on the head space especially using Hornady com par a tor. I was debating on getting one, now its a definite must have. I have had problems with my 308 bolt gun chambering rounds occasionally, checked everything I could ...didn't understand why, this is definitely the problem. Question can i use my lee collet/neck size die to bump the shoulder... i would think no is the answer, only the full length die I expect

[@terryhenry8243]

No, the lee collet die will NOT work for moving shoulder position on your brass. It only resizes the neck of the case. It does this very well because of the collet design but it will not touch the shoulder.

[@michaelmonteith9726]

Awesome video! Thanks

[@jreg0028]

Thank you for making this video.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

jreg0028 - This video was to open up our considerations when FL sizing is being done...Good reloadin' to ya, FC

[@johnmorgan2099]

This video answered a lot of questions thank you sir

[@michaelajero2409]

Forster makes a tool that uses calipers called Datum Dial ammunition measurement kit. It can measure relative headspace as well as datum length. Like it better than the hornady comparator. I love the RCBS precision mic as I can make measurements faster and not worry about using calipers and having brass not sitting flat on the blade. Only wish RCBS made them for 6mmBr.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Michael Ajero - Another great point...RCBS doesn't make their Precision Mic for all calibers. Best Regards to ya..!! FC

[@robertbrandywine]

Your terminology would be a little confusing to a beginner. Excessive headspace is better understood as too great a distance from the shoulder to the part of the chamber in front of it. You were waving your hand around the area of the cartridge head when you were discussing this, which was misleading. Also, it would have been helpful, when you got a -.003" reading on the RCBS gauge to explain that the minus meant the shoulder was .003" further back (toward the bolt face) than the first one that you measured and set to .000".

[@michaelajero2409]

Using the RCBS precision mic, if I have fired brass that measures .002 LESS than the SAAMI spec, does that measurement reflect exactly what my chamber is or is that just a measurement that reflects what the brass bounces back to after fire forming? How much bounce back does brass usually measure?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Michael Ajero - Great question, and thanks for bringing this up as we can't cover everything in a video - would be miles too long... We are not measuring .002 less than SAAMI specs, but rather .002 less than our fired brass headspace measurement (that happens to be within SAAMI specs if the manufacturers are doing their job). -- Absolutely, there is always brass bounce back - that's what allows extraction. And so the complexities of brass alloy and work hardening of case bodies (annealing won't help that) is one of the reasons some don't anneal their cases favoring instead to retire the brass after 5 - 6 loadings. For our purposes, the brass bounce back is a constant enough that our Precision Mics and Comparators relativity measurements work out for us very well. Have a great day, FC

[@russellapplegate5661]

Great info... Thank you

[@adamb5225]

Measure it with out fired primer!

[@semtech30]

Load your unprimed full length sized shell case into the chamber of the gun your using. Rack it and eject it. I always cycle some sized shell's first before loading to make sure they will cycle. Check trimmed case length to standards, Check to make sure the OAL after loading is not exceeded. I've never had a problem. Factory loads have given me grief. They are always striving for higher velocities for sales. Follow instructions. Good demo here. Thanks

[@craigwesson1788]

Invaluable information thank you ! One thing I don’t understand is when you hear guys saying they bump the shoulder back, what ever size, is this done on a normal full length die ? I’m using rcbs full length dies on my cases. Can anyone explain this 😊

[@FtnHills38]

The great depression started in Oct 1929

[@michaspi]

Steve Hoover True, but there was a multi-year buildup to the Crash. It didn’t happen overnight prior to that fateful day in October.

[@drubradley8821]

Welp, that was perfectly stated and fun.

[@yolo-qr2fq]

So I got a fired 260rem case that is reading 1.625 in the comparator. When I resize it it grows to 1.627. Shouldn't it go to 1.623 instead? The case also fits in a case gauge before resizing. My guess is the chamber is tight enough that the fl sizing die won't touch it so any brass from the body is being pushed into the shoulder area making it longer.

[@o5245607]

Is there a simple way to measure a rifles chamber length to get an accurate measurement for setting the proper headspace? Fireforming isn't accurate because out of a box of shells the headspace dimension can be different from shell to shell when checked with the precision mic and not all cases stretch the same amount when fired. This has been my experience does anyone have an answer?

[@Adcomb]

for resizing 1x brass use the average of a few cases fired from that chamber. Other than that the simple way is to have the chamber casted.

