neck sizing versus full length

[Myerslake2005]

I'm new to the reloading game and want to work up a load for my 7-08.  The only gun I have in the 7-08 is my Encore so I won't be switching loads back and forth between guns.  Should I just neck size or full length size the casing?  I know full lenght sizing brings the case back to factory specs but it would seem since I'm using the same barrel it would be better to neck size since the case will fit the barrel better.  ANy advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,  Brent

[Reed1911]

Neck sizing only will decrease the wear on the brass and typically make it last longer. You may also see an improvement in accuracy, though that is not always the case, remember each gun is it's own; and nothing works with all of them.
If you are going to neck size only I would suggest the mandrel type neck size rather than the expander type. It works the case less and helps prevent the case from growing. From time to time you may find that you will need to bump the shoulder back a little for proper chambering.

[SD Handgunner]

Neck sizing only will decrease the wear on the brass and typically make it last longer. You may also see an improvement in accuracy, though that is not always the case, remember each gun is it's own; and nothing works with all of them.
If you are going to neck size only I would suggest the mandrel type neck size rather than the expander type. It works the case less and helps prevent the case from growing. From time to time you may find that you will need to bump the shoulder back a little for proper chambering.

Excellent answer. In addition it has been my experience with Break Open Firearms that neck sizing works better with smaller diameter cartridges such as those of the .222/.223 family of cartridges. the larger the case the more likely it is that you'll have to at least partially full length resize your cases. What I like to do is set my Full Length Sizing die so it just barely touches the shoulder of the fired case to still ensure proper fit and headspace in break open guns. I have seen instances in which neck sizing in a break open gun actually caused groups to open up a bit.

Larry

[Steve P]

Brent,

You have two great suggestions here.  Wouldn't change a thing.  Would add just a little.  I like to set some (yes some, not all) of the dies for my contender by smoking the neck with a birthday candle (see, you can come up with a reason to recycle them from a cake).  I lightly lube the case with imperial sizing wax then smoke the neck and just into the shoulder.  I set my dies so they just clean off that neck.  Like Reed1911 said, you may have to resize a little more of that shoulder every three or 4 firings, but this should work for you.

SD Handgunner also made a good point that this may not work on all cartridges.  Very true and something to look at.  I have some cases that get full lenth sized every time. (22 hornet for example, better groups when full length sized)  Some are only partially neck sized. (straight wall long cases like 270 ren, 357 max, etc)  I have some where I set the dies so after running the brass thru the sizing die, the gun just closes with a firm grip.  (7-30 waters, 30-30, 7mm super mag [have both shoulder and rim]).  

Hope this helps you out.  

Steve  

[MnMike]

I neck size all of my bottleneck Contender/Encore rounds. For my .223/22.250/.243 I use the Lee collet dies. They are great. For the 7-30 (Lee wants $65 for a collet die custom made) I use standard dies and use mica as a lube, The mica lets me know how close to the shoulder I am getting when I resize.

mike

[coopershooter]

i have a 22k-hornet carbine barrel that likes full length sized cases better than neck sized ones. all of my other bottle necked cartriges are the opposite. i have read of others that found this true in contenders and encores. i cant figure why?
 try it both ways, your gun will tell you what it likes!