Neck tension in general

[fguffey]

The most recent example of this is what I have learned about finding the best seating depth when jumping bullets from a section in the Berger manual, around page 202. It is completely different than the assumptions that I previously operated under. Don't assume...test, then you wil really know.

BoydAllen, I want to know the length of the chamber from the beginning of the rifling to the bolt face. I am the fan of the running start, to accomplish that I must know where the riflings are located.

F. Guffey

 

[BCBRAD]

I am a long time handloader 30+ years. In the last 3 years I have been shooting/competing in 1000 yard matches.
The methods I used for hunting and for long range are different. As an example I have a Tikka Tactical in 300 Win Mag with factory barrel, aside from YoDave trigger spring and steel recoil lug ,it is stock. First time out with hunting style hand loads it would print a 20+ inch group/at 1048yds.
So over one year I started using bench rest techniques. This includes, weighing powder to the 1/100ths of a grain, sizing primer pockets, annealing, neck turning, using a Lee collet die, seating bullets 0.015" off the lands, brushing out necks and checking for concentricity.
I was able to get this rifle down to reliable 0.750" 5shot groups at 219yds/200m. And obtained a 4.00" 5 shot group at 1048 yards in competition.
I have determined that one of many factors is neck tension, I favor a light hold on the bullet and it is well worth the effort as seen by my small sample.

 

[Joe R]

BenPerfected said:

Mike,
With all these variables, how can I measure which ones are really important?

As Erik Cortina said during a meeting, the Holy Trinity of precision handloading are:
1. Powder,
2. Neck tension
3. Seating depth

Of course to apply these factors and other minor factors to extreme distance (1K yards) one has to apply each of those to extreme precision. BCBRAD gave a good testimonial of that.

Kindest regards,

Joe

 

[Tim Singleton]

Mike,
With all these variables, how can I measure which ones are really important?
Ben

You test. You will never be a top shooter if you dont do the work for yourself. Dont take anything that any of us say as gospel, do you own testing and you'll learn even more than anyone can tell you. The best shooters a know test 10 times more than the average shooter. It has nothing to do with a lucky barrel, bullets, range, or money. Its all about who puts in the work.

Very true. Test shoot shoot and shoot.
My mentor keeps saying to me over and over everything matters

 

[mikecr]

As Erik Cortina said during a meeting, the Holy Trinity of precision handloading are:
1. Powder,
2. Neck tension
3. Seating depth

He missed #1. UNDERSTANDING
Understanding each, and of the cartridge applied, well enough to know which order they fall under.