How to identify donuts

[muleman69]

I have learned that I need to turn my necks every 2-3 firings. Brass flows forward and eventually accumulates in the neck starting at the base giving me donuts. Like Dusty, I use a Porter Precision mandrel die to push the accumulation of brass to the outside where it can easily be removed.

Here's a picture of the last time I removed donuts from 600 cases of 7SAUM.

View attachment 1063733


View attachment 1063734

Those shiny bands at the shoulder/neck junction is what I removed.

I keep a dedicated neck turner set up (about $100 each) for each caliber so that I don't have to adjust it every time I need to turn the brass. I also know for sure that each cutter is cutting the same way each time.

Joe

Like to no your set up for $100 each? Sounds good

 

[muleman69]

The last one I bought cost me $130.

I have 3 for three different calibers, I'm lazy and don't like having to change things up every time I change calibers. There are 4 parts to the die, 3 of them he has to buy from others, hence the high price.

However, once you get one and start using it you will wonder how you ever got along without one, and you will find it well worth the price.

Joe

I assume you were asking me about the Porter die, not the neck turner.

I Was asking about your neck turning set up but the die info was good also.

 

[muleman69]

The Hornady neck turner I bought from Midway.

So do you buy individual cutters and mandrels for each caliber and switch them in and out of the Hornady turner?

 

[muleman69]

No, I buy one whole turner for each caliber set it up and just switch them from my bench vise as needed. As I mentioned, once I set one up the way I like it, I lock it down knowing that I will be going back to turn those necks again. The only way to make sure I get the same cut again and again after 2, 6 or 10 firing.

I also like to use a corded variable speed drill with lots of torque that way I can turn them slowly without causing unnecessary heat.

Joe

View attachment 1066393

Looks good, have you had any problems with spindles wearing out (the shaft that holds shell holder and drill) or are they bushed? Thanks Gary

 

[muleman69]

I shoot 3-4,000 rounds and I've not had any problems with the turner, other than my screw ups. I'm not a Hornady fan boy, but this is a good tool, nothing else I know comes close.

I've helped friends that spent $300+ on fancy turners that free floated and in my opinion they did not work as well.

Joe

Sounds good ,thank you Joe

 

[anaconda]

I'm not expert at turning necks but the 21st century lathe setup is awsome easy to use and turns to serious precision. I want to ask you guys who are familiar with pin guages if I want to buy some for my 7mm cases what sizes should I buy?