Competition Loading Questions Please

[mallc]

Hope you don't mind me starting a clean thread for this question...

I carefully read the instruction on reloading for autoloaders from the Alabama Team site and it says that rounds for M1 in particular, should be full length sized with every reload.

I have purchased Redding neck-sizing competition die sets with the full length body size die for feeding 30-06 and .223 autoloaders. I'm using a Hornady Bullet Comparitor for determining best OAL. I'm starting with new brass and rounds are dedicated to each gun, although I'm using a couple of weights in each caliber.

My first question is, do I neck size or full length body size first?

Second, how do I relate "bumping" the case shoulder in the sizing die to actual chamber fit?

My third question is, when does one use the internal carbide neck sizing button?

Thank you in advance for your guidance.
Scott

 

[USSR]

My first question is, do I neck size or full length body size first?

I use the body die first, then resize the neck.

Second, how do I relate "bumping" the case shoulder in the sizing die to actual chamber fit?

With an autoloader, you don't want to get too "cute" with the amount you bump the shoulder back, because you have less camming power than a boltgun has. I use a RCBS Precision Mic, and set my body die up to bump the shoulder back to mimic factory ammo or maybe .002" less, depending upon the chamber.

Don