Is .005 thou neck tension too much?

[chkunz]

After you get above 0.003 you are probably just using the bullet as an expander mandrel and there is probably no difference in the bullet pull force above 0.003 but you run the risk of damaging the bullet. 0.002 to 0.003 is a good range for neck tension for most applications. I work with around 0.001 for a single shot, bolt action target rifle.

 

[270 ftw]

The bullet acting as an expander mandrel...makes total sense! The brass only has so much spring in it to squeeze and at some point your just moving the brass when seating. Still not a graet idea to work it so much, risk damaging the bullet, and probably increase run out from high seating forces.

None of the above would I have realized on my own. I genuinely learned a new concept from this thread. Thanks guys!

 

[dcali]

There is very little difference once you get past roughly .002 or so. At that point you’re just moving brass. That said, .005 is excessive, and while not dangerous, might cause some minor issues with runout and the like.

If you want to experiment with neck tension, get a bushing die and remove the expander. That’s the generally accepted best way to do it.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I highly recommend letting the target be the judge here...