Neck sizing with an RCBS FL Die?

[msta999]

I am trying to tighten up my group on the 100 yd target, currently I can put 6 rounds in a 3-4 inch circle, my loads and about the same with factory loads. I am reloading for my older 300 weatherby (Vanguard/wood). My question is, can you neck size with a fl RCBS sizing die? It doesn't look like it to me, but thought I'd check with those who would know.

Thanks.

 

[Walkalong]

Not really, but you can back off on the full length sizer until your brass will just chamber OK. Partial full length size the brass.

Remove the firing pin spring etc and size the brass a little at a time until the bolt will just close., maybe a hair more. If you do it with the spring in it is very hard to tell when you get to the right spot.

 

[45ACPUSER]

A good rule of thumb.....is to take a nickel and place that on top of your shell holder then screw the FL die down till it touches....this should size about 3/4 of the neck and not bump the shoulder.

 

[msta999]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I did look into and found the barrel was not totally free floating. I used the paper method, where you slide paper around the barrel up and down between the stock and barrel and it would not go more than an inch. I took the barrel off and could see where the barrel was touching two little raised areas (side by side), so I shimmed it some at the screw closest to the barrel and now the paper does slide all the way up and down along the barrel. I laid the rifle down like when I am shooting and I could still slide the paper along the barrel. That and I made up some rounds that where half neck sized (thanks for explaining the how to, for me) and I'm hoping I'll get better results. It was already good enough for hunting, I just would like to see tighter groupings, this rifle should do better than it has. If that doesn't work, I have another scope (A Swift), I got from a friend to try, and see if there are any changes. I did tighten up the screws on the scope before I went to the range today, and ....well I posted the results. When I shoot, I am sitting at a table and using a rest help support the rifle on and I wait a couple minutes between rounds for the barrel to cool down. My first round was good, but then it seems like every round after that starts moving out. If I can, I'll shoot Sat and see if I get better results, with the changes I have made with the ammo and barrel.

 

[steve4102]

Partial-Full Length Resize(P-FLR).
1. Put the Shell Holder in the press and raise the ram.

2. Screw the Full Length(FL) Die into the press so it is about a "nickle's thickness" above the Shell Holder.

3. Lube a "Fired" case (walls and inside the neck) and squash it.

4. Remove the Lube and try closing the bolt on it in the chamber.

5. If the bolt closes with no resistance, screw the FL Die into the press about 1/8-1/4 turn and repeat steps 3 & 4.

6. As you feel the resistance begin, slow down how much you screw the FL Die into the press so you are at about 1/16 of a turn, or "Fine Tuning". At some point you will not be able to close the bolt and you are extremely close to having the FL Die in the proper position.
NOTE: The reason for this is because the FL Die has begun Resizing the Case-walls down to the Pressure Ring. As it does so, the Case-body lengthens slightly which in turn moves the Case-shoulder slightly forward. Then as the "Fine Tuning" continues the Case-shoulder makes contact with the FL Die and is moved slightly reward(or slightly shortens the Case-head to Case-shoulder dimension).

7. Stop when there is a slight bit of resistance when closing the bolt on the empty case. You now have a "slight crush fit" for the case in that specific chamber, or Zero Headspace.

8. Once you get it where you want it, take some masking tape or a black marker and put a Witness Mark where the FL Die Lock Ring is positioned to hold the FL Die in this position. Loosen the FL Die and return the Lock Ring to align with the Witness Mark and sung up the Set-Screw.Screw the FL Die back into the press and try squashing another case.
It should have the same resistance as the previous one. If not, you need to re-adjust the Lock Ring so it does. But you are extremely close to where you want it, so make very small changes at this point.

Occasionally check the fit of the cases in the chamber, say every 5th firing just to make sure nothing has slipped. Checking more often won't hurt anything and give you confidence that the Set-Up is still proper.

You have now Set-Up the FL Die to P-FLR.

 

[moosehunt]

If you have an '06 that will group 6 shots in 3/4" at 100 yds, you already have a gun considerably better than most, and furthermore, you are a much better shot than most people, regardless of what people say.

 

[faire bien de...!]

I think he means three or four inch group, not three fourths of an inch.

 

[Walkalong]

That is the way I read it.

 

[msta999]

Results!!



My results after modifing the stock so the barrel is free floating. It looks like that helped alot, my pattern is alot closer on the 100 yd target and this is the 200 yd target. The lower two is where I first hit, the top two is where I hit after a small scope adjustment. My rounds also fit snug in the bore, I could feel just a little tightness when I locked the bolt. These boards are great, I never could have figured this out on my own. Thanks everyone.

What kind of groups are you getting on the 200-300 yd targets? I have really enjoy'd this and am thinking of taking it to the next step.....not sure what that will by yet, but trying for tight groups on the longer shots.