Neck Turning- where to start?

[Matt in Virginia]

Gentlemen,
I used to read more about Don Nielson's Pumpkin that I have as of late. It seemed to be a first class way to go with one tool to turn neck that was second none. Would anyone care to weigh in on the "Pumkin's" current pricing, availability, etc... I've thought about buying a Benchrite Case Lathe and then a Pumkin for a custom throat on my 6.5x47 Lapua project. Running a carbide PMA expander mandrel into the case neck and follow it up with a clean up cut with the Pumpkin(assuming it is still available). I suppose it would make far more sense to turn after fire forming? Very much over my head here as I never thought I would even consider turning a case neck, however, if I have to do it, I would prefer to do it correctly... Thank you.

Assuming the "Pumpkin" is not available please recommend the "best" of the rest... No jabs intended...;-). I appreciate your input as always...

Regards, Matt.

 

[JRS]

Don's neck turner is a wonderful tool. However, it is overpriced, as is the accessories. PMA and 21st Century share the quality of the "pumpkin" neck turner, for substantially less money. Everyone has a preference. AFAIK, the "pumpkin" can be purchased from Lester Bruno, and you can purchase directly from Don. Kelbly's sold them, but is now sticking to building rifles, actions, rings, etc. You don't see many used "pumpkin" turners listed for sale, and for good reason.

 

[LHSmith]

Gentlemen,
I used to read more about Don Nielson's Pumpkin that I have as of late. It seemed to be a first class way to go with one tool to turn neck that was second none. Would anyone care to weigh in on the "Pumkin's" current pricing, availability, etc... I've thought about buying a Benchrite Case Lathe and then a Pumkin for a custom throat on my 6.5x47 Lapua project. Running a carbide PMA expander mandrel into the case neck and follow it up with a clean up cut with the Pumpkin(assuming it is still available). I suppose it would make far more sense to turn after fire forming? Very much over my head here as I never thought I would even consider turning a case neck, however, if I have to do it, I would prefer to do it correctly... Thank you.

Assuming the "Pumpkin" is not available please recommend the "best" of the rest... No jabs intended...;-). I appreciate your input as always...

Regards, Matt.

I know many that had the pumpkin, but went to the 21st Century unit or Sinclair 3000 series. No one seems to want to carry the pumpkin which brings out a red flag for me. I started with K&M, and have dedicated units for each cartridge, so ease of adjustment is not that important for me. Buy from a manufacturer who will continue to support their product.

 

[Brians356]

My lathe-style Hornady Lock&Load Neck Turning Tool quickly turns necks to within 0.0003" variation, for less than half the price of the impressive 21st Century lathe system.

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/th...ck-turning-lathe.3891366/page-2#post-36730171
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[Matt in Virginia]

Gentlemen, Thank you for the intel... Regards, Matt.

 

[Rust]

I quite turning necks.

My competition rifles are tighter than SAAMI spec, but provide .004" clearance on diameter for a loaded round. So for instance for Lapua 6.5 X 284 brass I check neck thickness for each case and any variance over .0015" gets set aside, any case with a neck thickness greater than .015" gets set aside. Typically for 6.5 X 284 neck thickness runs .0145" with very few rejects.

Works well enough, on a good practice/load development day I laid in a 3" group on the 900 yard line. Even good enough to win a match or two.

For factory rifles I'm a little less picky about uniform neck thickness going with no more than .002" variance. The chambers are loose enough that IMO removing more than .001" just to even up thickness would result in extra working of the brass when sizing shortening brass life.

Now one a short range bench rest rifle with a zero clearance chamber precision neck turning is an absolute must.

On the other hand it's just what I do, everyone is perfectly welcome to do what they want to do.