Thread: Brass FL Sizing Trouble

Hi guys,

Got a question for the more knowledgeable, first time reloading for my brother's 6.5x55, specifically I've started resizing his Lapua brass (second hand with unknown firings) with a Redding type S FL bushing die. Firstly, I annealed the brass, then measured the shoulder at 1.7590 using Hornady comparator and headspace bushing. I also measured some once fired (from brother's rifle) Hornady and Federal brass for a baseline, which measured very similar at 1.7585 - 1.7595. This is the first time I've used a type S FL bushing die, there were no instructions in the box. A quick Youtube and I got started with screwing die into touch shell holder and back off 1/4 turn.

So here's my confusion, I lubed and sized a few pieces of brass and measured the shoulder again, 1.7620 consistently. Shoulder has grown by 3 thousandths. I was aiming to bump the shoulder back 2 thousandths, so I continued to screw the die in further but no bump to the shoulder. My only conclusion, my assumption that I could use the shoulder measurement from the once fired Hornady and Federal brass is incorrect, and the baseline measurement is no good, those pieces of brass may not have been fully fire formed to brother's chamber? Either that or the die is too long which doesn't seem likely. Interested to hear others thoughts. When I chamber the sized Lapua brass with now slightly longer shoulder, it feels like there is just fractionally more resistance than the un-sized brass. If the shoulder was indeed too long for the chamber would there be significant resistance when closing the bolt, or could I even do so? Always looking to learn, thanks in advance.

Regards,
Joel