neck sizing question

[contender hunter]

Is it absolutely nessasary to lube the entire case when using a neck sizing die?? the paper that came with it says that its a good idea because of the possibility of a large chamber. But i thought eliminating that step was one of the freebees of neck sizing.

[Vern Humphrey]

Is it absolutely nessasary to lube the entire case when using a neck sizing die?? the paper that came with it says that its a good idea because of the possibility of a large chamber. But i thought eliminating that step was one of the freebees of neck sizing.

Short answer, no.

If you have a HUGE chamber, it is possible the walls of the case will be so expanded as to touch the sides of the die, but unlikely to create enough drag to make lubrication necessary.

If you have a problem with the case walls dragging on  the side of the die, I recommend the Lee Collet Die -- this works by squeezing the collet shut around the neck and mandril, and no other part of the case touches the die.  Collet die sets come with a conventional full-length sizing die, as well, so you can push the shoulder back a bit now and then.

[contender hunter]

Vern your right , I tried a case through the sizing die and it didn't hang up at all, just went right in and  out as smooth as can be. this is the first time in all of my reloading that I tried a actual neck die instead of just backing off a full length sizing die , and I can't believe how easy this is , no lubing at all , MAN this really cuts down on time!!!!!   hope it doesn't affect accuracy down the road . now how do I no when its time two bump the shoulder back a little ?? do I just go by how the action closes???

[Vern Humphrey]

Where you need luibe is inside the neck.  Even neck sizing, the expander ball is dragged back through the neck, expanding it slightly, and that can stretch the case (if you get a neck-sized case the bolt won't close on, that's why.)

You can use Motor Mica (from any auto parts store) powdered graphite, or do as I do -- I moisten a patch with Ed's Red (a home-mid gun cleaning solution) and simply press the case mouth into it, leaving a miniscule bit of lube right at the case mouth.

[contender hunter]

yeah Vern I used a tiny bit of sizing lube on a nylon case brush and then I always clean it before putting the powder in with a clean brush with case cleaner on it and then make sure it is dry . won't the case eventually get bigger to where it will need full length sized from not bumping back the shoulder or is it like you said the only reason is it gets stretched form the sizing button.

[Vern Humphrey]

It depends on the rifle (and perhaps on the case.)  I've had some cases I've literally worn out with neck sizing, and never needed to bump the shoulder back.

I personally think when gun mag writers talk about the need to bump the shoulder, more often than not it's the drag of the expander ball that causes the problem.

[contender hunter]

OK Vern I'm neck sizing this batch of brass and I'll see how I make out , and how many loadings i get and also if they get hard to chamber and close the action.

[Vern Humphrey]

A tiny bit of lube on the necks and they should last through quite a few reloads -- and shoot accurately, too.

[Catfish]

If you shoot real hot loads you`ll have to bump the shoulder back far more often than if your shooting liter loads. I load for accuracy, not velosity and almost never bump the shoulders back. Also I have an old plastic box that I got bullets in that is about 1/2 full of # 12 shot. To this I add some Mica and just dip the case neck in the box befor loading. You can also use graphite, and with eather you don`t have to worry about contaminating your powder. You don`t keed much.