Reloading for a pump action - neck sizing only?

Barnes_270

Barnes_270

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Hi guys,

I might start reloading for my dad's '06 Remington pump action (Model 760? 7600? something like that). I use a Lee Loader for reloading for by 270 bolt action - will a Lee Loader work for a pump action or does the brass need to be FL resized for a pump? I've done some internet scouting, and there seems to be varied opinions out there. Anyone neck size only for their Remy pump?
 
I wouldn't mess around with neck sizing in this instance, I'd full length resize and possibly even use small base dies with the pump gun. We're not talking benchrest accuracy here just flawless functioning.
 
I would stick to full-length resizing. A pump action would not have the same camming action as a turnbolt bolt action.
 
Barnes_270 said:
Thanks for the info, guys. I guess it'll have to wait until I (eventually) get a press.
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You don't have to wait too long. A Lee Classic Loader is $32.00 while a Lee Hand Press is only $39.00 and the Lee Reloader Press is $35.00. However, a 3-die set is an additional $34.00. You used to ba able to contact Lee and arrange to purchase some of their "seconds" Finish not quite up to scratch, but still serviceable. They are about 1/2 price that way. This was only for first time reloaders, though. If it still exists, should fit the bill for you.
 
Keep an eye on the EE and get yourself an RCBS or Lyman single stage press.Please don't buy a Lee unless you have no other option.It's only my opinion ,but I won't buy Lee under any circumstances.Good luck with your endeavors.
 
colt45cz75 said:
Keep an eye on the EE and get yourself an RCBS or Lyman single stage press.Please don't buy a Lee unless you have no other option.It's only my opinion ,but I won't buy Lee under any circumstances.Good luck with your endeavors.
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Yep, I'm watching the EE. I didn't mean to start the whole Lee vs. RCBS vs. .... thing though :popCorn:

I know it's not for everyone, but I've really enjoyed using the Lee Loader so far. So, not in a rush to get a press. Dad can keep buying ammo for a while...
 
If you have shot the brass in the gun, then experiment with just bumping the shoulder back a touch with your full length die. Obviously its dependant on your chamber but you will likely find that they feed and chamber fine. Bumping works your brass a little less. I have found the pumps tend to have generous chambers (for want of a better description) compared to my bolts. The brass grows more between sizing and firing more than in my bolt guns. FWIW, my pumps are Rem and my bolts Savage.

I find different dies give slightly different resized brass also so its worth experimenting with bumping/full sizing to find the best for your chamber.

I have shot my pumps neck sized only but this was during accuracy experiments and I single fed the rounds. They chambered but did require an extra hard shuck on occasion.
 
As a;ready mentioned a Lee hand press works just fine as long as you are not in a rush. You can then by a die set for your rifle to be able to full resize once your nesc sized stuff start to grow and not fit your rifle any more. Buy a new hand press and watch the EE for dies. Have fun.
 
warrenb said:
If you have shot the brass in the gun, then experiment with just bumping the shoulder back a touch with your full length die.
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Did you read the OP original post? He has a Lee Classic Loader. How the H3LL is he gonna bump back the shoulder with a die that only neck sizes? Thanks for playing. One should only contribute helpful info when they post.
 
iceman2 said:
As a;ready mentioned a Lee hand press works just fine as long as you are not in a rush. You can then by a die set for your rifle to be able to full resize once your nesc sized stuff start to grow and not fit your rifle any more. Buy a new hand press and watch the EE for dies. Have fun.
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Again,
OP is asking if he has to FL size for a pump action or will his Lee Loader work? Currently neck sizing with the Lee Loader will probably not produce satisfactory ammo that will feed and extract well.
Since necksizing probably won't work even once, he is not worried about the brass growing until it will no longer fit the chamber.
 
rookie wildcat said:
Did you read the OP original post? He has a Lee Classic Loader. How the H3LL is he gonna bump back the shoulder with a die that only neck sizes? Thanks for playing. One should only contribute helpful info when they post.
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Yes, I read it thank you very much. Just adding what I thought was useful information to any or all that read the thread. I can tell your an easy individual to get along with. :)

And thats quite enough of me explaining myself. Now go watch Doctor Who. :D
 
Don't be afraid of Small Base Dies

I was in the same boat. Reloading for my Dad's 760, in this case a .308.

I while ago I thought I should develop a load for Dad's gun. Since it would be for hunting only I decided to get a set of small base dies to ensure reliable functioning. I got a set used from the EE.

I picked up his gun and took it home. I noticed it was looking a bit tired these days with lots of scratches and dents in the stocks. I still remember when it was new, likely 20 or more years ago. I decided to give it a good cleaning and took it all apart. Then I decided to refinish the stocks.

Before refinishing the stocks I decided that the absolutely heinous stamped-in checkering was not acceptable so I used a checkering tool and recut it into real checkering. I did 10 or so coats of Tru-Oil and then a rubdown with pumice for a nice satin finish.

While reassembling it I just couldn't put the cloudy Tasco 2-7 and the tip off mount back on, so, back to the EE and in the mail I get a nice Leupold 2-7 and a solid weaver base. I already had the Millet rings in my 'ring stash'.

So, back to the topic of this thread (sorry). I had some Varget and Re 15 on hand so I flipped a coin and started with Re 15 and 165 Ballistic Tips. I had bought 100 Norma brass (once fired) at the gun show. I used the small base dies. I just loaded five to confirm the bore sighting and just shoot a group. The first shot was fairly close to center so I didn't adjust the scope and fired the remaining four.

Here's the first 5 shot group I fired:

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It measures .8xx" and that shot out to the left was from the clean barrel. I'm not the least bit concerned about small base dies and sacrificing accuracy anymore.

This load became 'the load'. I fired two more groups: one was under .8" and the other was just under 1". (All at 100 yards). I felt no need to 'develop' any further. These 760's can shoot.

So, I wouldn't use neck sized ammo for a hunting situation but it would be fine for casual use so go ahead and load some for him and see how they work.

Here are some gratuitous pics of the rifle after the cleanup. I didn't think to take any 'before' photos because this little project just sort of 'happened'.

When I gave the rifle back to Dad I just gave it to him in a case along with a box of 50 loaded rounds without telling him what I had done. I was glad when he noticed the difference right away when he opened the case....

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.Please don't buy a Lee unless you have no other option.It's only my opinion ,but I won't buy Lee under any circumstances.Good luck with your endeavors.
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Please dont be discouraged from buying a Lee Press just because of the opinions of posters such as above. The tens of thousands of rounds Ive made on my Lee press tells me that its just fine.
 
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