Not neck turning cases?

[diego-ted]

Having searched the forum, it seem the consensus is neck turning produces minimal gains in accuracy compared to some other process. I was reloading some new Lapua 308 cases to near Max load (47.4gr)for 155gr SMK. I noticed there was huge diffrences in where the powder came to the top of the cases, I attributed this to this. As I looked straight down, I could see large varinces in the neck thickness from side to side of the Lapua cases. Would this not change the tension on the bullet not to mention the pressure in the case from some powder being near the top and some down 1/8”.

Just Wondering
Diego

 

[shoepop]

Re: Not neck turning cases?

If you can see a "large" variance on a new Lapua case you have better eyes than me, I suggest you measure with proper tool and you will find your eyes are playing tricks on you. The "huge" powder height difference is either due to poor weighing or more likely difference in how it's dropped and settles in the case. If none of the above you may have a 338 LM case mixed with your 308.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

Re: Not neck turning cases?

Neck turning benefits are relative to attempting to straighten the projectile as it is seated in the case, neck tension, etc. and are not related to case volume. If you have doubts about consistency in case volume use the water test to get the most accurate readings on the variation of your cases.

 

[CS95]

Re: Not neck turning cases?

As was already said- The reason you are seeing different heights in powder columns is directly related to how the charge was dropped and how it has settled in the case. Lapua brass is very consistent and very rarely will have more than .001" neck run out(usually less,even from different lots).

All that being said, ,.308win is the last cartridge that you would need to worry about neck turning.

 

[diego-ted]

Re: Not neck turning cases?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sp95</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As was already said- The reason you are seeing different heights in powder columns is directly related to how the charge was dropped and how it has settled in the case. Lapua brass is very consistent and very rarely will have more than .001" neck run out(usually less,even from different lots).

All that being said, ,.308win is the last cartridge that you would need to worry about neck turning.</div></div>

Please elaborate on this!

Thx Ted

 

[TexIndian]

Re: Not neck turning cases?

You might see some tiny variation in neck wall thickness with Lapua, but not nearly as much as with some other brands. Some lots of LC, for instance, can give you 30%-40% difference in wall thickness. Benchrest shooters with tight chambers get the most from neck turning.

Agree with the others that the powder height is a result of variations in how the powder dropped into the case.

 

[18Echo]

Re: Not neck turning cases?

My lapua 308 brass is pretty consistent at .015 and I see no need for neck turning.

I picked up some LC 70 virgin brass and found the necks were .015 - .018, and I did neck turn those. I don't think I probably needed to, I don't think I'm such a fantastic shot or a benchrest shooter that would notice the difference, but It made me feel better to neck turn them down to a consistent .015. Now I can use the same bushing as I do on my lapua brass.

I used to hate neck turning because it took so long, but then I discovered that a K&M turner can be chucked up in a drill (snugged in a vice) or a drill press. Now neck turning is one of the easiest parts of prep on the LC brass.

 

[CS95]

Re: Not neck turning cases?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diego-ted</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sp95</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As was already said- The reason you are seeing different heights in powder columns is directly related to how the charge was dropped and how it has settled in the case. Lapua brass is very consistent and very rarely will have more than .001" neck run out(usually less,even from different lots).

All that being said, ,.308win is the last cartridge that you would need to worry about neck turning.</div></div>

Please elaborate on this!

Thx Ted
</div></div>

I assume you are referring to my last statement.


308's are just inherently accurate. To the point that you almost have to try in order to make an inaccurate load with it. Of course this is assuming that the gun involved is built properly. I have had a number of 308's over the years and they all shot .25 or better and it usually wouldnt take more than 20 rds to find a load they liked.

I personally have never found the need to turn necks on any cartridge and to tell the truth if I ever did I would re-build the gun as I like to keep reloading as simple as possible. Even that takes longer than I like so if I had to neck turn on top of this I would really get tired of reloading in a hurry.

Another thing to consider is that if you do not have a tight neck chamber and you neck turn you will end up working the brass harder and shortening its life(of course this depends on how much you take off).

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Not neck turning cases?

Diego wiegh your cases, you will see a large variance between the cases that don't fill the neck up and the ones that do, and unless you have calibrated eyes your gonna need a ball mic to accurately see neck wall thickness differences, I don't wiegh my cases, but I do neck turn, but not in 308, and anybody who says it's a waste of time is very short sighted, but it is very time consuming.

 

[CS95]

Re: Not neck turning cases?

I didnt really say it was a waste of time, but now that you bring it up I will go as far to say that for everything except for maybe benchrest and possibly some anal FTR guys it is certainly a waste and just not needed with Lapua brass. At least not with any of the Lapua brass that I have ever seen and if I did get some lapua brass that had necks that bad I think I would have to return it for a different lot. This is of course only referencing 308.

This really is just my opinion and experience. If someone feels the need to turn 308 necks by all means go right ahead.

 

[Beepy]

Re: Not neck turning cases?

I neck turn, and when this is done with a comp seater, I keep bullet runout to around 1 thousandths or less ..... I started using an ancient Lee competition reloading set, that had a inside neck turning tool, works awesome. Since I am worried bout runout, and not neck tension (as long as the tension is consistent with all the rounds) the fact that I can't adjust the cutter is not a big deal. My personal opinion is bullet runout is more important than most think..... of course thats just me.... therefore I neck turn...

 

[MALLARD]

Re: Not neck turning cases?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diego-ted</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Having searched the forum, it seem the consensus is neck turning produces minimal gains in accuracy compared to some other process. </div></div>

that would depend on your chamber , factory chamber = minimal gain

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: OldTex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You might see some tiny variation in neck wall thickness with Lapua, but not nearly as much as with some other brands. </div></div>

... not that tiny