AR15 Neck Tension

[aussiepowderburner]

Just about to start reloading for an AR15 IN .223.
Could I have some advice as to best neck tension please?
For magazine fed 50 to 55gr pills.
Thanks in advance
APB

 

[acloco]

Lee crimp die works VERY well.

 

[Jeff A]

I have 3 uppers, two in 223, one in 6.5 Grendel. I have never used anything except a standard full length die with NO CRIMP. Specific tests have proven to me that the bullet stays in place during feeding.

 

[Dans40X]

.003" press fit works in any caliber from .22Hornet to 50BMG that I've loaded in my lifetime.
Don't crowd the 2.260"maximum cartridge over all length for magazine feeding in a mouse gun.

 

[aussiepowderburner]

Thanks guys
I guess I was after a more measured answer in regards to actual neck tension in thou if possible.
My reloading background over the recent past is for F class where it is single loaded and light neck tension.
Loading naked projectiles [ no moly ] so looking for a lead on the neck tension needed to ensure accurate loads whilst maintaining OAL during the feed cycle?
Thanks

 

[aussiepowderburner]

Dans40X - thanks
Your reply cam in while I was typing the one above!

 

[Corey Schwanz]

Easy way to check tension is make a dummy round and chamber it from a magazine. If the bullet shifts, you need to either tighten the tension if the die allows or apply a slight crimp. My standard Full Length sizing die didn't give me quite enough tension (I'd guess it was around .002) and the bullets were being forced OUT of the case mouth about .015-.020 when the round chambered. Added just a slight crimp and problem solved.

 

[chkunz]

Easy way to check tension is make a dummy round and chamber it from a magazine. If the bullet shifts, you need to either tighten the tension if the die allows or apply a slight crimp. My standard Full Length sizing die didn't give me quite enough tension (I'd guess it was around .002) and the bullets were being forced OUT of the case mouth about .015-.020 when the round chambered. Added just a slight crimp and problem solved.

I was in the habit of using 0.003 tension for ammo to be fed from the magazine for the rapid fire stage of the National Match Course. I did an experiment with a dummy round with 0.001 tension where I chambered and removed the dummy 20 times. I measured the overall length after each chambering. There was no change in OAL for the first several cycles but eventually the bullet started to move and I got some slight increase in OAL. I concluded from that experiment that I could work the brass less even for rapid fire than I had been doing. The problem is that all brass does not act the same and may not act the same after several loadings.

 

[243winxb]

When i tested 5.56mm neck tension .002" is the minimum giving about 35 lbs bullet pull. .003" is better. http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/gasgunreload.cfm The photo below is for a 30-06 (not my test)