Die adjustments for neck sizing only

[Randy1911]

I have been reloading for 27 years but never had a reason to only neck size a case until now. What is the proper method for adjusting the sizer die to do this. I am loading for a Rem 700 ADL in 30-06. I checked the instruction book that came with my dies, but it was no help. The dies are Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension Dies. Some one please help a dummy.

 

[USSR]

Start with the die not screwed all the way down to the case holder. You will be able to see how far down the neck is being sized. Screw the die in further until all (or nearly all with a boltgun) of the neck is sized. Real easy.

Don

 

[Walkalong]

You can not neck size only with a full length sizer. You can partially full length size. If you want to neck size only there are some options. Straight neck sizing dies. Bushing type neck sizing dies. Lee collet neck sizer.

 

[Walkalong]

Typing at the same time again. Is it a neck sizing die you have now? If so, do just like USSR posted.

 

[Randy1911]

The die I have now is the standard FL die that came in my die set. I didn't know if I needed to buy this one or not. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=116484

What is the best way to go?

 

[bobelk99]

The Midway/Hornady solution is fine, and will give you a 'matched set'. Any name brand neck sizer die will work fine.

 

[Walkalong]

I would size to fit your chamber tightly and have at it. The die you linked to will do fine if you want to neck size, or you could get a bushing style die giving you control on how much neck tension you want.

From the Hornady neck die page:

Eliminates problems of excessive head space and aligns the bullets perfectly with the bore.

Sizing to fit your chamber with a full length sizer will eliminate excessive head space as well. Neck sizing by its self does NOT guarantee the bullet will be aligned perfectly. Getting a custom barrel with a tight necked chamber, neck turning so your loaded round has <.001 clearance all the way around, and only sizing as much of the neck as needed will come as close as it gets.

Why do you want to neck size? Accuracy? Partial full length size to fit your chamber with the die you have now and see if it shoots well enough to suit you. If it doesn't, you can always get the neck die and play around with it.

The cheap way into neck sizing is the Lee collet die and the dead length bullet seater set. They work surprisingly well. A body die and a bushing neck die is the way many competitors do it. Might as well seat em with this then. All together

Forster is very good as well.

 

[243winxb]

Make you reloads gage like factory with the FLRS die.

Randy1911

I took one of the factory shells that chamber okay. I put it in the case gage and it went a few thousandths below flush. By filing a few thousandths off the top of the shellholder so my die will screw down a little farther. My reloads now gage like the factory and chamber with no problem. I guess I just have a tight chamber

, use your FlRS die with you shell holder you cut down a few .001 ths on your single stage press. Use your case gage you already have to size correctly using the full length die. I am going by what you said in this post> http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=524143 If you want to load on the Hornady progressive, then you have the same problem as before with the FLRS die. The die is not setting the shoulder back far enough. A new neck size only die would work on the progressive.

 

[243winxb]

Neck Sizing with full length dies

The 30-06 does not have enough body taper to neck size only, using a FLRS die. IMO.http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/faq/index.cgi

Neck Sizing with full length dies

We do not recommend neck sizing with the full length sizing die because the head space dimension of the case may be adversely affected. When you back the full length sizing die out from contact with the shell holder, the die will still reduce the body diameter of the case, which in turn causes the base to shoulder dimension to increase. This can make it difficult or impossible to close the bolt, because of insufficient headspace.

Buy the special die that neck sizes only.

 

[Randy1911]

243winxb

I have solved my problem. Thanks to a fellow THR member, I bought a neck sizing die from him.