Neck bushings and expander balls

[Hengehold]

I use a neck bushing while I full length resize my brass. Necks are unturned. Traditionally I had used an expander ball in the die also. Recently I took the expander ball out and resized without it so I would not be working the brass more than necessary. However, I noticed that the Variance in neck tension increased from one rd to the next when I did not use an expander ball.

Has anyone else noticed a decrease in nk tension uniformity when the expander ball is not used?

-T

 

[Catfur]

I think you'll need to turn necks to get the consistent neck tension using only a bushing. You need a consistent neck to get consistent neck tension.

 

[ShootDots]

I am a B-I-G fan of neck turning. It does, as Catfur stated, allow for a most consistent neck tension. As far as expander balls go, I have a theory and I use expander balls because of my theory. Here it is: Take ANY cylindrical object and make a valiant effort to size it down a bit smaller from the OUTSIDE, and still keep it round. It simply can not be done. So let's say you sized down your 30 cal neck 2 thousandths. Admittedly, it is not much, spread out over the entire circumference. But it can not be perfectly round. An expander ball will "fix" that "problem">>if in fact there is one. However, I do it because we all do things WE perceive as necessary. Now I always use a carbide sizer "button" that "floats" on the stem. This way it will center itself up when going back thru the neck. Is it absolutely necessary? The opinions will vary and probably not favor mine. However, I will do it because I perceive it to be necessary. Now here is a kicker that will make you think I am a bit overboard anal in brass prep. Before brushing the neck out as my last step prior to loading, I run my cases back thru an expander mandrel! Would that not accomplish the same goal? I bet it would! BUT I can not bring myself to not use an expander anyhow!

 

[6MMsteve]

I'm leaning toward nk expanders my self just for that reason consistent neck tension because I'n not getting what I want from my rifle, but I have lots of other things I need to do also

 

[tenring]

Always use an expander mandrel (not a sizer button) before neck turning. Its mandatory.

 

[savagedasher]

If the neck thickness is the same their is no reason to expand .
If you do have any donut The expander pulls the shoulder foward along with expanding the diameter . Larry

 

[JohnKielly]

Take ANY cylindrical object and make a valiant effort to size it down a bit smaller from the OUTSIDE, and still keep it round. It simply can not be done.

A Lee collet die can