Fire forming question

[ssv1761982]

Loaded my first few rounds for a 17-222 with 17 and 17.5 gr IMR4198 and 20 gr Noslers. My question is - why is the neck still snug? I can't put a bullet into a fired case by hand.

The primers are showing zero signs of presure so maybe there was not enough pressure to fully expand everything?

This is new stuff to me so any advise is appreciated. I have not had a chance to try a stiffer load due to the weather.

 

[Multitoes]

Hi,
I too have had tight necks when FF load was too mild and the neck did not expand much ; is your case neck smoked ?
Otherwise of course is that your case necks are too thick for the chamber and need turning...

 

[ssv1761982]

I'll double check but I do think they were smoked. I'll bump it up a little and try again. I figured it was safer to start low. Thanks

 

[CatShooter]

Loaded my first few rounds for a 17-222 with 17 and 17.5 gr IMR4198 and 20 gr Noslers. My question is - why is the neck still snug? I can't put a bullet into a fired case by hand.

The primers are showing zero signs of presure so maybe there was not enough pressure to fully expand everything?

This is new stuff to me so any advise is appreciated. I have not had a chance to try a stiffer load due to the weather.

It is common for rifles with "minimum" necks, to not except a bullet in a fired neck easily.

I have several rifles like this. Don't turn your necks - work up loads in your normal fashion.

 

[ssv1761982]

I double checked a couple things. My loaded rounds are the same diameter at the neck as the old rounds that came with the rifle. Bullet fits into the old fired rounds so I need a little more pressure.
I am not too keen on firing the old shells that came with it. Primers are way too flat and sharp at the edges. Supposed to be 18.5 RL7. I pulled a few apart and found 2 different powders, I don't know which is which. There are a bunch of split necks too.

 

[CatShooter]

It sounds like annealing the necks would be way overdue right now.

 

[ssv1761982]

I am scrapping the old brass. It is easy to form by just running it thru the forming die and then full length size and load. I'll start low and work up.