Neck Sizing with FL Dies

[Wlscott]

I have a question about neck sizing only with a full length die.

I have Lee Deluxe Dies that have the FL resizing die, seater die, and the factory crimp die.  I decided to try to neck size my brass using the FL sizing die.  I set the die so that it just contacted the top of the case, then turned it in until it was sizing just a portion of the neck about 1/16" down from the mouth.  I then turned it in incrementally until it was sizing the entire neck.

1st question:  Am I only sizing the neck when I do it this way?

2nd question:  Do I need to size the entire neck area when neck sizing only, or just a portion of it? If just a portion of it, how much is enough?


Thanks.

[Graybeard]

You cannot actually neck size only with a FL die. You can set the die to do something less than a full length size but it's not really a neck sizing when you do.

A NS die usually will size the full length of the neck almost to the angle. I like it that way. You want as much of the neck as possible sized to help hold the bullet in place firmly.

If you're loading a given chambering ONLY for one gun then you can get by fine with partial case sizing as a general rule. BUT if you're using the same chambering in more than one gun I think you really should get a NS ONLY die or just FL size them.

[Wlscott]

I always keep my AR15 brass seperate from my single shot brass (both .223) anyway.  I don't know if neck sizing will work for the single shot since these guns have a tendancy to stick cases, but I thought I'd try it before I sprung for a neck sizing die.

[Duffy]

Like GB said it's not the same.
Depending on how large your chamber is and how tight your die is make quite a bit of difference. If you have a large chamber and you use a FL die it will also size some of the body. When this happens the case can grow making the headspace tighter and also causing closing difficultys. If you find this happening simply adjust the die down a bit more to "bump" the shoulder enough for the case to chamber easily.

[Wlscott]

Well, I tried it.  I loaded up 50 for the Ultra Rifle.

These rifles have a tendancy to stick fired cases.  Mine has before, but it usually just pops it out far enough to grab with your fingers.  I've never polished the chamber because I like not having to pick up brass.  Unfired rounds would usually fly right out when the action was opened.

These "neck sized" unfired rounds didn't fly right out.  So I polished the chamber a little with some IOSSO bore past and a bore mop.  Now they fly right out like full length sized rounds do.  

I'll post back when I have a chance to fire some of them and let you know how they worked.

[quickdtoo]

Wlscott, you can change your ejector to an extractor very easily if your inclined to do so, I did this on my 45-120 cuz I didn't want that expensive brass flying over my shoulder! You've probably already seen this posted before at one time or another, but here it is for you to consider.....

http://www.brimstonepistoleros.com/Articles/hr-ejector-mod.html

Keep in mind it won't solve the stuck case issue as it is still spring driven, but it does allow you to pluck the case or unfired round from the chamber.

[Wlscott]

Yeah, I've seen that Quick.  I've just never done it because my rifle doesn't throw them anyway.  It may now though.  If it does, I printed that page and I'll likely do that to my rifle.

Thanks.

[LouisV]

I just use shims on top of the shell holder to adjust the amount of sizeing. They have a hole in the middle for the case. I made several in .005", .010" and .020". It seems to be be more consistant to have the shim stop the ram rather than just moveing the die up. I get better accuracy with this than with my collet die. I'm sure the fulllength die gives more consistant neck tension. LouisV