Neck Turning Tool Recommendations

NYDAN · Jan 20, 2024

It appears that I will be getting into neck turning due to a tight chamber neck for one cartridge, and thick neck brass for another cartridge. (An increase in accuracy wouldn't hurt my feelings either).

I have looked on-line a bit and have seen several makes and models of neck turning systems including K&M, RCBS, Sinclair, Forster, and Hornady. I have also seen several people recommending using a power-driven system utilizing a cordless drill to get a better finish. Does anyone have any recommendations on what to buy or what not to buy? At this point the Hornady system looks appealing since it can be clamped to the table.

I would truly appreciate your thoughts as I reluctantly go into this kicking and screaming.

Dan

RL338 · Jan 20, 2024

This is what works for me. Lee 3 jaw case holder for cordless drill , Sinclair expanging mandrels , Forster handheld turner , and Hobo Oil for lube. Size the case then expand the neck , set the mandrel for depth of the neck and cutter for a slight skim or your desired thickness. I just dab a little lube on the mandrel with my fingure and spin the case with the drill.

NYDAN · Jan 20, 2024

RL338, Thanks. I have never seen the Lee 3 jaw case holder. I do have Sinclair expanding and turning mandrels I use for neck expanding. However, I don't follow how they fit in the Forster turner.
Dan

jimbires · Jan 20, 2024

neck turning

I need new brass for my one 7mm-08 . the primer pockets are getting to loose in my old batch . I turn the necks on the brass for this rifle , and thought some of you guys might be interested in seeing what's involved . I use Norma brass in this rifle and neck turning is probably unnecessary...

forum.nosler.com

that's a link to a thread I posted on neck turning a while ago . since I made that thread I've bought a nicer neck turning tool . I'm now using the 21 century tool , not the lathe set up . it's a lot easier to adjust than the Forester . the Forester has a lot of backlash it the depth setting screw . if you need to back off , you need to back off about a quarter turn and turn down again . you can see the tape reference on my forester , to help keep me from getting lost . the pilots for neck turning are ; are expanding pilots , and turning pilots . depending on the fit is how close tolerance you can hold while cutting the neck . I've also bought the 21 century mandrel kits, they are made in steps of .0005" ( half thousandths ) . I can usually mix and match and get a good snug fit on the mandrel while turning . you want to cut the neck down to the shoulder and just lightly scrape the shoulder . be careful not to cut into the shoulder too deep or the neck will come off .

NYDAN · Jan 24, 2024

RL338 and Jimbires, thanks for the inputs. I ordered a 21st Century neck turning tool. The guy I spoke with at 21st Century was really helpful and was a target shooter himself.

Dan

jimbires · Jan 24, 2024

from what I've seen from those guys , they are super . I'm sure you're in good hands dealing with them . top notch tools , top notch guys .

FOTIS · Jan 24, 2024

This is what I use and it has served me very well

HAND HELD OUTSIDE NECK TURNER | Brownells

Forster's easy-to-use hand-held neck turning tool helps you take the next step toward cartridge-to-cartridge consistency. It features a carbide cutter with a micrometer-style adjustment knob for precise material removal to give cases consistent wa...

www.brownells.com