Full Length Sizing Questions

[punter]

I just put 100 rounds through my new .308 (custom build with a Krieger barrel)... they were all hand loads with brand new Lapua Brass.

I measured a little less than half the cases, to figure out the correct headspace for this rifle... the longest measurement I got (head to datum line) was 1.620 inches (only two cases were this long). About half of the rest measured 1.618 inches and about half measured 1.617 inches (with a couple measuring at 1.619 inches as well).

First question:
Logic tells me that I should be working off the LONGEST measurement that I got from my fire-formed cases (1.620 inches), when determining my final case size... bump the shoulder back .003 inches from 1.620 to 1.617... even though the majority of my cases measured at that length already. Am I assuming right?

Second, third, and fourth questions:
I put one of the cases that measured 1.620 inches in my press and full-length sized it. The first time I sized it I had the die backed out a little bit because I didn't want to oversize it and make it too small. That case measured out to 1.623 inches after being full-length sized... it actually grew .003 inches. I screwed the die all the way to the shell holder and gave it an extra 1/8+ turn, to take all the slop out, then resized the case. This time it measured out to 1.621 inches.
Is it normal for the base to datum line (headspace) measurement to GROW after full length sizing?
Has anyone else encountered a chamber that is cut so small that a standard "off-the-shelf" sizing die will not provide the proper headspace?
Is there a good solution for my problem? MY rifle is telling me that it wants 1.617 inches of headspace, but my die won't give it to me, what can I do? ...grind the face of the shell holder down a bit maybe?

Any insight, advice, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[30SMK]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

All chambers are different. I like to use an rcbs precision mic to set my headspace when FL sizing. I do not usually set up brass just for one gun because I am running several 308's but I usually size for .002 bump under my fired cases.

The shoulder will push forward if your dies is not screwed down to the shell holder. This happens because you are squeezing the base and the brass has to go somewhere so it pushes forward making the shoulder move forward. If you have your die screwed down all the way the shoulder in the die prevents the brass shoulder from moving forward and as a result the neck of the brass brass grows and will need trimmed eventually.

One thing you don't want to do is size too much and caming the press over too much on the shell holder will = incipient case head separation no matter what your measurements are.

Another thing is that brass has some spring back and you might be seeing that with the different measurements, or you weren't running hot loads so it did not form to the chamber all the way.

If it were me I would just go down the the shellholder, measure, check it in the gun. If it is smooth in the gun I WOULD not worry about going any further, and Def don't want to ruin your new brass.

Good luck, others will give you more and most likely better info but that is my 2 cents.

 

[gcoulsey]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

Punter, Depending on the load your using, your new cases might need firing 2 or 3 times before the cases are 'fully' fireformed to your chamber.
This is probably why you are seeing a difference in measurement on your once fired cases.

If you take your sized case at 1.621" and chamber it in your rifle, does the bolt close normaly? if you can feel some resistance that isn't present when closing the bolt on the shorter cases, then your shoulders are fully grown in the chamber, and need bumping back a couple thou more.

My guess is, your cases still have a little more room to grow.

 

[fw707]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: punter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Has anyone else encountered a chamber that is cut so small that a standard "off-the-shelf" sizing die will not provide the proper headspace?

Thanks! </div></div>

Yes.
Is it a Forster die?


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: punter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Is there a good solution for my problem? MY rifle is telling me that it wants 1.617 inches of headspace, but my die won't give it to me, <span style="color: #FF0000">what can I do? ...grind the face of the shell holder down a bit maybe?</span>
</div></div>

That's what I did.
Find somebody with a surface grinder and get them to take about .005 to .007 off your shell holder. That'll give you plenty of room.

30SMK and gfunkUK both gave you some good advice too!

 

[punter]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 30SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...brass has some spring back and you might be seeing that with the different measurements, or you weren't running hot loads so it did not form to the chamber all the way. </div></div>

Yeah, this is what I was kind of expecting to be the case, but this is my first venture into this sort of hand loading (fire forming and developing a load for a particular rifle). These were all definitely light loads... minimum loads for the bullet/powder combination.

 

[punter]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 30SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...If it were me I would just go down the the shellholder, measure, check it in the gun. If it is smooth in the gun I WOULD not worry about going any further, and Def don't want to ruin your new brass. </div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gfunkUK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Punter, Depending on the load your using, your new cases might need firing 2 or 3 times before the cases are 'fully' fireformed to your chamber.
This is probably why you are seeing a difference in measurement on your once fired cases.

If you take your sized case at 1.621" and chamber it in your rifle, does the bolt close normaly? if you can feel some resistance that isn't present when closing the bolt on the shorter cases, then your shoulders are fully grown in the chamber, and need bumping back a couple thou more.

