223 Remington Extraction Problem

[ELR LVR]

Looks like the brass has been fired through different rifles and should be small base sized first to bring the case back to the same dimensions as new unfired brass. Then keep that brass to be used in this rifle only.

What he said ^^^
FL length small base size everything
Then begin from there,
Then...once fired only in your chamber
THEN, you should be able to get away with ONLY neck sizing them
(Unless you exert too much pressure)
In which case you must FL size again.

 

[Richard Jones]

I will offer this:

If you're using range brass, especially if it's from an MG, the small-base die is almost a necessity. (I do have one FLS 223 die that sizes way more than another brand, so you could luck out in that regard.) After that first time, you are back to 'new' brass, fired in your chamber. After that.......

FLS every time. Bump the shoulder only what you need to get your required fitment, (e.g., .001-.003). If you neck size only, you will eventually have to FLS. Neck sizing only will result in a tighter fit for each subsequent loading. If anyone can get by indefinitely with only neck sizing and not having to beat the bolt open to extract a case, my hat's off to you-I've never managed that feat. Neck sizing only used to be The Way. I think that has evolved.

I don't use collet dies so I can't speak to any of that process.