How to setup a Full Length Sizing Die

Skip to 9:43 for the actual die setupShow more

First it's recommended that you clean your die before using it, be sure to check the manual to see if your die manufacturer has certain recommendations. For example: Hornady recommends that their seating stem protrudes 3/16" below the base of the die.

After that we'll spray some case lube in the die and set it up in the press, as well as cover Imperial sizing wax and spray case lube.

After that I'll demonstrate how to read a case gauge as well as use the Hornady Headspace Comparator. For an AR the goal it to bump your shoulder -0.002" to -0.004" for proper function and reliability. If you're reloading for a bolt action try to set for -0.002" shoulder bump.

1:20 Die cleaning
4:00 Spray case lube on in the die
4:36 Setting the decapping pin/mandrel depth
9:43 Setting up the die in the press
10:40 What a case gauge is
11:45 Using a Headspace Comparator
14:40 Using case lube
16:57 Resizing the case
17:27 Reading the Headspace Comparator and Case Gauge