Sinclair Full-Length Sizing Die Shims
When your cases become hard to extract, or you feel a stiff bolt lift when removing a cartridge, it’s probably time to full-length size your cases, and “bump” the shoulder back. With a hunting load, shoulder bumping may only be required every 4-5 loading cycles. Short-range benchrest shooters, running higher pressures, typically full-length size every load cycle, bumping the shoulder .001-.002″. High Power shooters with gas guns generally full-length size every time, and may need to bump the shoulders .003″ or more to ensure reliable feeding and extraction.
Use Shims for Precise Control of Shoulder Bump
Some shooters like to set the “default” position for their full-length die to have an “ample” .003″ or .004″ shoulder bump. When they need less bump, a simple way to reduce the amount of shoulder movement is to use precision shims in .001″ (one-thousandth) increments.
Here are reports from Forum members who use the shims:
“Great product. I have my die lock ring(s) adjusted for the shortest headspace length on my multiple chambers 6BRs and 6PPCs. When needing a longer headspace, I just refer to my notes and add the appropriate shim under the lock ring. Keep it simple.” — F.D. Shuster
Mats Johansson writes: “I’ve been using [shims] since Skip Otto (of BR fame) came out with them. I set up my dies with the .006″ shim, giving me the option of bumping the shoulder a bit more when the brass gets old and hardens while still having room to adjust up for zero headspace, should I have missed the original setup by a thou or two. Hunting rounds can easily be bumped an extra .002-.003″ for positive, no-crush feeding. Being a safety-oriented cheapskate, I couldn’t live without them — they let me reload my cases a gazillion times without dangerous web-stretching. Shims are a must-have, as simple as that.” — Mats Johansson
Sinclair Int’l offers a seven-piece set of Sizing Die Shims that let you adjust the height of your die (and thereby the amount of bump and sizing) in precise .001″ increments. Sinclair explains: “Some handloaders will set their die up to achieve maximum sizing and then progressively use Sinclair Die Shims between the lock ring and the press head to move the die away from the shellholder. Doing this allows you to leave the lock ring in the same position. These shims are usually available in increments of .001″ and work very well.”
Seven Shims from .003″ to .010″
Sinclair’s $12.49 Die Shim Kit (item 22400) includes seven shims in thicknesses of .003, .004, .005, .006, .007, .008, and .010. For ease of use, shim thickness is indicated by the number of notches cut in the outer edge of each shim. Even without looking you can “count” the notches by feel.
Similar Posts:
- Bump Control: Precision Shims for Full-Length Sizing Dies
- Die Shims for FL Sizing Dies Give Precise Control of Bump
- Die Shims For Full-Length Sizing Dies — EZ Die Adjusting
- Smart Reloader — Die Shims For Full-Length Sizing Dies
- Handy Shim Sets for Sizing Dies — Quickly Adjust Shoulder Bump
Tags: Die, Headspace, Reloading, Shim, Shoulder Bump, Sinclair Int'l
These work great. Use them all the time.
Why not purchase just a regular shim set at any hardware store and use the correct size between the die and the shell holder. That’s what I would do.
EDITOR: Mark — The issue is that the “correct” size may change depending on the condition of the brass, the gun the ammo will be shot in, and even the press being used for full-length sizing (some presses have more slop and accordingly require the die to be lowered to get the same headspacing and bump as the same die set up on a stiffer press.) The Sinclair set allows for these variables as when you’re loading .223 rem for both a bolt gun and an AR15.
I use a automotive feeler gauge set/tool for this
I’ve been using them since Skip (Otto, of BR fame) came out with them. I set up my dies with the .006″ shim, giving me the option of bumping the shoulder a bit more when the brass gets old and hardens while still having room to adjust up for zero headspace, should I have missed the original setup by a thou or two.
Hunting rounds can easily be bumped an extra .002-.003″ for positive, no-crush feeding.
Being a safety oriented cheapskate, I couldn’t live without them – they let me reload my cases a gazillion times without dangerous web stretching.
A must-have, as simple as that.
They work extremely well when you use one sizing die for multiple chambers. I have a 6 dasher and a 22 dasher with their own shims and bushings. I have three 22 BR again with their own shims. Makes set up a breeze and easy to adjust as needed.
Another great product. I have my die lock ring(s) adjusted for the shortest headspace length on my multiple chambers 6BR’s and 6ppc’s. When needing a longer headspace, just refer to my notes and add the appropriate shim under the lock ring. Keep it simple.
Also excellent with a Giraud trimmer. Enables fine trim length adjustment without changing the lock ring.
Handy with the seating die as well as the throat grows.
Changing shell holders is far easier than removing the die to change shims. Reading offers a full set of shell holders from -.010 to -.002.
I use this all the time! I tap my brass with a hammer until I can fit the shim in between the die and the brass. This is how you use it, right?