Neck resize only-over and over

[Remshooter]

I have a Rem factory chamber in .243-using Lapua brass and Lee collet die, I have been neck sizing only with about 20
loads on the brass. No chambering problems. My reloading buddy has the same model rifle, and is experiencing the same results with neck sizing only.

I read about, bumping the shoulder back, FL resizing after X cycles, but it seems more accuracy would be attained by just letting the case fit the chamber. (as long as it chambers properly)

Are we missing something in the case prep that would improve accuracy ?? I have been reloading for 30+ years, but mostly for hunting, now its mostly punching paper and would like to get best accuracy possible.

 

[Larryh128]

If it's working why change a thing. Most of the bump back is due to being difficult to chamber.You should see the best results with a case that fits snug.
Keep going & keep us informed.

 

[artbosco]

I have a Rem factory chamber in .243-using Lapua brass and Lee collet die, I have been neck sizing only with about 20 loads on the brass.

Are we missing something in the case prep that would improve accuracy? I have been reloading for 30+ years, but mostly for hunting, now its mostly punching paper and would like to get best accuracy possible.

Not with a factory chamber. You've gone as far as you're going to go, with what you've got now. Regardless of brass brand use.

To improve accuracy you're going to have to go to a minimum chamber [minimum neck] or better yet a custom tight neck chamber and then Full Length Size each and every time, preferably with a custom made full length bushing die.

What's a minimum chamber? A chamber in which you may or may not be required to neck-turn. Shilen has some barrels chambered for minimum necks: http://www.shilen.com/chambers.html This is the least expensive route and might help with some accuracy improvement.

If you're really interested in EXTREME accuracy and what it's all about read this: http://www.brunoshooters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BSS&Product_Code=TBSC by the winningest shooter in short-range benchrest history.

It's a real eye opener. The methods described therein can have you putting bullets through the same hole, if so inclined. But, there's a lot of hard work ahead.

 

[TonyR]

+1 on the Tony Boyer book. Although he emphasizes things that work for BR 300 yards and under, he frequently notes where different methods might be necessary for long range competition. It is an excellent "How-To" reference.

 

[BoydAllen]

Some powders need higher pressures than are compatible with neck sizing only for best accuracy. If your particular combination gives satisfactory results, there is no need to change. What sort of average accuracy are you getting?

 

[Remshooter]

Thanks for the replies-right now I am running in the .3s at 100 yds and .6 at 200 yds, thats using 36.7 gns of varget, 80 gn Berger, seated .005 into the lands. I have tried various amounts of Varget in .2 increments , tried RL-15 and Sierra 75 gn. Varminter.

Nothing seems better so far, than the Varget and Berger Bullets. Also tried various COALs, from .022 off to .007 in the lands.

I must have gotten lucky on the chamber, a fire formed case measures 2.745 neck O.D. and a loaded round at neck O.D. measures 2.720. That seems fairly tight for a factory chamber. With my Lee collet die I am getting .002 total neck tension.

I'm certainly not unhappy with my results so far, I was just wondering why our cases did not reguire any additional operations other than neck resizing. I'll just keep doing what works.

 

[CatShooter]

<snip>"... I must have gotten lucky on the chamber, a fire formed case measures 2.745 neck O.D. and a loaded round at neck O.D. measures 2.720. That seems fairly tight for a factory chamber.... "<snip>

Is that a typo?

Your fire formed case is 25 thou larger than a loaded case... (ouchie)

... my factory varmint and match rifles (Win 70's HBV's, and Rem HB Varmints, and factory 40XB's), typically run 4 to 6 thou over a loaded neck dia, and I think that is probably typical.

Meow

 

[pmarauder]

I think what the OP meant to say was that his fired cases measures .2745 at the neck OD. and his loaded round measures .272.

 

[Remshooter]

Sorry about the neck dimensions-let me start over- The fired case measures .2745 and loaded case measures .2720, I have .0025 clearance plus the spring back of brass.

 

[GerryM]

I think your question was answered. You are sizing way less then your friend.
With a good chamber that is a little on the tight side your brass should last quite a while. Your friends chamber is probably a lot bigger in the neck then yours. He probably is sizing way more then you are, After a while working the necks quite a bit causes the brass to fatigue sooner,

 

[CatShooter]

I think your question was answered. You are sizing way less then your friend.
With a good chamber that is a little on the tight side your brass should last quite a while. Your friends chamber is probably a lot bigger in the neck then yours. He probably is sizing way more then you are, After a while working the necks quite a bit causes the brass to fatigue sooner,

That's a LOT...

You might think about annealing your case necks every so often.

Meow.