Full length vs. Neck sizing for hunting
- Thread starter TSPIRI
- Start date
Unfortunately, they don't and won't make them for one hunting gun I have, and for one I was using, but sold. Another one I've had the neck die for, for 35yrs or so, and another one that I have a pile of factory rounds that it liked, that I got dirt cheap, which I've had the dies for, for about 38 yrs, and another one I loaded 100 hunting rds for , that I still haven't run out of, that I have a duplicate of, that of course I have all the dies for, that will likely shoot mostly cast, so, the collet die won't be in the picture,as I will probably be using a bushing die for, or an M die expander. Just circumstances...
Chargerguy
CGN frequent flyer
I used to neck size only but ran into problems quick. After a few firings I'd have a hard time closing my bolt, or it wouldn't close at all. I now Lee Collet neck size then bump my shoulders back with a body die or a FL bushing die with no bushing. Just shot a 3/4" 3 shot group at 400 yards doing this in my 7 Rem Mag. I won't be going back to neck sizing for my hunting or target rifles.
x2
2-3 firings neck sizing, then FL/trim and good for another 2-3 firings using the LCD.
I've always full length sized the cartridges. Its not like it saves any time by doing only a neck size. I also have several rifles in each caliber and as one member suggested earlier, getting out to a hunt or to the range and the ammo doesn't work is a loser move.
I get it that some people are pressed for time and space. I have a 28ft loading bench, 3 tumblers, and minimum of a thousand brass per rifle, if not 3 or 4 thousand. Everything goes through the same assembly line and case prep. Doesn't make any sense to do a load under 500 or 1000 rounds in one go.
While it may seem like a lot of work , its not. I have several loading/shooting partners who regular visit in the off-season, drink beer, measure targets, prep brass, charge rounds, and talk about the one that got away.
DiabeticKripple
CGN Regular
- Location
- Red Deer, Alberta
I neck size only and haven’t had any issues.
I chamber each brass separately before priming. After 4 reloads, it starts to get tight and then I bump the shoulders back.
I chamber each brass separately before priming. After 4 reloads, it starts to get tight and then I bump the shoulders back.
It is my understanding that partial full length sizing is only sizing 1/2 to 3/4 of the neck and using a full length die like a neck sizing die and not reducing the case body diameter or touching the case shoulder.
And adjusting the die to bump the shoulder back .002 for your chamber just ensures the case does not stretch and cause a case head separation.
As you can see below full length resizing squeezes the case diameter and makes the shoulder move forward making the case longer than the chamber. And minimum shoulder bump just pushes the case shoulder .001 to .002 back below the red dotted line and just short of its fire formed length.
Bottom line, it is still full length resizing if the die is adjusted to push the case shoulder back the minimum amount and a snug fit to your chamber. This is nothing more than adjusting the die to allow the case to be a custom fit in your chamber. And adjusting the die to make hard contact with the shell holder just allows the resized case to fit in any chamber.
Chambers and dies vary in size, below three types of Forster .308 dies made for different size chambers.
And adjusting the die to bump the shoulder back .002 for your chamber just ensures the case does not stretch and cause a case head separation.
As you can see below full length resizing squeezes the case diameter and makes the shoulder move forward making the case longer than the chamber. And minimum shoulder bump just pushes the case shoulder .001 to .002 back below the red dotted line and just short of its fire formed length.
Bottom line, it is still full length resizing if the die is adjusted to push the case shoulder back the minimum amount and a snug fit to your chamber. This is nothing more than adjusting the die to allow the case to be a custom fit in your chamber. And adjusting the die to make hard contact with the shell holder just allows the resized case to fit in any chamber.
Chambers and dies vary in size, below three types of Forster .308 dies made for different size chambers.
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That works until it doesn't. Like I said previously, nowhere from anywhere is when it will happen.
I small base size my brass and for target shooting, I'm on at least 10 sizings. For hunting, I leave the brass, mainly because I can't find it.
it,s nice to understand what kamlooky is saying.
