I neck size cases , and full size cases of the same calibur , seems like there,s more tension on the bullet with the full sized cases , seems to need a bit more push to seat a bullet into the full sized case compared to the neck only sized case. Is this normal , shouldn't either die size the neck to the same spec,s?
Neck sizing....Full sizing
- Thread starter deerslayer
- Start date
I found this out as well when reloading .270
Neck sized some rounds, and when I put bullets in, the OAL was all over the place. Turned out it was because I was running a slightly compressed load and powder was springing the bullets back out on some rounds. Pulled primers out, re-neck sized (with more pressure) and after that it was fine.
This was with a Lee collet die.
Neck sized some rounds, and when I put bullets in, the OAL was all over the place. Turned out it was because I was running a slightly compressed load and powder was springing the bullets back out on some rounds. Pulled primers out, re-neck sized (with more pressure) and after that it was fine.
This was with a Lee collet die.
Funny you mention this. I recently purchased a Lee collet die and could not get enough neck reduction to satisfactorily seat the bullet. I exchanged it for a full lenght die set, and the problem dissapears. I surely can't explain it 
Every time I buy one of those Lee Collet dies, the first thing I do is take the mandrell out of the die, chuck it into my drill and spin it around a piece of 220 grit sandpaper for about 5-10 min. Then I polish it down with finer paper.
Lee even recommends this procedure. They make the collet intentionally big so that you can set it at whatever diameter you want.
After doing the above with my .308 and 6.5x55 collet dies, the necks of my sized cases are actually TIGHTER than they get from a full-length die.
In my opinion, those Lee Collet sizers are practically worth their weight in gold, but you have to know how to use them properly to really take advantage of what they have to offer.
Lee even recommends this procedure. They make the collet intentionally big so that you can set it at whatever diameter you want.
After doing the above with my .308 and 6.5x55 collet dies, the necks of my sized cases are actually TIGHTER than they get from a full-length die.
In my opinion, those Lee Collet sizers are practically worth their weight in gold, but you have to know how to use them properly to really take advantage of what they have to offer.
Neck sizing .....full sizing
Funny all you guys are using lee collet dies , I to have a set of lee collet dies, bought a redding neck sizing die for my 270wsm , big difference in quality , redding die seems to size the necks better than the lee with almost the same neck tension as full size. Be carefull if you try to alter the mandrel of the collet lee die , I order one from lee that they reduced for tighter bullet grip and it was useless , I was sizing the neck with the bullet as I was seatng it . I found that it seems the sharper the shoulder angle , like my 280AI , 270WSM , the harder it is to load without getting excessive bullet runout , after you load a few rounds , roll them on a flat surface and watch for a wobble of the bullet.
Funny all you guys are using lee collet dies , I to have a set of lee collet dies, bought a redding neck sizing die for my 270wsm , big difference in quality , redding die seems to size the necks better than the lee with almost the same neck tension as full size. Be carefull if you try to alter the mandrel of the collet lee die , I order one from lee that they reduced for tighter bullet grip and it was useless , I was sizing the neck with the bullet as I was seatng it . I found that it seems the sharper the shoulder angle , like my 280AI , 270WSM , the harder it is to load without getting excessive bullet runout , after you load a few rounds , roll them on a flat surface and watch for a wobble of the bullet.
I'm using the lee neck sizer with my .223 loads. When I seat the bullets with the Lee seating die I get a range of OALs from 2.255 to 2.260. Is that acceptable repeatability, or is there something wrong with the neck sizing or the dead length bullet seating die?
After I seat I also add a light factory crimp with the Lee factory crimp die.
After I seat I also add a light factory crimp with the Lee factory crimp die.
Depends on instrument you are using for measurements , tips of bullets can be a little flat or bit sharper , I think if you use a tool which uses the bullet ogive as a reference instead of a tip of bullet to case rim with a caliper a guy might get a more accurate measurement, but I,m no expert , maybe some other loaders will jump in and give a better explanation.
The tool you want is a Bullet Comparator which uses your existing calipers but measures from the case bottom to the Ogive. I have found with the sierras I load that they can be out several thou at the tip as they do not swage exactly the same everytime.