My guess is, your cases still have a little more room to grow. </div></div>

I chambered the case that was re-sized to 1.621 inches , another case that was fired and measured at 1.620 inches and a third case that was fired and measured at 1.617 inches.

I did not notice any notable difference in the difficulty of closing the bolt. Perhaps, there was a tiny bit more difficulty in the case sized at 1.621, but it was minute if at all. I'll be honest, the bolt closes a bit tight to begin with as this is a brand new rifle. These 100 rounds were the first to go through it.

So, it sounds like you guys are all spot on and these cases have not fully sized to my chamber... which leads me to two questions:

1.) Clearly, I will still need to size the cases, before reloading, in order to size the neck and get proper neck tension on the bullet. Elasticity of the brass will reduce from additional firings and sizings. So, how will these cases ever fully size to my chamber? If they're not fully forming with their maximum elasticity, how are they going to fully form with reduced elasticity?

2.) I am heading out to see a friend next weekend, who's got a perfect place to do some long range shooting and load development. I want to shoot some ladders and develop a couple loads for the rifle. Am I going to be wasting my time doing ladders with cases that are not of the exact dimension that I will ultimately be sizing them to? I realize that we are talking about .00? of an inch, but that will effect case volume to some degree and presumably chamber pressure as a result.

 

[punter]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fw707</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: punter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Has anyone else encountered a chamber that is cut so small that a standard "off-the-shelf" sizing die will not provide the proper headspace?

Thanks! </div></div>

Yes.
Is it a Forster die?


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: punter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Is there a good solution for my problem? MY rifle is telling me that it wants 1.617 inches of headspace, but my die won't give it to me, <span style="color: #FF0000">what can I do? ...grind the face of the shell holder down a bit maybe?</span>
</div></div>

That's what I did.
Find somebody with a surface grinder and get them to take about .005 to .007 off your shell holder. That'll give you plenty of room.

30SMK and gfunkUK both gave you some good advice too!

</div></div>

Oddly enough, yes... it is a Forster Die

 

[gcoulsey]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

Punter... Don't panic.

Did you get a measurement of the new brass BEFORE you loaded it up first time? upon firing, they will have grown a little.. Just not completely.

there are plenty of threads around here explaining how to setup a FL die, but basically, you want to size your brass 'just enough' so the bolt closes normal.
to do this without all the measuring devices, (you can do that later)

Screw die in until it touches shell holder in raised position. Unscrew the die back out a couple turns, size a case, (measure it if you want.. It will have GROWN)
Test the fit in your chamber, and if the bolts hard to close, screw the die in 1/8th and size the case again. Check fit.. And repeat, until you hit the sweet spot where the bolt closes nicely. Lock down the die, and size the rest of your cases.

You should now have minimal headspace, good to go, load up and run your tests, don't sweat the small .001" changes, find a good load and it will be forgiving of those minor changes.

Good luck!

 

[turbo54]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fw707</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Find somebody with a surface grinder and get them to take about .005 to .007 off your shell holder. That'll give you plenty of room.
</div></div>

You can skip the machine shop and surface grinder and just wet-sand, with the sandpaper laying on a flat surface. It's pretty easy to remove the .001"-.005" that is typically needed.

Also, I've found that my cases HS differently depending on if I simply screw the die down until it contacts the shellholder, versus creating a "slight" interference between the shellholder and die (requiring "camover").

 

[Texas Destroyer]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

Sounds like rifle is a quality custom rifle and will probably out perform owner, but concentrate on finding the G spot on accuracy and the rest will follow, my 2 cent worth.

 

[Texas Destroyer]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

alot of people don't weight cases or powder and still punch one hole, volume change in such little amounts will not affect a good load to begin with, or i guess a better way to say it, is a good accurate load! bullet,primer,powder case with medium velocity combo, will be alot forgiving on case variances bullet weight variences of small ammounts for example in bullet weight within .5 grain or 1.0 with same load, the point of impact should be the same all other things the same, wind environmential ETC.

 

[Temp9]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

You only need to size enough for the bolt to close smoothly, then maybe another .001" to account for dirt/fouling. Once the bolt closes smoothly, you should be about .001" below your chamber's headspace. Try chambering your 1.623" brass and see if the bolt closes smoothly. If not, bump to 1.622" and try again. Once you find the point where you can chamber smoothly, bump another .001" and use that measurement.

The reason I like this method is that your brass may or may not have fully fireformed to your chamber on this firing. The fact that your gun will chamber 1.621" brass (.001" over fireformed brass) proves my point.

