[Wildalaska]

Just started reloading again after many years...My trim legnth for 6.5x55 brass is supposed to be 2.160. Once fired cases close to that prior to resizing, but after full legnth resizing are running as much as 2.170...is that normal, or is my expander ball stretching the cases too much?

WildductileAlaska

[critter]

I think normal. The resizing process 'squeezes' the case and it gets longer and the only way it has to go is 'forward'. As you surmise, the expander ball MAY also add to the stretch and extra case length.

I always trim to length AFTER I resize brass if it needs it. I DO NOT want a way too long neck to fail to release a bullet on firing.

[Dave P]

Try a q-tip and extra lube inside the neck - you might get less stretch with more goop.

Davesaysreloadingistheonlywaytogoforaccuracyinmyrilesthatishootveryoftenevenwinninfsometimestoo

[Big_R]

If you're full length resizing, I'd say that's about normal. I started using spray lubricants, and get a bit inside the case mouth which cuts down on stretching, but doesn't eliminate it. I tumble all my brass after resizing/trimming, and have never had a problem with contamination. If you're using all your ammo in one gun, you could neck size with your full length die by not screwing all the way until it contacts the shell holder. That resizes the neck without bumping the shoulder. My 6.5 dies are about the width of a penny above the shell holder, but that distance will vary so you'll have to test it. I get no stretching while neck sizing. Good luck.

Ryan

[Poodleshooter]

Yup, that's normal.
You want to see stretching, try 30/30 cases with insufficient inside case neck lube. I make nice little golden piles under my trimmer running 30/30 through it. Those long necks suck.

[NavajoNPaleFace]

It sometimes also depends on the make of brass.

I've seen far less stretching with Winchester brass as compared to, say, R-P brass.

Regardless, .01" of stretch is not uncommon when full length sizing and, as far as I'm concerned, is the only way to size.

I've found that by NOT full length sizing (so that the shoulders get sized back to proper angle and etc.) I end up with some reloads that are hard closing the bolt on because the shoulders weren't sized.

[Wildalaska]

Ive been debating the neck size/full size conundrum, the thing is shooting in a swede mauser I wonder whether lack of sizing on the shouder will make a diff, in light of the military chamber
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WildanewhobbyAlaska