280 rem. Neck diameter question

[boltman223]

I see that the Saami spec for the 280 is .316. Is there any reason to go that big? Doing the math it seems like that might be bigger than needed. Would a .314 neck have enough clearance for Norma brass?

It's going to be a single shot match rifle. No turn neck is the plan.

 

[Willie]

Depends on your brass. My lots of Norma .280 brass measures an average of .015" per side across samples of 500 pieces. I run a custom with a .316 neck and turn to .014 for .004" total clearance. It shoots .1-.2's 3-shot groups and is my practice rifle. If your lots are near mine, you would have .002" total clearance max in a .314" neck. Depends on your use, I reckon. I also neck some down to 6.5 for a wildcat and thickness was closer to .0155- .016". You might find thinner lots.

 

[boltman223]

Depends on your brass. My lots of Norma .280 brass measures an average of .015" per side across samples of 500 pieces. I run a custom with a .316 neck and turn to .014 for .004" total clearance. It shoots .1-.2's 3-shot groups and is my practice rifle. If your lots are near mine, you would have .002" total clearance max in a .314" neck. Depends on your use, I reckon. I also neck some down to 6.5 for a wildcat and thickness was closer to .0155- .016". You might find thinner lots.

Ok, thanks a lot. I think I'll go with the .316 neck.