New brass OK in case gauge, need to resize?

[tacoshooter]

Please don't kill me if this is a FAQ-ish question; I did some searching on Google and this site and didn't come up with a definitive answer.

I've got a bunch of new .223 brass that I've been reloading for my AR. In the past I've done a FL resize on the new brass just because it's my standard process, but now I'm wondering if it's necessary.

I've got a Wilson case gauge that I check each case with after resizing and trimming. None of the new brass has needed trimming after resizing that I can recall.

Now, this begs the question, if I'm checking the new brass on the case gauge and it specs out, do I really need to FL resize? Maybe neck resize only or none at all? I suppose the root issue is if it's OK in the case gauge is it OK to go ahead and reload the new brass (assuming the case mouth is in spec)?

Thoughts?

 

[snuffy]

You say it's new brass, but then say you're REloading it? Which is it, virgin new brass or has it been fired?

If it is new empties, I still run them through a FL sizer to iron out, or round out the dinged up mouths. Then I inside chamfer to ease seating a bullet. Just make sure you don't set the shoulder back too far.

 

[LHB1]

My ironclad rule is to ALWAYS run any case, new or previously fired, thru a sizer die to ensure that the case will provide correct tension on the bullet. For new brass or brass previously fired in my rifle, neck sizing may suffice. For brass fired in another rifle, I recommend full length sizing when reloading. This approach will help to ensure that the handloaded ammo fits properly in your gun and functions better.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[CMcDermott]

If there aren't any shipping dents etc I would still at least neck-size it just to maintain a consistent grip on the bullet.

 

[tacoshooter]

It's new brass. I guess I'm "loading" it but didn't really make the distinction.

I'll probably go ahead and FL size it I guess to keep the process consistent; it just would save time to not deal with lube/tumbling as an interim.

Probably the root question is how much do we trust case gauges / visual inspection vs. just resizing even if it is good to go in the case gauge?

 

[Walkalong]

I resize, chamfer and deburr new brass. Then I tumble it. If it is revolver brass that needs trimming, I do that after sizing and before chamfering/deburring.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Walkalong has it along with the other folks that recommend resizing, trimming, deburing/camfering...

 

[LHB1]

There are two reasons for sizing brass cases when loading them:
1. To make sure they will fit easily into rifle/pistol chamber.
2. TO ENSURE THAT CASE NECKS WILL HAVE PROPER TENSION TO HOLD BULLETS CORRECTLY IN RELOADED ROUND. Inconsistent case neck tension can cause not only accuracy problems but the bullets can actually fall out of the case after being loaded if not gripped tightly enough. IMO, this is the primary reason for sizing ALL brass, even new cases, before/while loading it.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB