new 223 brass

[badnova]

I just got 2000 new unprimed 223 LC brass cases. I have read I need to F/L size them.
What about lubing the inside and outside of the necks?
Seems like a hassle considering it's new brass
Thanks

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Brass can and does get banged against each other in shipping and other times too. Even though they are new I would suggest at least neck sizing new brass just to be sure all is well.

 

[ArtP]

First, what AACD said ^^^^^.

Whether you're using new or fired brass the need to lube depends on your dies, not the state of your brass. If you use a Lee collet die, no lube is necessary, other dies require lube.

Edit: used in an automatic, I would FL size them on first use. I have gotten away with NS for bolt rifles.

 

[steve4102]

New brass especially bulk brass comes with dinged and dented necks and case mouths. You need to iron these out and make them all nice and round again. You also need to chamfer the inside of the case mouth as well. Lube em if your dies require lube, all mine do except for my Lee Collet dies.
I also uniform the primer pockets and flash holes on new and new to me once fired brass. Takes awhile to prep both new and used brass, but I never considered it a hassle to make my brass and ammo as consistent as possible.

 

[Blue68f100]

If you using these in a auto platform you need to FL size them. I do a FL size to all my new brass along with deburring the case mouth. Better yet is trim the length and use the RCBS X-Die (SB). With the X-die it has a mandrel that supports the neck to prevent it from stretching when you size. It may be the last time you ever have to trim the brass. Which makes easy work if your loading on a progressive.