Neck runout

[Elkbane]

HI6818,
Ronemus might have given you the answer you are looking for on the first reply from your OP.

As I understand it, on your your tight neck XP, the same dies/bushings are producing no runout issues. Probably because the amount of of constriction the bushing produces between the fired case neck and the sized case neck is <.005.

Your Encore probably has a sloppier chamber, producing a larger OD on the fired case neck. When you try to use the same bushing, you get more constriction which produces runout. YOu may have to size it in increments - use a larger bushing first, then a smaller busing to get the desired neck tension....And IME the bushing you use maynot always produce a linear result WRT sized neck diameter.

Example: I have a 243Win that produces .275' fired case neck, very concentric. When I use a .270 bushing, I get a .268' case neck with great concentricity,.0005-.0015 TIR). Loaded neck diameter is .2705' and this neck tension works well in my load. When I use a .268 bushing, I get way more runout, typically .0015-.004 TIR. When I use a .271 bushing, I get low runout, but .270 sized neck - not enough tension. It's all about how much you are shoving the brass around in a single operation. You'll have to measure the OD of the fired cases from both chambers to see if this applies to you.

As an alternative, you may get some relief from 'partial neck sizing' using Redding S F/L dies just not screwed in all the way to achieve shoulder bump. Sometimes the contact of the brass on the sidewalls of the case inside the dies helps center up the case such that the neck sizes more concentric. This can be tricky to set up as it may push your shoulders forward from the die wall/case wall contact.

Please report back.
Elkbane

 

[Winchester69]

I've been considering that the Encore is flexing on firing, causing a distortion of the base of the brass. If the force at the shell holder is biased, the brass could be influenced in sizing by a lateral force component.
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[GentleBen]

Just got my NECO Gauge in and it was a disaster. I am returning it for a refund. For $168.95, the unit is nice but the lack of instructions, parts not matching, dial switched without instructions, and finally, small items that break easily is forcing me to return it.

The kit did not contain the same GEM indicator that is included in the Gauge's instruction manual or advertisement and made setup very confusing. I read the instruction manual twice hoping it would refer to the different GEM dial and would have some alternate instructions. There were none. Additionally, the separately packaged GEM dial did not include any instructions whatsoever on how to use it, assemble it or connect it to the gauge. After re-reviewing the Gauge instructions, I figured out how to assemble the GEM from pictures of the other dial. But even the dial-to-gauge interface was different from the instructions. Then, upon assembling the GEM dial the slotted cylindrical piece that connects to the back or top of the GEM via a rail, broke at the tightening point, as if made out of cheap pewter or something.

The instructions -- what little there are -- with the Gauge are vague and assumes an engineer is using the device. They do not tell a novice how it works and how to do the basics. Plus, with the instructions referring to a completely different GEM and interface, the usefulness of the Gauge is limited to experts.

The gauge seems to be well designed and all the parts are fitted as they should be. The GEM dial, from what little I could tell, looks high quality and sensitive. But it's connection parts are weak and a bit cumbersome.

Put some good, readable and updated instructions in this kit and you'll have a great model. This is definitely not a model for a shooter getting into run-out measuring for the first time.

I will now have to rethink the RCBS and Sinclair models.

 

[billmo]

GENTLEBEN, I WOULD SUGGEST THE SINCLAIR MODEL AND YOU WILL BE HAPPY THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE VERY PLAIN AND CLEAR. THERE ARE MORE VERY EXPENSIVE MODELS AVAILABLE THAT I HAVE READ ABOUT HERE ON 6BR BUT FOR THE MONEY THE SINCLAIR IS THE WAY TO GO. I HOPE THIS HELPS. BILL

 

[GentleBen]

I called NECO and they calmed me down a bit. Asked for another chance and will send me replacement parts and extra. Maybe I was too hasty, NECO has a good name here -- just that they take too much for granted with poor instructions. The GEM dial is super accurate. They are also now touting their CAT device that helps shooters straighten the run-out in bullets. It is a $36 device that allows you to mark the high point of your run-out, insert it into a plastic board of some sort and bend the cartridge to straight with axis.

 

[Winchester69]

A more positive approach is to learn what in your reloading process is causing the bullets to seat crookedly. When that is corrected, you won't have to straighten the ammo.
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