Too Much Shoulder Bump?

[dusterdave173]

First I am a rookie
I have been reloading 223 only for my bolt gun--have had some really decent results so far but when I first started I did like the instructions said and ran the die down to the shell holder so I have a lot of brass that has the shoulder bumped back around .005 I know--I am doing it right now and are using a Hornady tool now and understand much more about what I am doing but my question is is that brass trash? I had already primed it so---- I have found that after another firing it is getting "better" but..?? Can I just keep shooting and measuring and be able to keep it ?
Thanks for the help!

 

[SKWERLZ]

Should be fine.

 

[Enosiophobia]

No biggie.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

How much did you need to screw the die out? Do you have any brass that is fully formed to the rifle chamber?

 

[6BRA]

Best money you can spend is redding instant indicator. Measure fireformed brass and control your bump /dies to .0005. By far the best tool I have seen for shoulder bump. A little pricey and caliber specific but spot on.

 

[old codger]

An RCBS Cartridge Precision Mic will allow you to measure how much you are setting the shoulder back.

 

[Zero333]

5 thou is still ok.

Now that you have the Hornady headspace comparator you'll be fine.
Sometimes it takes two firings before the brass headspace moves to the chamber dimensions, so bare that in mind.

You can always tape a piece of masking tape to the base of the brass and try to chamber it. If it's hard (or impossible) to chamber with the masking tape, that means you're good to go and the brass has fully fireformed to the chamber. It's always best to take the ejector plunger out of the bolt head when doing this.

 

[Martin52]

First I am a rookie
I have been reloading 223 only for my bolt gun--have had some really decent results so far but when I first started I did like the instructions said and ran the die down to the shell holder so I have a lot of brass that has the shoulder bumped back around .005 I know--I am doing it right now and are using a Hornady tool now and understand much more about what I am doing but my question is is that brass trash? I had already primed it so---- I have found that after another firing it is getting "better" but..?? Can I just keep shooting and measuring and be able to keep it ?
Thanks for the help!

Take a look at the sizing brass video (and the others)

Videos | wheeleraccuracy

www.wheeleraccuracy.com

 

[Dgd6mm]

5 thou is still ok.

Now that you have the Hornady headspace comparator you'll be fine.
Sometimes it takes two firings before the brass headspace moves to the chamber dimensions, so bare that in mind.

You can always tape a piece of masking tape to the base of the brass and try to chamber it. If it's hard (or impossible) to chamber with the masking tape, that means you're good to go and the brass has fully fireformed to the chamber. It's always best to take the ejector plunger out of the bolt head when doing this.

^^^^^^ Bingo!
Play with the Hornaday tool, get used to it. You'll be fine. I know you have talked to my buddy on the phone.
Die set up directions from the manufacturer will almost always have you bumping the shoulders back to far if followed.

 

[dusterdave173]

Thanks Gang--and DGD6mm I have talked with your pal in Gainesville--Big help so far just working on his suggestions now--hope to report good news back to him
Thanks folks--I really appreciate the help.

 

[Old Navy]

^^^^^^ Bingo!

Die set up directions from the manufacturer will almost always have you bumping the shoulders back to far if followed.

Put these on your wish list.

 

[Webster]

First I am a rookie
I have been reloading 223 only for my bolt gun--have had some really decent results so far but when I first started I did like the instructions said and ran the die down to the shell holder so I have a lot of brass that has the shoulder bumped back around .005 I know--I am doing it right now and are using a Hornady tool now and understand much more about what I am doing but my question is is that brass trash? I had already primed it so---- I have found that after another firing it is getting "better" but..?? Can I just keep shooting and measuring and be able to keep it ?
Thanks for the help!

The brass is not damaged. Shoot it. I would expect factory loaded brass has more than 0.005" bump.