.223 Neck Sizing vs Full Length

MBM

New member
Is there any advantage to neck sizing a .223 vs full length resizing? The gun is a Savage bolt action. Do I need a special neck sizing die to neck size or can I do it with a full length dies and backing it off?

Mark
 
I own a .223 NEF single shot that I have had for about 2 years now. I use it mostly for coyote hunting here in SE Wisconsin.
I have found a substantial difference in accuracy when I shoot loads that are neck sized and FL sized. My NEF loves full length sized brass. The difference in results is obvious.
 
For a bolt rifle, the best to do is to get a set of Lee Collet die instead of using the FL die and backing out. The reason being that the Lee Collet die is more accurate in sizing the neck and most of all it requires no lube. That's right, no lube to put on and no mess to take off. I got a set of Lee Collet die for all bolt action calibers I had even though I already had FL dies for them.
 
It all depends on your brass and chamber. On average, properly done full length resizing will be more accurate. The only way to see what is best for your setup is to try it both ways.

Jack
 
i too bough the lee neck sizing dies. using a savage bolt action, i fired neck sized and full lenght sized side by side and there was a very noticible difference in group size, with the neck sized brass winning out.

travis
 
The reading I have done in regards to this issue as it related to single shot break-action weapons is that full length resizing is required.

Some bolt action rifles are reported to do better with neck sizing while others don't /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif
 
After playing with two .223 bolt guns and an AR, I really don't think you're going to see that big of difference to be honest in any production gun. However, I do see a difference when attention to headspace was involved. Buy a Mic guage and see how far you are pushing your case shoulder, then the rifle will tell you how to set up. I full size AR cases - always.

I'll take headspace and concentricity as my priorities for production guns.
 
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Yep, headspace......That's exactly why full length sizing is needed in a brake action gun /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
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This thread has me curious.....

I haven't done any reloading since I gave up hunting and sold all my firearms and equipment about 10 years ago..... Since I returned to hunting about a year and a half ago, I've been using factory ammo and saving the cases just in case I ever do go back to reloading. I always used to do full-length resizing - but I've got to admit that the case lube was a pain.....

If I do start reloading again, would I be better off neck or full-length sizing for my Model Seven's in .223 and 7mm-08? Why?

Thanks for all the great info you guys share!

me!
 
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