Neck Tension questions

[Mulligan]

Carl, here is a quick test I conducted at 1000 yards for neck tension. It was windy but one neck tension definitely outshines another.
And to stir the pot further, I compared dirty vs clean brass! Tons of info for you in this post and the conclusion is to Test for yourself or you will never know.

Trying to learn a bit, when you say dirty and clean brass. Can you define or explain the process? CW

 

[BoydAllen]

There is one consistent theme in the responses from experienced shooters. Get to the range and do your own testing, and believe what the targets tell you.

 

[noload]

The best shooters know you just can't go to to the handload cookbook and come up with the best load for your gun. You also cannot ask what another shooter is using, and copy that. Those approaches will get you close to the best load for the gun, but this is where the testing starts.
I have found when you are testing the load you will soon be testing your hold, front rest, rear bag, wind, flags, and a whole gaggle of other things that probably have more to do about the group size than the load does.

 

[dkhunt14]

From what I have seen, the top guys don't ask if something will work, they test it. Dont post here asking a question and take any answer as fact no matter you it comes from. All rifles are different and we are all still learning. TEST EVERYTHING. And there are no rules in reloading. Mike, you keep on with your same opinion on neck tension. Your rules dont explain why a rifle will shoot better with .005" than it will with .002". If the bushing does nothing after a certain point because the bullet has expanded the case neck then why can we see changes on the target up past .006"? I was firmly in your camp until I tested it for myself, sorry but on this subject you are wrong.

I have also seen a difference in going with more tension. Alex is right, my testing has shown the same result. Maybe it doesn't change the loaded diameter or you don't gain proportionately but something does change. I believe it may hold onto the bullet a little longer or as another member says, It gives more Holds. Matt

 

[Dusty Stevens]

And more holds is good

 

[noload]

And more holds is good

So (he) says

 

[JimPag]

.002 tension is that magical number most preach about. I used to run anywhere from .001-.0025. Now I let the rifle and target decide what is best. My initial testing is done with .002 and once my powder/seating depth is sorted out I will test neck tension at the distance I will be shooting at.

Most of the guy's that I shoot with in SR Score use a .323-.324 bushing with a .330 chamber in our 30BR'S.