Personal Defense World
  • News
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Shotguns
    • Class III & More
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • Latest Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
    • SCCY Brand Videos
    • Video Series
      • Everyday Carry
  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Personal Defense World
  • News
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Shotguns
    • Class III & More
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • Latest Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
    • SCCY Brand Videos
    • Video Series
      • Everyday Carry
  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Personal Defense World
No Result
View All Result
 
New Year, New FREE GUN FRIDAY! Enter to WIN the Smith & Wesson and Black Hills package.

Redding’s High-Accuracy Reloading Products

David Kenik by David Kenik
November 29, 2017
in Ammo, Gear
0
redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press

Redding’s T7 Turret Press is essentially a single-stage press with a rotating turret that allows die changes by rotating the turret.

0
SHARES
27
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press
Redding’s T7 Turret Press is essentially a single-stage press with a rotating turret that allows die changes by rotating the turret.
redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding t7 die
The T7’s turret has stations for seven dies and can be swapped out for additional dies.
redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding type-s match die set
Redding’s precise Type S-Match Die Set includes a Neck Bushing Die, a Competition Bullet Seating Die and a Body Die.

redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed
Redding’s optional Slide Bar Automatic Primer Feed system speeds up the primer seating process.
redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, imperial dry neck lube
Dipping the case’s neck into Imperial Dry Neck Lube allows you to resize it without damaging it.
redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, imperial sizing die wax
Use just a tiny amount of Imperial Sizing Die Wax on the case’s body.

redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, reloading accuracy
When reloading for accuracy, measure the powder to a tenth of a grain.
redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, redding competition bullet seating die
Redding’s Competition Bullet Seating Die increases the concentricity of the bullet during loading and offers a precisely measured seating depth.
redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, micrometer
Use a micrometer to measure the cartridge length to check the bullet’s seating depth.

redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, gun test
The author’s personal best group of 0.3 MOA was created with ammunition reloaded with the techniques in this article.
redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, range test

There are numerous reasons to reload your own ammunition: cost savings, the ability to customize loads, being able to load rare, hard-to-find cartridges, and increased accuracy over factory ammunition. I reload pistol ammunition to reduce my costs because I shoot quite a bit. For my rifles, my reloading goals are to both reduce cost and increase accuracy. Not only does reloading my own ammunition allow me to produce rounds with tighter tolerances than factory ammunition, but I can also tune the load to my specific gun by varying the bullet profile and weight, type and amount of powder, seating depth and even experiment with multiple brands of primers. I wanted to load 6.5 Creedmoor ammo for short-range precision shooting and .338 Lapua Mag rounds for longer ranges.

Being somewhat new to precision rifle reloading and anxious to learn more, I contacted Robin Sharpless, executive vice president at Redding for assistance in learning the craft. Redding offers a very wide range of quality products for reloaders, including presses, dies, powder measures and just about every accessory needed. Many of the company’s offerings are designed for high-accuracy reloading.

Redding Tools

redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding t7 die
The T7’s turret has stations for seven dies and can be swapped out for additional dies.

When it comes to high-accuracy reloading, a single-stage press offers precision far beyond that of progressive presses. Loading is slower, but it can be more accurate. I am using Redding’s T7 Turret Reloading Press. It’s essentially a single-stage press with a rotating turret that allows a die change by rotating the turret, without the need to remove and reinstall the dies. Not only does this save time, but it also reduces the potential of errors when removing and reinstalling dies—you won’t accidently change an adjustment. The T7 turret press has stations for seven dies and you can swap the turret if you need more. It is an extremely heavy and solid press weighing 28 pounds. It was designed to have minimal deflection, keeping alignment perfect like a single- stage unit. In fact, people using the T7 turret press have set numerous IBS Benchrest records.

redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding type-s match die set
Redding’s precise Type S-Match Die Set includes a Neck Bushing Die, a Competition Bullet Seating Die and a Body Die.

