If I'm shooting 308 and reloading for the same gun, how do I only size the neck with my FL die? How do I tell if I'm pushing the shoulder back or just touching it? Not a beginner but not an expert either. You guys on here are my only mentors.
Neck size with RCBS dies
- Thread starter Greg S
- Start date
I think you have to get a neck sizing die.
I think there are a few videos on youtube that would show you this. The best way to go is to get the neck sizing die. If you get a good carbide die (i.e. Redding) you don't need to use lube when neck sizing.
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
I went to a collet style neck sizer.
No lube required and usually less run-out than the others.
No lube required and usually less run-out than the others.
Amen. Even lots of top shooters use these despite their entry-level price. Love my Lee collet die.
There are two methods. One easy and the other not so easy. First you can just use your FL die, and short stroke it so that only 2/3 or so of the neck is sized. You should be able to see just by eye how much is being sized. If not, if you use a micrometer, you can measure how much has been sized. This is going to give you the same effect as just using a neck die.
Over time, the case may start to get tight to chamber. If so, then you want to size it more, but not full length. Ideally you just want to bump the shoulder back 0.001-0.002", but no more. This is harder to measure. Hornady sells a gauge to do it. See this link. You just measure a fired and not sized case with the gauge (from base to a datum point on the shoulder), and then size down in increments, until you have shortened the case by the bump amount I gave you above.
Over time, the case may start to get tight to chamber. If so, then you want to size it more, but not full length. Ideally you just want to bump the shoulder back 0.001-0.002", but no more. This is harder to measure. Hornady sells a gauge to do it. See this link. You just measure a fired and not sized case with the gauge (from base to a datum point on the shoulder), and then size down in increments, until you have shortened the case by the bump amount I gave you above.
