D i resize the entire case or not

[Whitetail1]

I was reading my Hornady reloading book last night and they were recommending that you ONLY re size the neck of a rifle cartridge verses resizing the whole thing to improve accuracy. Does anyone do this? I am about to begin reloading for my 223 and this is all new to me. I reload straight walled pistol ammo now but need advice on the rifle reloads.
Thanks

 

[MtnCreek]

What kind of rifle/rifles are you loading the .223 for?

 

[capreppy]

If Bolt action, you should full length size brass that is new to you and your rifle. Subsequent use can be neck sizing only.

If AR, it is suggested you FL size each and every time.

 

[243winxb]

ONLY resize the neck of a rifle cartridge verses resizing the whole thing to improve accuracy.

Doing your own testing is the only way to know. I find when using standard dies, FL is more accurate.

 

[Jasper1573]

+1 for CAPREPPY
Yes, in my bolt action Rem 700, I full length size brass that is new to my rifle, but once fire-formed in the chamber, I only neck size. Saves wear and tear on the case and extends life. Rule of thumb is after 5 reloads on brass cases, you should FL size as the case does tend to grow and change shape a bit, some times making it difficult to chamber.

 

[WNTFW]

The only reason to resize is to get the case to fit the chamber and hold a bullet. If it will fit the chamber you can neck size only.

Neck sizing can reduce the working of the brass. It may eliminate case lube and trimming depending on the die. On a bushing die you can tune the neck tension.

As far as increasing accuracy it can, but is not a guarantee. Accuracy should be helped by case to chamber fit being optimal, neck tension being tuned and concentricity being better.

 

[rcmodel]

It appears the OP has an NEF model SB2 .223.

As such, I feel he should FL size everything to SAAMI spec.
I also feel he should buy an L.E. Wilson case gage to insure that is what he is doing.

Break-open single-shots may or may not lock up in the exact same position if there is any resistance from tight headspace present.
Such as might happen with neck-sizing only.

If it doesn't lock ip in the exact same way every time, accuracy will suffer.

rc

 

[Whitetail1]

your right

i am shooting a NEF .223 SB2. I already have been seeing a wide range of "piont of impact" issues using different factory loads. They all seem to goup fairly well but are all over the map in regards to POI. I was most surprised that the Bear ammo 55 gr FMJ's hit 8+" high at 100 yards compared to the PMC 55 gr FMJ's. This is why i am going to begin reloading this caliber. I do understand that i must first fire the casing in my rifle to give it the true shape of the breach. I was just wondering if after i did this if i could simply avoid sizing the whole cartridge. How do i deprime if i do this proceess too?

 

[WNTFW]

Deprime can be handled by a universal decapper. Lee dies also will decap on the collet neck sizer.

You could size the case with the die you have just enough and not any more than needed.

Just realize you have some limiting factors. Also RCModel knows his stuff, so listen to him.

 

[Afy]

I full resize for semi-auto's only.
Bolt guns.. neck size only. Then again I do silly things like neck turn as well.