The dies that I am using are Redding’s Type S-Match Die Set. The set includes a Neck Bushing Die, a Competition Bullet Seating Die and a Body Die. Redding’s Type S-Match Die Sets offer numerous advantages over basic dies. The Neck Bushing Die utilizes a user-changeable bushing to resize the neck to the precise measurement required for the dimensions of the specific brass used. This is important since neck sizes will vary among brass from different manufacturers. The bushings are offered from 0.185 through 0.368 inches in 0.001-inch increments, covering all calibers from .17 to .338. To determine the bushing diameter needed, measure the neck diameter of several factory-loaded cartridges with a micrometer. Take the average and subtract 0.001 and 0.002 inches from the neck diameter to obtain the correct bushing sizes. This will size   the neck only enough to properly retain the bullet, allowing for a reduction in stressed-induced run-out and extending the case life. Use the smaller of the two bushings. If you find cases that have a larger neck tolerance, switch to the larger bushing.

redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, redding competition bullet seating die
Redding’s Competition Bullet Seating Die increases the concentricity of the bullet during loading and offers a precisely measured seating depth.

Redding’s Competition Bullet Seating Die is designed to increase the concentricity of the bullet during loading and offers a precision-measured seating depth. The die employs a sliding, internal sleeve that keeps the case and bullet in perfect alignment as the ram is raised. The increased consistency of the bullet angle during loading increases accuracy. The die also features a micrometer head, which allows the seating depth to be modified with precision in 0.001-inch increments—no guessing needed.

RELATED STORY: 7 Reloading Accessories For Creating Accurate, Reliable Ammo

The Body Die resizes the full length of the case body, including the shoulder, without affecting the neck. This die is used when the case has been reloaded a number of times and the shoulder is no longer within specifications, making chambering difficult. This is typically three to five reloads, but the exact number of uses it takes to stretch the case will vary based on case size, thickness and load pressure. Since the 6.5 Creedmoor is not a very high-pressure load, my cases took eight reloadings to get to that point.

Beyond the press, dies, Neck Bushing Die and powder scale, a few accessories are needed as well. For lubrication, Robin prefers Imperial Sizing Die Wax and Imperial Dry Neck Lube. Also, a Redding Competition Shellholder Set was used with the Body Die.

Die Another Day

redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed
Redding’s optional Slide Bar Automatic Primer Feed system speeds up the primer seating process.

After installing the smaller of the two bushings in the Neck Bushing Die, die setup is next. With the shell holder in place on the ram, raise the ram and screw the Neck Bushing Die down until it touches the shell holder.

Screw out the decapping pin to the point where it will not punch out the primers. Place a case with a spent primer in the shell holder. Repeatedly screw in the decapping pin a little bit at a time until the spent primer is removed when the ram is fully raised. When done, tighten the locking ring of the decapping pin.

RELATED STORY: Reloading 101 – How To Load Your Own Ammunition

To position the Redding Competition Bullet Seating Die, raise the ram and screw the die down until the outer wall of the die touches the shell holder. Then, raise the die a quarter turn and tighten the locking nut. Note: The Redding Competition Bullet Seating Die has an inner sleeve that extends lower than the outer wall of the die. The sleeve will push inward as you screw the die down. It’s important not to mistake the inner sleeve for the outer die wall.

Raise the micrometer turret of the Competition Bullet Seating Die to a point where it seats the bullet too high in the case. Place a bullet on a case and seat it with the press, then measure its overall length precisely with an accurate micrometer. Subtract your intended cartridge length from the actual length of the reloaded cartridge. Dial in that measurement change on the micrometer head to lower the seating depth to the proper height.

Reloading Steps

redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, imperial sizing die wax
Use just a tiny amount of Imperial Sizing Die Wax on the case’s body.

Now let the reloading begin! Starting with a cleaned case, hold it by the neck with one hand and rub the forefinger of your other hand onto the tub of Imperial Sizing Die Wax to put just a touch of lube on your finger. Be careful: A little goes a long way, and too much lube can gum up the die. Rub your forefinger and thumb together to smear the lube onto your thumb, then rub the lube onto the entire case body below the neck.

redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, imperial dry neck lube
Dipping the case’s neck into Imperial Dry Neck Lube allows you to resize it without damaging it.

