Full length sizing dies & headspace

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 ???

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fgw_in_fla

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

Whatcha think ???

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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.

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. ;)