Author Topic: ? about full length sizing vs neck sizing (Read 704 times)

Possum · « **on:** May 25, 2003, 06:55:10 AM »

I am shooting a Contender in .35 Rem and seem to be getting better results from full sized brass than neck sized. I mean the groups are dramatically smaller. What does this mean? Finally got two 1" groups @100yds with the full sized brass yesterday. This is also the case with the Encore in .250 Sav.

longwinters · « **Reply #1 on:** May 25, 2003, 08:50:53 AM »

Good question. I know some guys that will only shoot new brass or full length sized brass. Others I talk to say neck size only brass that is shot out of your gun (but not others . . . those you full length size). These guys say that neck sizing is more accurate out of the same rifle the brass originally were shot out of. I have a question I just posted that probably goes along with this one. Hopefully we get some answers.

IronKnees · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2003, 02:19:42 AM »

It's a tough call in knowing just why your particular gun is so much more sensitive to neck only as opposed to full length resized brass. Basically, neck only resizing is done for the gun from which that brass was fired ONLY... and is for accuracy shooting... Full length on the other hand is more for hunting type ammunition. There are varying thoughts on this though, and it's not set in stone... In other words... I'm not sure,

but would suspect that it would have to do with the position of the shoulder which would be reshaped and pushed back by the full length die, and probably just an overall better fit of the entire case/bullet assembly as it relates to your particular guns chamber...

jamie · « **Reply #3 on:** May 26, 2003, 08:10:34 AM »

The quantum physics needed to calculate the reason is tougher than calculating how the beating wings of a butterfly in Asia can cause a tidal wave in Mexico. :-D :-D :-D So to keep it simple let's put it this way, it's the same reason that 2 of my rifles like Sierra MK's but the 3rd won't shoot them worth crap. I load it with Hornady Match and it shoots .3-.5 all day. Each gun is its own entity. Listen to it, it will tell you what it likes best. If it doesn't like neck sizing then buy some case lube and full length them.

Geno · « **Reply #4 on:** May 26, 2003, 10:48:57 AM »

slightly diffferent chamber dimensions. You hit upon a winning combo for yours. With the next guy, perhaps neck sizing only works. Maybe even a little bit of die set up involved in the mix to make it complicated. :-D

Possum · « **Reply #5 on:** May 26, 2003, 01:44:01 PM »

Thanks for the input. I will tell you the chamber on these barrels are very deep. With the .250 Sav I would probably not have much bullet to seat if I seated if closed to the lands(sp?). I thought it was me not being able to hold the pistol when it was shooting the neck-sized 3" groups @100yds. But when I shot the two 1" groups with the full sized I found out that it was not the operator! I think I am going to have to full-length size from now on with these two barrels. If the 30-06 does it when I get to it, I am going to start wondering about my setup on the neck sizing dies.

Double D · « **Reply #6 on:** May 27, 2003, 07:32:22 AM »

Another thing you can do to improve case life and accuracy if you are shooting single shots like TC's Contenders or Encores. Index your rounds. Cut a notch in the rim of your case and make sure the knotch aligns with the same spot in the barrel every time it's loaded in the chamber, like the edge of the extractor cut. Makes a difference when you neck size and big difference when you full length resize. Some people even go so far as to align that notch the same way when they put the case in the shell holder to resize.

Try it, it works.