Can anyone tell me if improper case sizing can cause erratic patterns? My friend gave me some brass that he said he resized and trimmed. However, the neck on these shells looked like they weren't fully sized (only about half way down the neck). When I shot these shells (that I loaded) they shot differently than the brass I resized and loaded myself. Both sets of shells grouped, but the two different groups were about 3 inches apart from each other. What are the effects of improper resizing? I think I learned my lesson...I will resize all my own from now.
Resizing Question
- Thread starter Rem 700
- Start date
- Nov 4, 2004
- 27,120
- 13,612
Same brass manufacture?
Different lots of brass can even shoot differently.
JD338
Different lots of brass can even shoot differently.
JD338
Richracer1
Handloader
- May 12, 2005
- 2,154
- 148
First, same brand of brass?
Second, one should always full length size brass that's new or shot from another gun, at least that's my opinion.
Third, I can see different brands of sizing dies sizing differently - machining tolerances and so on.
Second, one should always full length size brass that's new or shot from another gun, at least that's my opinion.
Third, I can see different brands of sizing dies sizing differently - machining tolerances and so on.
YoteSmoker
Handloader
- Oct 3, 2006
- 1,602
- 0
It sounds to me like you shot neck sized brass formed to your buddy's chamber. Just be glad they didn't stick in your chamber and you had to beat out with a brass rod and penetrating oil. Yep, been there, done that. Just pull the bullets, full length and you'll be ok with the rest.
Powerstroke
Handloader
- Feb 24, 2006
- 1,800
- 72
All the above are spot on.
I'd resize in your die ( full length preferably first ) then test again.
If the brass is of a different Mfg than what you're shooting, you could certianly see a difference in POI.
Also..Caution if using Max loads with a different brass Mfg.... start low and work back up as this will affect pressures too.
I'd resize in your die ( full length preferably first ) then test again.
If the brass is of a different Mfg than what you're shooting, you could certianly see a difference in POI.
Also..Caution if using Max loads with a different brass Mfg.... start low and work back up as this will affect pressures too.
Set up is critical. I say this because I set my die up wrong one time and had a problem with the neck tension on the bullet, you could push them into the case. I was trying to just neck size with a full sizer die and did it wrong. I didn't get down far enough to size it right. I think it could effect the pressures
- Thread starter
- #7
That all makes sense...especially because all the brass was from the same manufacturer. My friend gave me all the brass, and some he said were already sized and some where not. I think we are both using RCBS dies. However, my friend's brass showed some pressure signs as well (slightly cratered primer). I am almost positive he only necked sized the brass (not purposefully, he's new to reloading as am I). I have been struggling with accuracy until I figured out that between the two differently sized brass I had 2 points of impact.
Thanks for the info, I will recheck all my brass by resizing it again (can't hurt). Then maybe I will get a more consistant point of impact from shot to shot.
Thanks for the info, I will recheck all my brass by resizing it again (can't hurt). Then maybe I will get a more consistant point of impact from shot to shot.
Powerstroke
Handloader
- Feb 24, 2006
- 1,800
- 72
keep us posted on your results.......
Antelope_Sniper
Handloader
- Jan 25, 2008
- 2,618
- 0
If I'm loading for a specific gun, I 3/4 size, only sizing about 1/2 the neck. If the rounds might be used in more then one rifle, I full length size.
- Thread starter
- #11
OK, I resized all my brass with my own die. Then, I was careful to sort out the brass so I was shooting the same brand. I am shooting a 30.06 Springfield, I when I used W-W Super Brass (that I resized) I got my first three shots inside the 1" square on my Nosler target. Awesome. Thanks for the help, guys. Also, can anyone tell me if the W-W Super is a Winchester brand or something else? And how many times would you recommend shooting the same brass before you toss it?
Thanks.
Thanks.
G
Guest
Guest
W-W Super stands for Winchester Western Super X, which is the type of ammo it was originally sold as. It's the same as Winchester brass (though it may be old stuff). No worries on the age issue if the brass is clean and has not been sized a zillion times. As for how many shots from a piece of brass, if it's been treated properly, and not overworked in the sizing die and there are no headspace issues, you can shoot it many, many times (in excess of 10 loads or more), but keep a check on the case head for a bright ring that indicates separation imminent. RCBS and Hornady both cover how to best check for this, so check out their websites for more information.
- Thread starter
- #13
rick smith
Handloader
- Apr 6, 2005
- 1,249
- 0
You may need to anneal the case necks after several firings.Rick.
