Neck sizing question

[gaileyr]

A dumb question.  Can you just neck size a cartridge using only a full length Lee die? And if so how do you set up the die to do it? I'm in the process of FL resizing 308Win brass down to 7mm-08. But after I fire form the cases to conform to rifle's chamber I'll want to neck size only prolong case life but don't own a collet die set.

[PA-Joe]

Yes, you just back the sizing die out about 2 turns. Then do some testing turning it down 1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time.

[gaileyr]

PA-Joe,
Thanks for the info. I've never failed to receive an informed answer or advice from  this website (Graybeard). You guys are great. Thanks again.

[wncchester]

You can "neck size" with an FL die IF it doesn't contact the case body in the process.   And there is no point in sizing a neck below the base of the seated bullets.

[Graybeard]

Technically speaking no you cannot neck size only with a full length size die. To say you can is something of a misnomer for what's happening.

You can PARTIALLY size the case so as to mostly size the neck but you cannot get the exact same effect as a neck size die using a full length die. Close but no cigar.

Yes it's good enough and is done all the time but to say you are in fact "neck sizing" when using a FL die is not correct.

[trotterlg]

I'm with GB on this one, backing off your full length sizing die will do something for you, but you will just not be sure what.  308 brass is so cheap that I wouldn't worry too much or spend much to save some brass.  Check the length of your new 7mm-08 brass, the necks will get longer when you size them down.  It may also be easier to size up 243 brass.  Larry

[Larry Gibson]

Even a "partial resize" is very difficult to do using a case with a minimal body taper and a short neck, exactly what the 7-08 has.  Invariably the die body will size in the sides of the case before enough neck gets resized.  When the sides of the expanded cases are pushed in, even a very little, the shoulder moves forward which makes chambering difficult or impossible.  Save yourself some frustration and get a neck size die, a collet dies or a bushing die.

Larry Gibson

[gaileyr]

Thanks guys for all the advice.

BTW... Graybeard you run a great website.

[trotterlg]

Larry Gibson:  Where are you from?  My middle name is Gibson, Larry Gibson Trotter

[Larry Gibson]

Larry Gibson:  Where are you from?  My middle name is Gibson, Larry Gibson Trotter

I'm from Oregon but live in University Place, WA by Fort Lewis, WA these days.

Larry Gibson