Sizing Die and Case sizing... Lee Classic Turret Press

[jvpark]

Here is a real easy question for you experienced reloaders... As a novice, I need some clarification.

In the reloading process, does the Sizing Die, resize the Neck and diameter of the bullet or will the Sizing Die also resize the cartridge/ case length?

I ordered a Lee Classic Turret Press and the first die is the resizing die. Before I start the first step, should I check to make sure the cartridge is properly sized (length) with a caliper and trim if necessary?

Lastly, if the cartridge is within the recommended length, do I skip this step?

[Arcaporale]

I assume your talking about the brass casing rather than the bullet. A full size resizing die will resize the case bringing it down to spec, this process on necked cases causes the brass to actually grow in length, hence the need to trim.

You must resize the case before every loading. This brings the neck down to size so there is enough tension to hold the bullet in place.

I understand you are still learning but I would invest in a reloading manual and read it through before ordering anymore equipment. It will give you a better understanding of how and why you must resize.

[jvpark]

I assume your talking about the brass casing rather than the bullet. A full size resizing die will resize the case bringing it down to spec, this process on necked cases causes the brass to actually grow in length, hence the need to trim.

fixed the title.

So the sizing die will resize the case/ cartridge length? I was wondering about the overall length.

[jvpark]

I assume your talking about the brass casing rather than the bullet. A full size resizing die will resize the case bringing it down to spec, this process on necked cases causes the brass to actually grow in length, hence the need to trim.

You must resize the case before every loading. This brings the neck down to size so there is enough tension to hold the bullet in place.

I understand you are still learning but I would invest in a reloading manual and read it through before ordering anymore equipment. It will give you a better understanding of how and why you must resize.

I have been reading the ABC's of reloading. I know the die will fix the diameter and neck but wondered about the overall length.

[j.primo]

Check case length on rifle brass, if it exceeds max, then trim.

If its pistol, don't bother.

[Divernhunter]

This is why I suggest getting the Lyman#49 manual. It explains all of this and more much better than the ABC book. The Lyman manual is much better to start with.

In resizing the brass case you also resize the neck so the bullet is held in place. I have found no need to crimp the bullet in rifle cases when you seat the bullet. Yes when you shoot and resize the rifle brass it grows longer. Thus when it gets longer than max length(just the brass case, not with the bullet in it) you need to trim it back to min length before putting in the powder and bullet.

[Fjold]

The sizing die resizes the case to fit in the chamber and the neck diameter to hold the bullet.

You measure case length after resizing and trim if necessary. The sizing die does not control any length.

Overall length is the distance from the bottom of the case to the top of the bullet on a loaded round. Overall length is set by the seating die.

From reading your post you need to re-read the ABC's of Reloading again, what you wrote shows that you are not familiar with the component language of reloading.