 

[insight3b]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

Don't forget to lube the inside of every 5th case. This keeps the expander ball lubed. When you raise your press handle you shouldn't feel an abrupt stop and jump when the expander ball passes back through the case mouth. Can be another cause of the datum line shifting

 

[punter]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: insight3b</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't forget to lube the inside of every 5th case. This keeps the expander ball lubed. When you raise your press handle you shouldn't feel an abrupt stop and jump when the expander ball passes back through the case mouth. Can be another cause of the datum line shifting </div></div>

Right now, I'm lubing every case with Forster high pressure lube outside and motor mica (dry lube) inside. I do not feel an abrupt stop and jump, but there is a noticeable change in resistance as would be expected. I do see some residual brass on the expander ball though (one ring above the centerline and one below), which is a point of consternation for me... burnishing I would expect, but actual brass being removed? That seems a little odd to me. Anyone else experience this?

 

[punter]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gfunkUK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Screw die in until it touches shell holder in raised position. Unscrew the die back out a couple turns, size a case, (measure it if you want.. It will have GROWN)
Test the fit in your chamber, and if the bolts hard to close, screw the die in 1/8th and size the case again. Check fit.. And repeat, until you hit the sweet spot where the bolt closes nicely. Lock down the die, and size the rest of your cases.

You should now have minimal headspace, good to go, load up and run your tests, don't sweat the small .001" changes, find a good load and it will be forgiving of those minor changes.

Good luck!
</div></div>

Thanks, but before I give it a try, I have got to ask...

What exactly is causing the "growth" in this process? ...am I simply squeezing the body of the case and the excess material is pushing upward to create this "growth" or am I using the expander ball to essentially pull the shoulder upward (with the resistance that it is creating as it passes through the neck) and stretching the case?

I am not trying to sharpshoot, as you clearly have a lot more knowledge and experience in this than I do... I can't help to wonder if it is safe to effectively "stretch" the cases in the die, if that is indeed what is happening.

 

[gcoulsey]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What exactly is causing the "growth" in this process? ...am I simply squeezing the body of the case and the excess material is pushing upward to create this "growth" </div></div>

Yes! just like rolling out pastry into sausages..
Your just squeezing and shifting the brass around. (On a very small scale of course)

 

[punter]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gfunkUK</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What exactly is causing the "growth" in this process? ...am I simply squeezing the body of the case and the excess material is pushing upward to create this "growth" </div></div>

Yes! just like rolling out pastry into sausages..
Your just squeezing and shifting the brass around. (On a very small scale of course)

</div></div>

LOL... interesting analogy

Thanks for the help. I just finished sizing the cases and the majority seem to be up around 1.620 right now. Hopefully I can get them loaded up before the weekend and start working some loads out.

 

[30SMK]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

I saw that you were loading the minimum from a loading manual, how is the accuracy at this load.

I would pump a little more powder in there and your cases should fireform the rest of the way, and just from my experience shoot a little better the closer you get to max. But every rifle is different and half the fun is tailoring it to fit what you are looking for.

Good luck with the process.

 

[gcoulsey]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: punter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gfunkUK</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What exactly is causing the "growth" in this process? ...am I simply squeezing the body of the case and the excess material is pushing upward to create this "growth" </div></div>

Yes! just like rolling out pastry into sausages..
Your just squeezing and shifting the brass around. (On a very small scale of course)

</div></div>

LOL... interesting analogy

Thanks for the help. I just finished sizing the cases and the majority seem to be up around 1.620 right now. Hopefully I can get them loaded up before the weekend and start working some loads out.
</div></div>

no worries mate, good luck with the load testing!

 

[Andy Warhog]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: quietbullet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">alot of people don't weight cases or powder and still punch one hole, volume change in such little amounts will not affect a good load to begin with, or i guess a better way to say it, is a good accurate load! bullet,primer,powder case with medium velocity combo, will be alot forgiving on case variances bullet weight variences of small ammounts for example in bullet weight within .5 grain or 1.0 with same load, the point of impact should be the same all other things the same, wind environmential ETC. </div></div>
Bullet weight variances of .5 to 1gr? The fuck kind of bullets are you shooting?

 

[RyanMcIntyre]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: punter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it normal for the base to datum line (headspace) measurement to GROW after full length sizing?</div></div>

Yep. You're squeezing the brass back into shape, and if you aren't fully encasing it, the excess brass has to go somewhere. Eventually you'll tighten the die down far enough where it's pressing the shoulder to the measurement you desire. Picture squeezing a banana at the bottom. Or the sausage analogy.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has anyone else encountered a chamber that is cut so small that a standard "off-the-shelf" sizing die will not provide the proper headspace?</div></div>
Yes, it's an issue of the die chamber being "too deep"; my Redding FL die for 308 is like this. It's actually tolerable because with it snugged against the shellholder, I get the shoulder dimension I was looking for anyway.

