Fire formed brass...

lefteye42 · Jul 23, 2020

Suspect headspace problem with FL sizing? Light primer strikes (click - no bang) & residue @ case neck.
Just purchased a Lee Collet Necksizing die & wonder IF SAFE to load fire-formed cases without bump-sizing back a bit (.002) ?
I can't figure out how to necksize only, while still adjusting headspace.
223 Rem, Savage Axis, .75 groups, 60gr Sierra HP, 24.6 Varget, CCI 450 (mag) primer.
Maybe primer too hard, should change to CCI 400 or BR4?
Having brain fog on this, so will appreciate advice. Thanks

edwardware · Jul 23, 2020

lefteye42 said:
Just purchased a Lee Collet Necksizing die & wonder IF SAFE to load fire-formed cases without bump-sizing back a bit (.002) ?

Yes. That's what the Lee Collet Sizer is for.

lefteye42 said:
I can't figure out how to necksize only, while still adjusting headspace.

You can't; necksizing doesn't adjust headspace, that's why they call it necksizing.

What you can do is partial FL size, and set the shoulder back ~0.002". The only special equipment you need is a comparator to measure shoulder position.

Varminterror · Jul 23, 2020

lefteye42 said:
I can't figure out how to necksize only

Don’t.

Neck-sizing only was an unsubstantiated fad which has long since been debunked, but unfortunately has not yet completely been forgotten.

lefteye42 · Jul 23, 2020

edwardware said:
Yes. That's what the Lee Collet Sizer is for.

You can't; necksizing doesn't adjust headspace, that's why they call it necksizing.

What you can do is partial FL size, and set the shoulder back ~0.002". The only special equipment you need is a comparator to measure shoulder position.

So, what I'm getting here: Necksize OR use FL die (with comparator), but can't use both together? Thanks

edwardware · Jul 23, 2020

lefteye42 said:
So, what I'm getting here: Necksize OR use FL die (with comparator), but can't use both together?

Why would you use both? A FL die always sizes the neck, whether you set it to touch the shoulder or not. A Lee Collet Sizer always sizes the neck.

Perhaps if you specify what you're trying to accomplish, we can point you in the right direction; so far it's unclear. As @Varminterror points out, Neck Sizing was never a broadly useful technique, and is absolutely not the obvious place to start with load development. The only thing to recommend it is the simplicity of the sizing operation, which is pretty weak justification.

Hooda Thunkit · Jul 23, 2020

Yes, it is safe to load neck sized brass, into the bolt action rifle in which it was fired, without "bumping" the shoulder.

The naysayers claim it's a fad. The naysayers claim it doesn't help. The naysayers claim the round eventually won't fit.
I've been neck sizing only for 13 consecutive firings using 7.62x54r brass in my Finn M-39.
Just 2 weeks ago I fired a 10 round 1- 3/8" group at 100 yds, issue iron sights.

Neck sizing is an accepted technique. It's not for everyone, nor for every rifle.
But, it does work, and it is safe.

lefteye42 · Jul 23, 2020

edwardware said:
Why would you use both? A FL die always sizes the neck, whether you set it to touch the shoulder or not. A Lee Collet Sizer always sizes the neck.

Perhaps if you specify what you're trying to accomplish, we can point you in the right direction; so far it's unclear. As @Varminterror points out, Neck Sizing was never a broadly useful technique, and is absolutely not the obvious place to start with load development. The only thing to recommend it is the simplicity of the sizing operation, which is pretty weak justification.

Just trying to eliminate the light strikes. I copy what you say, & appreciate input.

edwardware · Jul 23, 2020

If you have another rifle, in a similar primer size, I suggest measuring FP protrusion to compare.

I can tell you that IF you were setting shoulders back far enough to induce light strikes, you would be separating heads after 3-4 reloads.

Fire formed brass...

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