[@luvtahandload7692]

jager meister. If you fire a box of shells, measure them all and use the longest one as your chamber dimension. Or better yet, neck-size-only and fire the same 3 rounds three times. Measure them all and, again, use the longest one as your chamber dimension. Do not average them. Always use the longest one.

[@gsmithy7995]

I was under the impression that sb dies were what was needed for semi auto cartridge? And fl was for bolt action?

[@gsmithy7995]

I have both 🤷🏽

[@barndweller4573]

I wonder if you can help me with a problem I seem to be having resizing my 308 Starline brass. I see measuring for head space with the comparitor (sorry not sure the spelling) but my headspace is different from piece to piece of brass. What would cause it to not be the same either bad or good should it not be the same? I am using a RCBS single stage press with RCBS dies and the press is not sloppy but they just do not come up the same. Thank you for any ideas you can send my way/

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Barn Dweller - That's a hard one...if the press and dies are good, there is a problem with the comparator - the case can be wobbly on the bare caliper end causing variations in the readings. The Hornady Anvil can really help that. Also, if dead primers are still in the brass, you will have variations in your readings as well. That is all I can come up with....Best to ya, Steve

[@barndweller4573]

@@FortuneCookie45LC I figured it out, I was lubing the entire case and when I re-read the die instructions (RCBS) I learned with rifle cases they said no lube on the neck and the shoulder. I tried that and sure enough my variances dropped to 1.5 thousands of an inch. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me! I hope you and your family are well!

[@charleycrawford2857]

Can we get one to measure nato specs.

[@i556xx4]

I just got my rcbs press, I was going to order dies Tonite, just not sure what kind?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

i556 - All our reloading manufacturers make fine dies - Lee, RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, Redding, Dillon, Forster all make fine dies for our use. Least expensive are the Lees, and I have a lot of those. But I do have the others with the exception of Redding...just never got around to getting any of their dies. Best to ya, FC Steve

[@i556xx4]

Thanks bud, I'm going to order some lee 224 valkyrie dies tonite. I need some primers and bullets thats about it.

[@dougbarlow3010]

I have experienced the cartridge not wanting to chamber so I taken more care in resizing. Now, however, When I try to load directly into the chamber one cartridge at a time, not using the magazine, the bolt won’t function. Now if if load one using the magazine it will function just fine. Any ideas on what in doing wrong. I will definitely order me a RCBD mic. Thanks very much.

[@oldgoat1890]

What kind of rifle? The extractor may not be riding over the rim if the cartridge is already in the chamber.

[@dougbarlow3010]

@@oldgoat1890 this is a Ruger Scout rifle 308. Only a few years old. Probably less than. 200 rounds through it.

[@geegaw14]

It’s because the Ruger Scout is a “controlled round feed” action and if you load directly into the chamber the bolt claw will not be able to slip over the cartridge rim as you close the bolt. When you load from the mag the cartridge rim slips up into the bottom of the claw which then allows everything to work properly. I have the same issue with my scout.

[@harryhenderson2259]

One could measure the chamber for each gun then size brass according to ojive of that specific gun.

[@electromech7335]

Noob to reloading it would be nice to see a diagram with the terms on it. I just learn things better using pictures. Great video btw.Thanks.

[@CScott-zj7ko]

I have a 6.5 Grendel II Chamber that is consistently 0.010" bigger than factory Hornady ammo. Once I shoot it I bump it back 0.003 to 0.004" by adjusting by hand the die. Is this a concern? If I FL resize my Grendel in Lee FL dies, it is a massive 0.017" bump! (I only did it to a few pieces of brass and would never think of shooting that brass now). Also, when I FL size 223 in my RCBS die, it is consistently 0.008" smaller than two AR15 chambers (PSA Barrels that are exactly the same headspace size). I quit FL sizing that brass and only bump back 4 or 5 thousandths now, but is that 0.008" undersized brass concerning? I have a pile of 200 or so pieces of brass that small. Also, some factory 556 NATO is 7 or 8 thousandths smaller than those chambers... Previously, I had understood that the reason SAAMI has a max tolerance of 0.017 was that was the max headspace bump before case head separation is likely. Is there any further info with factory ammo shooting at 8 or 10 thousandths smaller?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

