sizing questions?

[Axis II]

I only load for 2 bolt action 223 varmint rifles and was doing some reading on neck sizing vs Fl which im FL sizing now but I seen Fl works the brass a bit and maybe I should neck size.

I'm a newbie with only under 100rds under my belt so don't want to get into something I shouldn't but also want to use my brass as much as possible before I pitch it.

what's your thoughts?

 

[stoky]

Neck sizing generally works okay for bolt guns and can increase brass life and accuracy, to some extent. Just bump the shoulder back until the bolt closes easily. You might want to leave some sizing lube on the case, while you figure out where this is.

 

[cfullgraf]

I only load for 2 bolt action 223 varmint rifles...

If you are loading for multiple rifles and you neck size, you need to segregate cases by rifle.

Cases fired in one rifle, then neck sized, probably will not chamber in another rifle chambered for the same cartridge.

If you do not want to segregate cases by rifles, then full length size them.

If you have different "best" loads for each rifle, no problem, as you would be segregating the ammunition anyway.

Also, even if you do neck size, you will need to full length resize the cases once in a while. Cases will get difficult to chamber even in the rifle they were fired in after several reloading cycles and full length resizing will bring the case back to standard dimensions.

 

[stoky]

and don't try this in a semi-auto
and don't ask me how I know

 

[joem1945]

If you keep your brass separate for each rifle you shouldn't have any problems. Always check the length of your case.

 

[WelshShooter]

If you're using the same .223 brass in two different rifles then you must full length size. This is because fire formed brass will be different for each rifle. The chambers will be different, so fire formed brass from one rifle may not fit in the other, and vice versa. You can neck size your brass only if you split your brass by the rifle it's fired from.

With regards to brass life, yes, you can extend the life of your brass by neck sizing versus constant full length sizing. If you do go down the route of full length sizing only then you can offset some of the damage to the brass by annealing, which will reduce the work hardening imparted during sizing.

I've neck-sized .223 brass (Lapua) 4 times so far using the Lee collet die with no issues. My loads aren't particularly hot either so I wouldn't expect me having any problems. If you want to measure brass case life don't go by the eventuality of case-head separations, you should also check the primer pocket becoming out of spec.

 

[Reloadron]

When Neck Sizing Is Appropriate
Cartridges for a bolt action or single-shot rifles can be neck sized. Since the case has been fire-formed to a specific chamber, a neck sized cartridge can only be used in the rifle that last fired it. If your ammo is to be used in more than one rifle, full-length size it instead. Cartridges for semi-auto, and lever or slide-action rifles should not be neck sized because the cartridge-to-chamber fit is too tight for reliable feeding. Cartridges for these types of rifles should be full-length sized only.

Rifle Cartridge Neck Sizing is an overall good read on the subject.


However, this becomes a chore when loading for several bolt guns and keeping your brass separated by rifle. Also, the inevitable is sooner or later after so many neck sized only loads the case will need to be full length re sized.

My .308 Winchester and .223 Remington loads see several rifles. I have not bothered with neck sizing in years. While the claim is reduced working of the brass and longer brass life I never saw that great of a gain. See what works for you. I only look for four or five loads and trash the brass anyway.

Ron

 

[Hondo 60]

If you're using the same .223 brass in two different rifles then you must full length size. This is because fire formed brass will be different for each rifle. The chambers will be different, so fire formed brass from one rifle may not fit in the other, and vice versa. You can neck size your brass only if you split your brass by the rifle it's fired from.

Yup ^^^^^ What he said.

 

[springer99]

The only way to know for sure is to try it by using your existing full length dies and adjusting them out a bit to reduce the amount of resizing on the full cartridge length. You'll still resize the neck portion more than enough to hold your bullets. In a bolt action, you may find it works well for you. Contrary to popular opinion, I've been using this method in lieu of FL resizing even on my semi-auto's without any problems for years.