 

[littlerascal56]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

Unless you are really banging up your fired brass, I would not use the expander ball. Many die sets have an extra decapping pin holder "without" expander ball, and on some die sets, you can unscrew the expander ball assembly.

 

[punter]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 30SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I saw that you were loading the minimum from a loading manual, how is the accuracy at this load.

I would pump a little more powder in there and your cases should fireform the rest of the way, and just from my experience shoot a little better the closer you get to max. But every rifle is different and half the fun is tailoring it to fit what you are looking for.

Good luck with the process. </div></div>

Yeah, I was just shooting minimum loads for the break in and fire forming process. I hadn't taken into consideration that the min load might not have enough umph to fully form the case. I was just using the (likely flawed) logic that min loads would produce less wear and tear on the rifle while accomplishing my main goal (barrel break in).

Since I wasn't focusing on tight groups for this process (hadn't even zeroed the rifle) I can't really comment on true accuracy. The first quarter or so of the rounds were barrel break in. For the rest, I was just getting to know the rifle, and shooting at forgiving targets at varied ranges while I "formed" the brass. However, even with the light loads, lack of zero, and significant winds I was still drilling approx 15" dia targets from 500 to 800 meters.

I'm going to put some factory match ammo through it this weekend and get it zeroed. Heading out to a friend's ranch to do some load development on the following weekend. Then, I can see what the real potential of the rifle is.

 

[punter]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

Really? I hadn't even considered this.

I'm not banging up my brass at all. I'm actually in the habit of partially shielding the ejection port as I actuate the bolt and "removing" the round, as opposed to letting it eject... so, my cases aren't getting banged up at all.

So, then, the expander ball doesn't really serve any purpose in the neck sizing process? ...unless, of course, the mouth of the case is dented.

 

[gcoulsey]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

If its a standard FL die your using (NOT a bushing die) then keep the expander in and use the die just like you have been doing.

A standard FL die sizes the necks down a little undersize, then as the expander pulls back out it 'expands' the neck to the correct size for your bullet.

BUSHING dies allow you to control HOW much you size down the necks, so you don't always need to use the expander if your brass is in good condition, and you select the right bushing.

my advice is keep the expander in YOUR die, and keep rockin and rollin'

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gfunkUK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If its a standard FL die your using (NOT a bushing die) then keep the expander in and use the die just like you have been doing.

A standard FL die sizes the necks down a little undersize, then as the expander pulls back out it 'expands' the neck to the correct size for your bullet.

BUSHING dies allow you to control HOW much you size down the necks, so you don't always need to use the expander if your brass is in good condition, and you select the right bushing.

my advice is keep the expander in YOUR die, and keep rockin and rollin'

</div></div>

+1 on what this guy says!

 

[fw707]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gfunkUK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If its a standard FL die your using (NOT a bushing die) then keep the expander in and use the die just like you have been doing.

A standard FL die sizes the necks down a little undersize, then as the expander pulls back out it 'expands' the neck to the correct size for your bullet.

BUSHING dies allow you to control HOW much you size down the necks, so you don't always need to use the expander if your brass is in good condition, and you select the right bushing.

<span style="color: #FF0000">my advice is keep the expander in YOUR die, and keep rockin and rollin' </span>

</div></div>

That would be my advice too.
I loaded up some brass that I'd run through a FL die with the expander ball removed and ended up with way too much neck tension.
I put a smear of Imperial lube inside the case necks with a Q-Tip and the expander runs in and out as smooth as silk.

 

[T44]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

Here's a slightly different approach, but it will require that you purchase some new dies (none of which are all that expensive). As others have mentioned, your cases have not grown in length enough after one firing to reflect the headspace dimension of your chamber. FL sizing might only be confusing the issue.

First, using what ever headspace gauge that you have (Hornady, RCBS Precision Mic, etc), measure the headspace of your once-fired brass. Measure several cases and calculate the average of your results.

Next,get and use a Lee Collet Neck die. This will only size the necks of your brass and does not use an expander ball (which can affect TIR).

Now try chambering a few of the neck-sized cases. You'll likely find that closing the bolt is a little snug.

