New brass – FL sizing, partial FL sizing, and neck sizing

[CJK8]

I am talking about .223 bolt action rifle here.

Ok, I am almost ready to start resizing. I have some once fired brass from factory ammo that I will experiment with between the three types of sizing. Once I have it all figured out, then I’ll start using some new Winchester brass I bought.

For the new brass, do I need to FL or partial FL size it before first use? If partial FL, how much do you back off the die to partial FL? Down the road after I have neck sized only for a few times and I need to “bump” the shoulder back, is that the same as partial FL sizing?

Thanks.

 

[gamestalker]

For the new brass I would neck it and then load it with your usual load to fire form, and continue loading it until the shoulder's needing bumping back. Don't use reduced loads to fire form because that will only slow the fire forming process. At that point start with the FL die adjusting it down until the brass will chamber normal, and then lock the die in that position for future shoulder bumping. No different for the once fired factory brass, load it until the shoulder's are in need of bumping.

 

[CJK8]

So, is there ever a need to size the full body rather than just partial FL?

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, when they won't fit in your rifle without hard bolt closing, you need to FL size again.

Also, I always back off the FL die about 1/4 turn and partial neck size brand new brass just to make sure they are all round. A lot of times, new brass gets dinged or flattened in the necks during packing & shipping......

Then later adjust your sizing die so you can just feel slight resistance when closing the bolt on a sized case.
That insures exact case headspace in your rifle when you do FL size them again.

BTW: I do not own a neck sizing die.
I prefer to err on the side of positive functioning during a hunt.
Accuracy is better then I can shoot off a bench with FL sized cases when the die is adjusted as outlined above.

rc

 

[CJK8]

Also, I always back off the FL die about 1/4 turn and partial neck size brand new brass...

Did you mean partial FL size?

 

[CJK8]

Another question. I think I am reading that I will not get run out with the FL die but I will with the neck sizing die--both I have are RCBS. I was wondering how many times I would be able to use brass by FL/partial FL sizing vs. neck sizing. If consistency leads to accuracy and run out works against accuracy, maybe I should only FL/partial FL size where my primary objective is accuracy. Thanks.

 

[Walkalong]

You can have run out either way. The only way to know is to measure it. I believe you are way over thinking this. Load some each way and see what they do on paper. Guessing doesn't help.

 

[USSR]

I believe you are way over thinking this. Load some each way and see what they do on paper.

+1. If just one way produced the most accuracy, we would all be reloading that way.

Don

 

[CJK8]

Yeah. Over thinking. just size and shoot.

When I FL sized the brass tonight, I noticed that the die did not size all the way down to the base of the bullet. I thought that it did. Did I get confused? I thought both the FL and small base die sized the full body to the base, but that the small base die just sized the diameter a little smaller???

Also, when lowering the case out the the die, the die catches on something. Is that the expander ball do its work or something else?

Thanks.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

When I FL sized the brass tonight, I noticed that the die did not size all the way down to the base of the bullet.

When resizing, you are sizing the brass case, not the bullet.

You already have your answer which is, load up some ammo and shoot it...

 

[Walkalong]

Also, when lowering the case out the the die, the die catches on something. Is that the expander ball do its work

Yes. Did you use a nylon brush with a little (very little) lube on it in the necks? That will make it smoother and help keep the expander ball from pulling necks out of whack or pulling the shoulder forward a hair.

It should be covered in your reloading manual that I know you bought and read cover to cover, twice.

 

[CJK8]

I meant size to bass of brass not bullet. My bad.

I did read about lubing the inside of neck, but then talked to someone at RCBS and another local guy. They both said they don't want lube to get in their powder and that it is fine to not lube the neck.

 

[snuffy]

It should be covered in your reloading manual that I know you bought and read cover to cover, twice.

Apparently NOT!

CJ, you need to read some more basic loading information. The internet is fine for general info, but you'll never get anything done by coming here every time you have a question. We're happy to help, but you need to read more.

As for lubing the inside of the necks, like walkalong said, use a nylon neck brush that has been rolled on an oily surface. If you have a case lube pad, that makes an ideal oily surface to roll the brush on to pick up that tiny amount of lube required to ease passage of the expander ball. DON'T be concerned about the oil that remains in the neck. It's such a tiny amount, it won't "KILL" the powder OR the primer. Another method would be to put a drop of case lube on your fingers, spread it around, then roll the brush on them.

As for the new brass, back the fl die out a full turn from contact with the shell holder. This will result in about half the neck entering the neck sizing portion of the die. This assures the neck is round and you don't need to lube the case,(just the inside of the neck). Then the expander button will leave the neck with the tension necessary to hold the bullet. Also, be sure to inside chamfer the neck of new brass. It eases bullet seating without peeling jacket metal from the sides of the bullet.

Ask around your area for someone willing to mentor you who has some experience loading. Best place would be a firing range, or ask at a gunshop if there's any classes being held for reloading.

 

[rcmodel]

they don't want lube to get in their powder and that it is fine to not lube the neck.

You don't use enough lube to get lube in your powder.

I roll a nylon or bronze bore brush on a lube pad and use it to lube a whole bowl full of cases.
It picks up just a slight amount of lube, enough to ease the expander ball pulling through the neck, but certainly not enough to contaminate the powder.

rc

 

[CJK8]

I have read more than one manual and am talking to all sorts of folks. Everyone seems to have a different opinion and process. I am asking questions here to understand opinions and processes as well, and try and figure out the consensus and best route to go. Thanks for your help.

 

[USSR]

Everyone seems to have a different opinion and process.

Yep! And the fact that all the different methods work indicates that there are few hard-and-fast rules when it comes to reloading - as long as it is a safe procedure.

Don