Question on neck sizing and case trimming

[KLambert05]

I have been reloading for a few years now and one thing I do not understand is when is it okay to just neck resize as opposed to full case length resizing? And I have heard that you do not need to trim the cases every reload, is this true, or do you need to trim your cases everytime?

 

[EMorr]

Re: Question on neck sizing and case trimming

FL resizing is recommended for when you are reloading ammo for use in auto loaders or using once fired brass in a different firearm than it was initially fired from. This is to insure proper cycling of the action and that the ammo will fit into any in spec chamber. Neck sizing is recommended if you are going to reuse the brass for completed ammo in the same firearm and chamber it was initially fired in, there is also a potential accuracy advantage in your firearm to neck sizing your ammo.

As far as trimming cases goes most people trim their brass when it reached the SAAMI spec max length for their cartridge. Once it has been trimmed depending on what caliber you are shooting it should not need to be trimmed again for a few firings and FL resizing, if you neck size only I believe you should be able to get a few extra firings before you need to trim the brass again.

 

[Headgear]

Re: Question on neck sizing and case trimming

If you are going to shoot the cases through the same gun all the time and you do neck size, you may still need a full length die. When you shoot the round, the case gets fire formed to your chamber. After several firings it can/will get tight. At that point, the whole case needs to be resized.

One of the oddest things in reloading is, one of the cheapest neck dies really works great. The Lee neck size die. Usually to get the best results in reloading your going to have to spend some cash but this is the exception to the rule. Check it out. I have used one for thousands of rounds and love it.

Keep reading and asking questions about sizing though because there are a lot of people who believe in full length sizing every time. I just don't like the extra step of lubing and if it bothers you, removing the lube when your done. I get great accuracy by neck sizing so screw it. I want to git-r-done and go shoot.

As far as neck trimming, if you can afford it, check out the Giraud. Holy crap its sweet. Its the difference between a push mower to zero-turn. If you got to trim necks, it may as well be fun.

Good luck!