FL resize or Neck Size?

[Nickbowen5]

New to reloading and finally have just about everything. (stuff needed is on its way.) After firing and you have a spent case from a bolt gun (that I own) is it better to FL size or just neck size?

[intensefab]

I FL size to ensure consistency, I'm sure others will have different opinions.

[Enfield47]

Most likely neck size only. If it is a mil surplus rifle you may have to full length size because some have very large chambers and the rounds may not feed properly from the magazine. Some Enfields have this problem, it all depends on the rifle.

[thomashoward]

If the round is only for my gun I neck size only. If I'm hunting with someone else that has the same caliber I'll full length size,but still chamber them to see if they are compatible.Out in the field is no place to find they don't chamber

[Bill Steele]

I neck size until the case won't chamber, then I use the F/L die to bump the shoulder back so the case will chamber again (usually in the 5-7 cycles, depending on the brass, if it is FGMM brass you might get 2 neck sizing before the F/L bump is required).

Good to get a Hornaday headspace gauge so you can bump the shoulder the right amount. You can also use the headspace gauge head with Hornaday bullet comparator insert to keep track of your seating depth.

Have fun, good luck.

[firebert]

Neck size only if it will be used in the same gun. Having fire formed cases fitted to you chamber is one of the greatest advantages of hand loading. No need to full length size back to SAMMI spec unless you need the cartridge to function in every gun.

Also it extends the life of the brass.

[mark501w]

If you have a repeater FL size for reliable functioning.

[ExtremeX]

I neck size until the case won't chamber, then I use the F/L die to bump the shoulder back so the case will chamber again (usually in the 5-7 cycles, depending on the brass, if it is FGMM brass you might get 2 neck sizing before the F/L bump is required).

Good to get a Hornaday headspace gauge so you can bump the shoulder the right amount. You can also use the headspace gauge head with Hornaday bullet comparator insert to keep track of your seating depth.

Have fun, good luck.

This is solid advise right here... +1 on the cartridge headspace comparator or MIC

I do the same, neck size only for cartridges for my chamber, fired from my chamber.

I use a body die to bump the shoulders back when needed, FL die accomplishes the same.. Difference from the Match bushing dies is you can control neck tension, or remove the bushing and use it as a body die and neck size in a separate step if you want to use something like a Lee collet neck die.

Basically OP... get both, Neck and FL sizing die or body only die.

Bumping back the minimum amount needed during sizing ensures better case life, accuracy, and safety.

[gau17]

My answer is it depends on what type of shooting you're going to be doing. Bench stuff neck size.
Hunting/tactical match full size.

The reasoning behind it is eventually your cases will expand/grow where they no longer will chamber properly. This is a no no when you absolutely need the round to go bang. It could cost you the hunt or critical points during the match.

I full size because reliability, reliability, and reliability.

[ocabj]

FL size, even for bolt guns.

Instead of neck only sizing for a bolt gun, you can just adjust the FL die so it sets the shoulder back for your given chamber. You're going to have to FL size the brass after 4-5 neck only sizings anyway, so you may as well just setup an FL die correctly and size with that die all the time instead.

Then if you are reloading for several guns in the same cartridge and don't want to have to keep adjusting your FL die for each of the different headspaced chambers, get yourself a set of competition shellholders (e.g. Redding). It's usually a set of 5 shell holders with varying heights, so instead of threading the die up and down in the press, you can just change the shellholders to adjust the sizing (e.g. in .002 increments).

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/359546/redding-competition-shellholder-set-10-17-remington-204-ruger-223-remington

[AlexKintner]

FL for semi-automatics and brass shot from other rifles. Neck size if fires from the same bolt gun you are reloading.for.

[LGB Loader]

For a certain bolt gun, I neck size till I need to bump the shoulder back, then I pull the FL sizer off the shelf.

I like to use my Wilson dies for my bolt action bag guns and they only neck size.

LGB

[JagerDog]

Give the Lee cullet neck sizer a try, no lube and fast.

^^^^^^this.

[damndave]

I FL resize every time.

[Nickbowen5]

To avoid a new thread.. does anyone know if switching primers matter in working up a load?

Sierra lists they use federal primers for 165 SBT bullets, but I only have CCI. Does this mean the amount of powder needs to be altered?