Neck tension - Is there an optimum or does it vary?

[Kelly Timoffee]

Just going to start playing with neck tension as a variable during my reloading process.

Is there a sweet spot for neck tension ? 0.001" interference , 0.002" ,0.0015"?

Does a person want as little tension as possible?

Or is this again like everything else, dependent on the rifle?

What is everyone striving for or at what tension are you finding optimum results?

 

[rral22]

It varies, but it must be enough to allow "handling" of the bullets without being pushed into the case, so hunting bullets need more than single loaded target rounds. It must also be consistent from round to round.

 

[stevesummit]

I find that two thou is enough for my target and hunting round!

 

[emerson]

As near as I can measure I like 0.003". Any less doesn't hold them secure enough for me (>1 MOA hunting 30-06).

 

[Mystic Precision]

Varies - brass ductility vs load tuning vs likes of the bullet vs chamber set up vs etc, etc, etc.

I want the LOWEST neck tension that will keep my bullet in place for the handling it needs to see.

Jerry

 

[scout]

Varies ... for me in .308W, typically 1 thou minimum (spring tension of the brass), 2 thou for coated bullets. I found that 5 thou tightened my groups considerably at 400m over 3 thou. Rebarreling now, so I'll be going through the load development process again. I also jump my bullets (not into the lands) - that makes a difference when you look at neck tension. A lot of people that jam into the lands don't want much neck tension.

 

[Dogleg]

I like to use a .003 under bushing.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

I purchased two bushings , I should have 0.0015" and 0.0025" interference.

Just wondering if tight or loose was the norm for most loaders.

 

[Jmiverson]

All depends what your rifle likes, really. I'm pretty sure the norm is a consistent .002 ish for a happy medium load. That said, I have one bullet so far in .223 that really likes .004... Like Jerry said, more precision based guys like VERY little tension.

Jerry, why is it that you prefer as little tension as possible? If you were loading a long bullet jammed .010 ish, would it not push into the case upon chambering? Or would your chamber's neck be tight enough to not allow this? Not meaning to be ignorant, just something I've never understood.