New Brass...any prep needed?

Lapua, Norma, Nosler, load n go. All the rest get run over an expander.

This sounds about right. The last Nosler brass I bought I tried to FL size, the case just went in and out of the die with zero resistance, even the necks were all uniform and the proper size. At over $3 a piece they had better be good though!

FiveHundredLimited, I too have a 527 .223, but an American version with the 1:12" twist. I haven't tried anything heavier than 60gr yet, but I have a suspicion those 64gr'ers might be a bit too heavy. If you have a new 527 I heard CZ was switching all their .223 to 1:9" barrels, so check your twist to make sure. If it is 1:9", load those 64gr bullets up and let'em rip!
 
I always size brand new cases. Case in point, I bought a bunch of Starline brass and I made up a couple dummy rounds. One of 'em I could push the bullet deeper into the factory sized case.
 
I forgot to mention I have the CZ 527 Varmint in .223...I think that changes by rate of twist?

My 527 Varmint has 1:12 rifling. It likes light bullets. A 64 grain bullet might be iffy. I would measure the rifling twist, as CZ has built .223s with both 1:9 and 1:12 rifling.
 
I always FL size mine before loading. I had to pull a bunch of loads out of brand new brass as it didn't fit my chamber. It was G'Ded annoying.

As for twist, the varmint in my possession is stamped 05, and has a 1-9" twist. Think you'll have to measure with a brush, some masking tape, and a cleaning rod.
 
To measure twist put a tight fitting patch on the rod and a piece of masking tape near the handle. Push the patch in about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way and mark on the rod with a pencil or tape at the receiver edge. Draw a mark on your rear tape at the top. Push the rod in until the rear reference point is at the top again and mark the same receiver edge with a pencil or tape.

Pulls the rod out and measure distance between the two marks to get your twist rate. It will be as exact as your measurement process so try a couple times if you need more accuracy.

I also FL size new brass... Just not worth the risk IMHO.
 
Every piece of new brass gets the same treatment...

1) FL Size
2) Trim
3) Chamfer
4) Debur
5) Uniform Flash Holes

That's it. Not too much but it's necessary in my opinion.
 
Lapua, Norma, Nosler, load n go. All the rest get run over an expander.

I'm sorry but I disagree with this because I have had numerous pieces of each with bent or buckled necks especially my last bag of 28 Nosler.
That stuff was like nearly $ 4.00 per case and no outside damage to the boxes so obviously was shipped in that condition.
Also with brand new samples of all three I have found varying case lengths, so as far as I'm concerned cost of brass or brand means nothing as far as condition is.
I did call Nosler to complain.... to no avail..
 
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