At the first station, insert the case and raise the ram to resize and deprime the case. Wipe the case with a cloth to remove the case lube, then clean out the primer pocket, making sure that the flash hole is open. Once clean, set the new primer in place. Dip the top of the case in the Imperial Dry Neck Lube up to the neck as lubricant for the bullet seating.

RELATED STORY: Powder Precision – Measuring Powder Charges

Rotate the press turret to the second station, and with the proper amount of powder in the case, place the case in the shell holder, sit a bullet atop and cycle the ram to seat the bullet. The cartridge is complete!

The third die in the set, the Redding Body Die, is used when the case has been shot a number of times and its shoulder has been pushed forward, making it difficult to chamber the round. The Body Die works in conjunction with the Competition Shellholders to customize the case’s shoulder placement, essentially changing the headspace to fit the rifle exactly. The Competition Shellholder Set includes five shell holders ranging from 0.002 to 0.010 inches in 0.002-inch increments. This process creates a custom die just by changing the shell holder.

redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, reloading accuracy
When reloading for accuracy, measure the powder to a tenth of a grain.

In order to fit all rifles, cartridges are made to minimum SAMMI chamber sizes. However, most rifles are not minimum SAMMI chambers. The use of the Body Die and Competition Shellholders tunes the brass to the specific rifle. If another rifle has a different chamber, all that is needed is to swap out the Competition Shellholder.

The outside dimensions of all of the Competition Shellholders are the same, only the internals are different, so, once set, the Body Die will not need to be changed in order to modify the shoulder placement—just change the Competition Shellholder.

RELATED STORY: The 10-Shot Rule For Determining Handload Accuracy

To set up the die, install the +0.010-inch Shellholder (this shell holder has the least movement) in the ram and fully extend it upward. Lower the Body Die until it touches the Shellholder. Lower the ram and screw in the Body Die a quarter turn, then lock it in place.

With the brass lubed, run it through the Body Die. Clean off the lube and chamber the case (with no bullet) in the rifle. If it does not chamber freely, step down in Shellholder size and run it through the die again. Repeat until the case freely chambers in your rifle. Use that Shellholder in the Body Die for that rifle permanently. Note: Use a standard shell holder (not the Competition Shellholder) with the Neck Bushing Die and Competition Bullet Seating Die.

Better Accuracy

redding, reloading, reload, reloads, redding reload, redding t7 turret press, redding slide bar automatic primer feed, gun test
The author’s personal best group of 0.3 MOA was created with ammunition reloaded with the techniques in this article.

Right off the bat, my shooting results with my reloads were outstanding. I shot my personal best group of 0.3 MOA while firing from prone with a bipod and shooting bag. As a first-time reloader using high-quality equipment and tools from Redding and a little over-the-phone instruction, I created ammunition more accurate than what is made commercially.

To go even further, the next step to increasing accuracy would be to vary the bullet seating depth. This changes the “jump” the bullet takes from the case to the barrel’s rifling. By moving the bullet a few thousands of an inch either way, you can fine-tune the cartridge to your rifle even further. The micrometer turret on the Redding Competition Shooting Bullet Seating Die makes precision changes easy.

RELATED STORY: High-Volume Handloading – Time-Saving Tips For Using a Progressive Press

It was easy to build my own ammunition that is more accurate than factory loads. I used a bushing to custom set the Neck Bushing Die to the specific brass that I was using. The Competition Seating Die increased the concentricity of the bullet as it was loading and enabled me to set the seating depth with measured precision, and the Body Die gave me a custom headspace to match my rifle’s chamber.

Reloading not only allows you to build custom loads, but it also reduces costs to an incredible level.. Factory 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition runs about $1.34 per round. It only costs about 33 cents per reload. The cost of .338 Lapua Magnum is an astounding $3.40 per round. I cannot afford to shoot much ammunition at that price, but the reload cost is only about 80 cents. Increased accuracy and lower cost is a hard combination to beat!

