neck or full length sizing ?

[Uncle Ed]

We left out the best part about full length resizing........the cartridge should fit the chamber like a rat turd in a violin case.

Click on the image below to enlarge for more expert advice.

 

[B23]

I wouldn't suggest one way is better than another, I'm a believer in doing what you know and doing what works for you. I've come to the conclusion valid arguments can be made for both. I do believe FL sizing definitely works the brass more than NS only though.

Many seem to either forget or they just aren't aware of the process, but FL sizing a case actually lengthens the base to datum a few thou before it pushes the shoulder back, and will only push the shoulder back once the die is screwed down far enough to touch the shoulder.

 

[Straightshooter1]

We left out the best part about full length resizing........the cartridge should fit the chamber like a rat turd in a violin case.

Click on the image below to enlarge for more expert advice.

I just have one problem with what Kevin Thomas has reported above. . .

He makes a strong case for full length sizing saying that "all of the ammo was full length sized, NEVER neck sized", which is a lot of ammo being fired. But, for neck sizing NONE of the ammo used was neck sized only. So, his argument against neck sizing fails since he doesn't have any data or experience to share regarding neck sized ammo. Certainly, if ammo needs to work in various guns, then full length sizing is the way to go.

 

[cw308]

There is no right or wrong in this mind set . I went to full sizing when after neck sizing a few times and then when it came time to full size I used a stripped bolt and sized the case down until it chambered without resistance . I recorded that measurement and full sized all the cases to that length . Doubled checked that measurement by using a Go Gauge and shims . Once you know your chamber length from bolt face to datum or shoulder you can adjust your die from zero on up case headspace . If neck sizing make sure you grease your locking lugs to cut down on the galling . Neck sizers measure your cases from base to datum and base to the case mouth , how far off are they from each other ? I want my cases after all the prep work to be as exact as possible to each other . It's just another thing to give a honest try . See if it works better .

 

[CharlieNC]

For me the 223 is an exception in that the headspace does not grow upon firing, and in fact is also more consistent when Lee collect neck sized vs FL sized. On the other hand the initial firing leads to a significant increase in length and variability. So as a result I obtain more consistent brass on 223 when neck sizing 's FL sizing. This is not the case for any of my other rounds, for which FL sizing is required. Research options, opinions, etc and conduct evaluations to determine what works best.

 

[INTJ]

Virtually all long range BR competitors bump the shoulder, and have been for at least 15 years. With all the insane stuff we do when loading, if neck only sizing helped us shoot smaller groups we would do it.......

 

[Straightshooter1]

Virtually all long range BR competitors bump the shoulder, and have been for at least 15 years. With all the insane stuff we do when loading, if neck only sizing helped us shoot smaller groups we would do it.......

Understood. However, not everyone who reloads uses equipment like BR competitors do. Some of us simply use off the shelf factory equipment that often has very different issues than BR competitors to address for reloading.

And, as one of those using that kind of factory equipment and doing neck sizing instead of FL sizing, I find it wise and beneficial to bump the shoulders along with my neck sizing routine. Yeah, I wouldn't and don't advocate neck sizing "only", but have found that FL sizing doesn't give me quite the good results as my procedures with neck sizing does. Exploring and finding the particular procedures that works best for one's particular set up is the way go, IMHO

 

[Tommie]

And a dozen years from now someone in a high profile position will “discover” the advantages of neck sizing. Then all the cool kids can have a laugh and make snarky comments about the full length sizing knuckle draggers.

 

[INTJ]

Understood. However, not everyone who reloads uses equipment like BR competitors do. Some of us simply use off the shelf factory equipment that often has very different issues than BR competitors to address for reloading.

And, as one of those using that kind of factory equipment and doing neck sizing instead of FL sizing, I find it wise and beneficial to bump the shoulders along with my neck sizing routine. Yeah, I wouldn't and don't advocate neck sizing "only", but have found that FL sizing doesn't give me quite the good results as my procedures with neck sizing does. Exploring and finding the particular procedures that works best for one's particular set up is the way go, IMHO

So you do it like LR BR competitors do......bump the shoulders. And bumping the shoulders also produces superior results in factory rifles too vs neck only sizing. I would say it’s even more important in a hunting rifle. Difficult extraction on a BR rifle just means you might mess up your group and your score. On a hunting rifle it may mean a wounded animal that gets away. I use a tad more bump on hunting rifles, .002 to .003 vs .001 to .002 on a BR rig.

 

[Straightshooter1]

So you do it like LR BR competitors do......bump the shoulders. And bumping the shoulders also produces superior results in factory rifles too vs neck only sizing.

Yup, bumping shoulders helped with my factory rifle. It's one of the steps in getting as much of the cartridge(s) as uniform as possible.

I use a tad more bump on hunting rifles, .002 to .003 vs .001 to .002 on a BR rig.

Typically, I do a .002 bump. Variances in length from base to shoulder in fired cases will sometimes only to give me a .001 bump or so from the same die. The objective is to getting the measurement from base to shoulder the same for all the cases. And in order to get the neck and case over all length the same, this is important since my case trimmer uses the shoulder as a stop.

 

[fatelvis]

I really want to Neck Size now......

Danny

I agree, I hate that video.

 

[danny]

I agree, I hate that video.

Thank you!

Danny

 

[JFrank]

My 2 cents
Neck sizing works just fine except sooner or later you’ll need to F/L size requiring a second Die, I went the one die route saving a few bucks and have the same size cartridge every time. If I were to resume NS it would be with a Wilson hand die that’s portable for those special times at a range loading session.
J

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I agree, I hate that video.

Why? Because he's right and that melts your cheese?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Why? Because he's right and that melts your cheese?

 

[cw308]

Like I posted , I F/L size to .001 - .002 no more or less . My cases when fired get shorter from expansion , the case expands most at the 1/2 to 3/4" up from base , squeezing the OD back down and lengthens my case to the headspace I want . I don't feel I'm bumping the shoulder . I could see if my cases were longer but in my case it's squeezing back up .

 

[Bc'z]

Why? Because he's right and that melts your cheese?

No because when someone is ranting wide eyed in my face, I have an overwhelming urge to punch them.
FWIW I already stopped neck sizing and it wasn't because of Cortina's video.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Now because when someone is ranting wide eyed in my face, I have an overwhelming urge to punch them.

I see. Well, Erik doesn't rant wide eyed. That's just how he looks normally.

But he does know whereof he speaks.

 

[6MMsteve]

 

[6MMsteve]