Author Topic: Neck size or full length? (Read 326 times)

ONE HOLE 4570 · « **on:** January 05, 2005, 09:08:14 AM »

I know this probably has been beat to death but I generally neck size my brass (bottle neck) & use a factory crimp die for consistent ignition pressure. The only draw back for neck sizing I can see is maybe the cases sticking & not ejecting as easily. With a good polished chamber & a clean case I would guess there would be little sticking. A clean case is a must, during hunting if you use a but stock shell holder the cases can get dirty or damp & give you a stuck case had this happen on one occasion with factory ammo but a follow up was not an issue. Any comments or should I continue with the neck sizing convince me other wise if need be.
Thanks all knowing ones

knight0334 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 05, 2005, 09:31:43 AM »

I switched to full length after having twice fired brass fail to chamber properly. The prior two loads weren't even hot loads either..

I think full length will offer more consistancy over neck sizing. ..but, I dont keep that close of tabs to accuracy as some of these guys do. hitting within a 6 inch circle @ 100yards every shot is good enuff for me with any gun I shoot.

fish280 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 05, 2005, 09:49:34 AM »

i'd say full-length neck size for sure. i've handloaded for 30-30, 30-06 and 280 rem handis. straight neck-sizing is too risky for hunting loads. at the range? no big deal. you might try semi-full-length sizing right to the joint between neck and top of shoulder, and check for ejection of cases with full hunting loads.
in handis, in my limited experience, trimming brass to factory specs is critical. on some chambers, IIRC, there is little room for brass growth. :wink:
but what do i know? in a handi, you typically are not loading screaming hot anyhow, so brass life probably isn't affected as much with full-length sizing.
again, YMMV. :eek:

fish280 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 05, 2005, 09:55:32 AM »

oh yeah, you got to keep the shoulder within factory spec. just a little shoulder setback could cause stuck cases in a handi, whereas in a bolt gun with a sloppy chamber it might not be much of issue. you might try sizing empty cases until they just pop out perfectly. almost betcha you'll find this to be just short of full-length sizing.