For more information, visit http://www.redding-reloading.com or call 607-753-3331.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

Related Posts

A revolver and a wadcutter bullet can form a formidable package.

Wadcutter Wisdom: Why You Should Roll Your Own Flat-Nosed Rounds

38 super ammo, Colt Government

How to Handload Your Own 38 Super Ammo for Solid Accuracy

Speer Ammo Online

Shooters Can Now Buy Speer Ammo Online, Along With Components

sig sauer brass reloading cases closeup

New: Sig Sauer Brass Cases for Precision Handloaders

Load More

PERSONAL DEFENSE WORLD VIDEOS

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

Study Proves the Good Guy with a Gun Theory.

Good Guy with a Gun: Study of CCW Holders Stopping Mass Shootings

Following the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, gun control advocates have taken the anti-gun narrative to a fever pitch. They insist...

Read more

TRENDING

The Holosun AEMS Core Optic.

The Holosun AEMS Core Optic Packs a Lot of Power in a Small Package

...

21 Red-Dot Optics at SHOT Show 2023.

21 new Red-Dot Optics Sighted at SHOT Show 2023

...

Taurus 605 TORO and 856 TORO Revolvers.

Taurus Releases New Optics Ready 605 TORO and 856 TORO Revolvers

...

pocket pistol, pocket pistols, concealed carry handguns, concealed carry handgun, concealed carry pistol, concealed carry pistols

Best Pocket Pistols for Personal Defense [2022]

...

PICK A CATEGORY

CONCEALED CARRY SPOTLIGHT

gun drawing tips techniques

Tips & Tricks for a Fast Gun Draw

You have the right gun. Your cutting-edge holster is made with some lightweight, futuristic material. Your belt is even specially made to carry your...

CONCEALED CARRY SHOWCASE

Personal Defense Ammo for 2023.

Newest Personal Defense Ammo from SHOT Show 2023

The Daniel Defense DD4 RIII S.

Daniel Defense DD4 RIII S: The Perfect Short Barrel Rifle Configuration?

Is This Operation Choke Point 2.0?

Will Biden Appointment Lead to Another Operation Choke Point?

The Best Holsters of SHOT Show 2023.

These Righteous Rigs Were the Best Holsters of SHOT Show 2023

The Wilson Combat SFX9 3.25.

Wilson Combat SFX9 3.25: Refined 1911 for Personal Defense

21 Red-Dot Optics at SHOT Show 2023.

21 new Red-Dot Optics Sighted at SHOT Show 2023

A Perfect Example of Why Gun Control Doesn’t Work.

15-Year-Old in St. Louis Proves Why Gun Control Doesn’t Work

Concealed Carry Holsters and More for Women from SHOT Show 2023.

Concealed Carry Holsters and More for Women from SHOT Show 2023

AMMO SPOTLIGHT

Personal Defense Ammo for 2023.

Newest Personal Defense Ammo from SHOT Show 2023

With the historic Bruen Decision easing concealed carry laws across the land, naturally, demand for defensive ammunition went through the...

site logo
Gun News, Gun Reviews, and Self Defense Tips

Tactical

  • tactical-life.com

Magazines

  • Tactical Life
  • The Complete Book of Reloading
  • Guns of the Old West

Facebook

  • Tactical-Life Facebook
  • Guns of the Old West Facebook

Twitter

  • Tactical-Life Twitter

Self Defense

  • PersonalDefenseWorld.com

Magazines

  • Personal Defense World
  • Combat Handguns

Facebook

  • Personal Defense World Facebook
  • Combat Handguns

Twitter

  • Personal Defense World Twitter

Shooting Lifestyle

  • BallisticMag.com

Magazines

  • BallisticMag.com

Facebook

  • Ballistic Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Ballistic Magazine Twitter

Alpha Lifestyle

  • SkillsetMag.com

Magazines

  • Skillset

Facebook

  • Skillset Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Skillset Magazine Twitter

Instagram

  • Skillset Magazine Instagram
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Guns
    • View All Guns
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Rifles
    • Class III & More
    • Sponsored
  • Gear
    • View All Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • View All Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.