RCBS neck sizing

[maccer06]

I went and bought a 7mm rem mag neck sizer yesterday because i was sick of changing my full length back and forth all the time. yet i can't seem to get the thing to neck size? I followed the instructions for setting up the die, its the same instructions as the rest of the rcbs stuff, screw down the die till it hits shell holder...blah blah blah...Is this the right way to do it? What am i doing wrong, after i resize with it adjusted like that it'll fit in any 7mm? I thought the point of neck sizing was for that case to be a perfect fit in my rifle.

Seems like its doing full size resizing. Anyway alittle help would be appreciated since im failry green to reloading.

[moosecaller]

When you neck size you are just sizing the neck as it says. This is just for your rifle as the rest of the brass is sized by your rifle chamber. What do you mean you can't get it to neck size? It does not sound like you have done anything wrong. What does changing your full lenght back and forth mean? Unless you have 2 presses you have to change your dies out to size and then seat. How do you know it is full lenght sizing with the neck die, this is not possible.

[35 Whelen]

Ditto on what Moose has to say.

If you want to make sure the die is neck sizing try coloring the neck of the case with a marker...like a sharpy and then run one through the press...you should see the ink rubbed off down to where the shoulder begins....dont go beyond that or you will set the shoulder back.

If the marked doesn't work try smoking the neck area with a candle...just enough soot to darken the neck..dont hold it under the flame forever or you will anneal the brass.

[BarryL]

You really shouldnt have to color the neck with anything. If its sizing, which I dont doubt it is you can see it. Take your caliper and if you dont have one get one because you should have one. Measure the neck O.D. before and after. As for fitting in any 7mm it probably will fit in most cause its a Sammi chamber but then again it may not because it is custom to your chamber. The idea of neck sizing only is better accuracy and longer brass life.

[Gunsmoke]

One thing to keep in mind; if you are neck-sizing only and producing rounds for hunting then you had better take those rounds (to a safe spot such as a rifle range) and cycle them through your action to make sure you can. In my experience, neck sizing may result in loads that fit snugly in your chamber and may not cycle easily. You don't want to find out that you cannot get them into your chamber when you are far afield.....

[the rifleman]

A RCBS full length sizer, can actually be set up to neck size only, with very little adjustment. As was mentioned, if you are using your shells for hunting your probably better off to full size anyway. Neck sizing only, is good for the fellows that are spending hours at the range, and reload their shells over and over again. This helps prevent them from stretching too much, which can cause the brass to become to thin at the base, and need to be discarded. You can neck size only your hunting loads, but there won't be any allowance for a bit of grit, or whatever you may pick up while wandering the woods, that could prevent your shell from chambering smoothly. There isn't much tolerence in a fire formed brass, as they are a tight fit, which of course can make for better consistancy in groupings, thus another reason target shooters often neck size only. That is why "neck sizing only" a shell, will make that shell best only for your particular rifle. It may not chamber in others.

You may have to still trim your brass after neck sizing only, so measure the o.a.l of the brass prior to loading it.

[BarryL]

Also a good point Rifleman. A slightly dirty case or a gust of wind with the action open and your day is spent cleaning instead of hunting. The difference in accuracy between FL and neck sizing would never be seen in a hunting rifle. As mentioned your FL die can be backed up a few thou. and not size the body as much or not at all also.