Best neck size for .223 build

[Exocet]

I'm rebarrelling my Rem 700 SPS Tactical with a Shilen #7 contour heavy barrel. The barrel is on the way and the rifle already has an H&S precision stock which I added earlier.

I'm undecided as to what neck size to specify. I realize a .246 would require neck turning and would not likely chamber any factory round but several reamer makers offer a .252 neck which looks to be about minimum for factory ammo and maybe require minimal turning on reloads. From what I read, .254-.256 is a standard neck.

Any thoughts or recommendations? I'm leaning toward the .252 neck.

 

[alf]

When I wanted to order a 223 reamer, I went to a buddy's house and measured all the mixed bag loaded ammo he had on hand, as he was going in on the reamer and doesn't turn necks.

I settled on a .250" neck, giving me the option to clean the necks up if I wanted, and still not have too much clearance, and still give him some wiggle room for unturned brass.

 

[FroggyOne2]

Both of my .223's have a .255 neck

 

[40X Guy]

My .223 AI build based on Lapua brass is a .252 no turn neck. Loaded rounds are ~.250

Frank

 

[Phil]

My 22BR and 22BRX both have .250 necks so i can turn my brass to .012 thickness.


Loaded round is .248

 

[robbor]

As i recall from when i measured my 222 brass it was between .249-.250. im leaning tward 250 but id rather have a 251-252 so i dont have to turn necks.

 

[Exocet]

Thanks for the input.

I've measured a lot of my reloaded rounds and found them all about .248-.250. I think I'm going to do the .252 neck on this. Several reamer makers offer this size.

 

[ohnomrbillk]

I just specked a reamer out with Dave Kiff for a 223 AI, and we settled on 0.252 for a no turn

 

[Exocet]

ohnomrbillk- What freebore did you specify? What bullets will you be using?

I'm looking at numbers for freebore length now and seems like .040 will be good for 69 SMK's which is what I will mostly be shooting. The 77 SMK has the same profile (from what I can tell and read) and should shoot well also with the bullet slightly deeper into the case.

Thanks!