Full length sizing dies & headspace

[fgw_in_fla]

I have my standard die kit with a FS die & a second die set for neck sizing only. The NS die set AND the FS die set both have a FS die with decapping pin.

Now, when I FS a 30.06 case & check headspace, I get good readings - ie less than .004" but slightly more than .002" headspace measurement.
When I use the FS die from the neck sizing kit headspace is now up to .008" ???

So... I guess I have to ask - Is it possible to size brass with standard dies & adjust them up / down & end up with the case shoulder bumped back or moved longer?

I stumbled upon this when I checked the HS on my '06 using the "freshly FS'ed brass & .002" scotch tape method". I readjusted my dies (both) and ran a few more pieces of brass. Same results.
Would it be reasonable to assume the one die is cut differently than the other?

Whatcha think ???

[Grit #1]

Redding has a five piece shellholder set is designed to adjust your headspace. I believe they start at +.002 and go to +.010. Sinclair International has them for about $45.00. It problem that you have is because dies are cut differently, even from the same MFG.. I believe that this is money well spent. The other alternative is to slip a feeler gauge between the shell holder and the die and adjust the die to the feeler gauge. This only works if you have a press that doesn't have a lot of slop in the linkage. This doesn't have the same degree of accuracy as the shellholders.
Best regards,
Grit

[Blue Avenger]

Would it be reasonable to assume the one die is cut differently than the other?

Whatcha think ???
Yes, there is always machining tolerances. My 6br die allows more body taper then my 7br die dose. Every couple firings I have to hit the 6 brass with the 7 die and no expander to push the body back in.

[fgw_in_fla]

Thanks, guys. I kinda sorta figured the dies were cut differently. Probably one made on a Monday, the other on a Friday...

I'll look into the variable thickness shell holders. I've read about some of the other folks here using them with results.

Thanx, again.

Frank in Fla. ;)