tight neck

[dragman]

in a 30 cal at what point do you start turning necks??? .341 being normal at what size do you start turning necks. My .284 was a tight neck .312 and I have heard of people from .315 and up not having to turn so I am just trying to find what that spot is on the 30 cal's. all info appriciated. thanks.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

The answer stongly depends on the caliber and make of brass. For example, Winchester brass in 308 has the thinnest necks. I can run it in my .335 chamber (after measuring it for safety). On the other hand, Federal brass in the same caliber is getting a touch tight in a .342 neck.

I would suggest that you stick to SAAMI chambers if you are going to shoot any factory ammo. If you are going to have a rifle dedicated to accuracy and handloading, pick your poison (I just couldn't throw brass in there) as far as cases, and make up a dummy round. The neck needs to be .002 to .004" larger than your dummy.

BTW,

I don't shoot anything that doesn't have a turned neck except in my hunting rifle. It was specifically chambered to digest anything including factory ammo.

 

[dragman]

here is what I am working with.
Custom Remington built by Hart in 300RUM (barrel isn't stamped for neck or throat)
I am using nosler brass and the gun shoots VERY VERY Well, I am using reading dies and my loaded ammo neck measures .347 I have been told you want .003 for release. well after shooting my loads the neck messures .346
I can't put a bullet back into a fired case. it seems way too tight like this is a tight neck gun but not stamped as such. seems like it should be a .337

 

[Keith Glasscock]

If it comes out smaller than it went in - that has to be a warning!

I would definately turn a couple or 3 thou off of one case and fire it (.001 - .0015 per side). If you have a .003" clearance in the neck, the turned case should come out ~.002 bigger than it went in.

My chamber is set up with .003 clearance and I can insert a bullet with my fingers after firing There is even enough space for the air to (just) get out around the bullet.

 

[dragman]

thats what I was thinking my 284 was a 312 loaded rounds where 309 and fired rounds were just a pinch bigger. I think it's time to trim the brass. I am surprised that the barrel was not stamped.