You might assume at this point that the shoulder needs to be bumped back a little, but this is probably an incorrect assumption. To prove this, you'll need a Redding Body die and a set of their Competition Shellholders. Starting with the +0.010 shellholder, size a few cases in the body die and try chambering them. They'll probably still feel a little snug. Keep going up shellholder sizes (+0.008, +0.006, etc) until you find the one that just barely gives you little or no resistance to closing the bolt.

At this point, remeasure the headspace dimension of these cases. Although you might again assume that you've sufficiently bumped the shoulders back, more than likely you'll find that the headspace dimension actually has not been altered by the resizing process.

Why is that? It is likely that after only one firing of this brass, headspace is not the dimension that is making for a tight fit of fired unsized cases in the chamber, as the shoulders of your cases have not yet moved forward enough. Instead, it's that the cases expanded slightly in <span style="font-weight: bold">diameter</span> to fit the chamber and just need a little body sizing in order to easily slide into the chamber.

You'll likely need a few more firings of this brass before the shoulders move forward enough to reflect the true headspace dimension of your chamber. Don't sweat it; as others have mentioned, just go out and shoot your new rifle.

 

[punter]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gfunkUK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If its a standard FL die your using (NOT a bushing die) then keep the expander in and use the die just like you have been doing.

A standard FL die sizes the necks down a little undersize, then as the expander pulls back out it 'expands' the neck to the correct size for your bullet.

BUSHING dies allow you to control HOW much you size down the necks, so you don't always need to use the expander if your brass is in good condition, and you select the right bushing.

my advice is keep the expander in YOUR die, and keep rockin and rollin'

</div></div>

Correct, it is NOT a bushing die. I haven't decided to go that road yet.

So far I like the idea of FL sizing every time, providing I can properly set the headspace. I'm not a bench rest shooter, so I'm not looking to get completely in the weeds on all that... at least not yet.

My goal is to develop as accurate a load for my rifle as possible and to ensure the most consistency as I can from round to round (without spending an ungodly amount of time at my loading bench). I'm just looking to take out as many variables as I can... so if I miss, it's shooter headspace and timing... not the rifle, not the round.

 

[punter]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T44</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here's a slightly different approach, but it will require that you purchase some new dies (none of which are all that expensive). As others have mentioned, your cases have not grown in length enough after one firing to reflect the headspace dimension of your chamber. FL sizing might only be confusing the issue.

First, using what ever headspace gauge that you have (Hornady, RCBS Precision Mic, etc), measure the headspace of your once-fired brass. Measure several cases and calculate the average of your results.

Next,get and use a Lee Collet Neck die. This will only size the necks of your brass and does not use an expander ball (which can affect TIR).

Now try chambering a few of the neck-sized cases. You'll likely find that closing the bolt is a little snug.

You might assume at this point that the shoulder needs to be bumped back a little, but this is probably an incorrect assumption. To prove this, you'll need a Redding Body die and a set of their Competition Shellholders. Starting with the +0.010 shellholder, size a few cases in the body die and try chambering them. They'll probably still feel a little snug. Keep going up shellholder sizes (+0.008, +0.006, etc) until you find the one that just barely gives you little or no resistance to closing the bolt.

At this point, remeasure the headspace dimension of these cases. Although you might again assume that you've sufficiently bumped the shoulders back, more than likely you'll find that the headspace dimension actually has not been altered by the resizing process.

Why is that? It is likely that after only one firing of this brass, headspace is not the dimension that is making for a tight fit of fired unsized cases in the chamber, as the shoulders of your cases have not yet moved forward enough. Instead, it's that the cases expanded slightly in <span style="font-weight: bold">diameter</span> to fit the chamber and just need a little body sizing in order to easily slide into the chamber.

You'll likely need a few more firings of this brass before the shoulders move forward enough to reflect the true headspace dimension of your chamber. Don't sweat it; as others have mentioned, just go out and shoot your new rifle.

</div></div>

Thanks! I had read about neck sizing, but I have to admit that (right now) it's a bit more involved than I am ready for. I'm just going to get another couple firings on this brass and see where it takes me. Thanks, though, I appreciate the advice.

 

[30SMK]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

Sounds like you are getting some good advice Punter. Good luck this weekend with your rifle.

 

[T44]

Re: Full Length Sizing Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: punter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks! I had read about neck sizing, but I have to admit that (right now) it's a bit more involved than I am ready for. I'm just going to get another couple firings on this brass and see where it takes me. Thanks, though, I appreciate the advice. </div></div>

Don't be intimidated! The Lee Collet Neck die is the easiest die you'll ever use - minimal setup and no lube. It's no more difficult to set up than your FL sizing die. And it usually results in very concentric necks. Plus, it's on sale at Midway right now for $18. Try it, you'll like it!