neck turning

[old #7]

I am getting ready to load some rounds for a new 30-06 with unfired brass.
Do I turn the necks now or after fire forming?
My plan is to PFL or neck size depending on what the rifle wants.

 

[Desert Fox]

I do mine after fireforming

 

[rick smith]

If this is a factory rifle, you are probably not going to gain anything by neck turning. I have tried it with/without and can't see enough difference in groups to continue with that effort. But learning how to use the tools and measuring thickness of the necks is worth the effort. If the brass is so far out that it would need neck turning, the rest of the case would be in question. Only two reasons I would turn necks; Tight neck custom rifle or to make my brass more uniform for a particular rifle.Rick.

 

[Jimmy]

I have neck turned for a hunting rifle and found no profound differences in accuracy.Although better RO numbers when using a bushing die.I try to use very uniform brass,i.e. Lapua.If the neck wall measurement is within .001" at four measuring points it is good to go!However,like mentioned before,it is good to know how to measure and neck turn.My chamber neck is cut to .3395" and a loaded round measures .335" to .3355" resulting in .0045" clearence (.00250" per side).This is plenty "tight" for a hunting round IMO.Of course these figures vary with different brands of brass.
If you decide to neck turn,just clean up the neck to about 75-80% for good uniformity.You don't need it perfect all-around unless you have a tight neck chamber.
Jimmy