C. Scott - You are handling your Grendel brass very well. If you were to simply FL size your brass blindly, the repeated overstressing of said brass is asking for trouble. By controlling and tailoring your reloaded ammo, you can have good function (your .003-.004" less than your chamber) and performance. Seems that the gun makers and ammo makers work with the .010" SAAMI heasdspace allowances in the following manner -- Bolt gun chambers are made in the +.002 to 0 and ammo makers make the ammo headspace 0 to -.001. Hence, bolt guns have close matching of chamber and ammo headspace for max accuracy. Our semi-auto rifles are a different story; gun makers make the chambers with headspace more toward the max SAAMI allowance (+.010") so that any ammo made will be reliable function. Reloaders who conceptualize using fire formed brass to reload for their semi-autos run into feeding issues post haste so the word is always to FL resize for loading their semi-autos (often with recommendation to even use small base dies - translate minimum SAAMI). However, as you and Phil Sharpe have found - the headspace can be all over the place with FL resizing. . Brass fired in max SAAMI chambers and then bump sized down below 0 have severe stress on the next firing. It is the equivalent stress in Glock handgun brass that has visible blown out brass from oversized chambers and unsupported case heads. Rifle shooters would never use brass like that to reload for their rifles, but with the rifle brass, the stress is much less apparent to simply see. Only careful case inspection will keep us OK, but even then, we cannot get the same number of reloadings out of our cases compared to bolt shooters. It is a testament to our brass that we don't have many more case separations than are seen...most are partial head separations that can be observed as heavily smudged case heads. Funny, I was about to do a video on just this issue of semi-auto pick up brass from the range. And all the other action types fall in between. Have a great day, FC Steve

[@SA-lr1sf]

Thanks. It was a little above my head but it was good.

[@roonbooks1418]

Nice video! When you inserted the live round into the hornady comparitor, you need to explain to the viewers that they need to be aware that the primer us NOT protruding out past the base of the case in mention,...otherwise, if it was in fact protruding, it would add to the overall measurement unknowingly...not so much on factory loaded bullets but a person could be comparing one of his/her own reloaded rounds, let's say, perhaps from some previously loaded ammunition

[@howtoshootstraighthtss4948]

Those 35 year old brass had varying shoulder length... how come? If you full length sized them, in theory they should be all the same length, and shorter right???

[@oldgoat1890]

No. Some may have been over stretched or work hardened before resizing.

[@hughhughp68]

now I'm a bit confused, I had all his RCBS Precision Mic figured out ten years ago. if I measure a factory Round in 30/06 it measures -.006, that's six lines under the zero. Now if I shoot that Round it will measure zero on the line, I then size it to push the shoulder back two lines below that zero line. So that's just two thou back from the zero mark. It seems your measurements are above the zero line and mine are below it. I'm I doing something wrong?

[@craigbenz4835]

You are doing nothing wrong, and your results are normal.

[@soloflyer1]

Right of the bat, regarding the scale, you're confusing resolution with accuracy. The balance has a "resolution" of 0.1 grains, that's not the margin of error as you see it listed on electronic scales, it is just the weight difference from one mark of the beam to the next. (I'm referring to the marks on the beam, to the right of the pivot point) You can eyeball a 0.05 grain by getting in the middle of two adjacent marks, but it is out of the resolution of the scale, so don't swear by it, even though you'll be darn close. Correctly calibrated, a balanced-beam scale, is very accurate, and assuming the pivot points are clean and free, it's also very precise. Accuracy, precision and resolution, are different things, that are mistakenly interchanged.

[@mckwilly]

this video is full of great info, I fully approved if it

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

MCK - Appreciate you taking the time to post comment... Have a great day, FC

[@ynotjf]

Comparator. Say it with me compare-it-or.. Comparator!

[@aaronmcleanmclean2245]

I measured my ruger hawkeye m77 predator 22-250 headspace of a fired piece of brass. I got -.001 with rcbs headspace mic is that normal?

[@toycollector2611]

I would be using factory ammo for hunting, especially a trophy hunt, not reloaded ammo. Same for LE situations.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

toy collector - Great point..!! That is very good policy. Our reloads are very good for all other shooting though including varmint shooting. Have a great day, FC

[@TimKollat]

I dont agree with that. Id feel absolutely fine using my reloads in any hunting situation. Why wouldn't you?

[@toycollector2611]

If the resizing is off and the cartridge jams. Just Murphy's law in action.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

mojo jojo - I guess my answer was based on two thoughts that instantly tripped with this comment...1) If I ever got another invite to go hog hunting, I'd grab my 336, and I keep 200 rounds of factory 170 grain Winchester SPs all sighted in.and ready to go at a moment's notice. Good for 2" at 100 yards. A couple boxes of those and we're off. I don't see any other opportunities to hunt otherwise, so that was my first thought. 2) And for other serious purpose with any of my guns, I'd only use factory ammo - that was my other thought. - Have a great day, FC Steve