Neck turning

[remcraz]

Which is the correct way to turn necks? New brass thats been full length sized or fired brass thats been run through a full length die

 

[jimbires]

I've done it both ways . it doesn't seem to matter from what I could tell . if it's a tight neck chamber you'll have to turn first . if it's fired brass , size at least the neck . run the required expander in the neck , then turn it . new brass , you'll need to use the expander , then turn .

 

[rsmithsr]

the rifle , its chamber and potential generally determines what one does.
before firing is a general guideline.

 

[ATH]

I'd avoid turning necks if there is not a specific reason for doing so.

The important thing is to run the expander plug through so the mandrel on the turner has a good fit. I have a 243AI with a tight neck, so firing before turning wasn't even an option. If you know your chamber neck diameter, subtract bullet diameter and desired clearance. Divide the result by 2 and that's your desired neck thickness.

Turning virgin brass and cutting just into the shoulder worked well. I did, however, after several firings, run the expander plug through and turn the necks again just at the base to remove a bit of brass which moved up as the case changed shape to fit the chamber during the AI'ing process.

If I had the option of firing the brass prior to turning that's not a bad idea. It would get the case closer to actual chamber dimensions before removing material and make it less likely to need a touch-up job later on.

 

[remcraz]

I'm just wanting to tighten up my groups and I turned a few and it helps. It's just a saami chamber. Just looking at getting more consistent groups

 

[Tiny Tim]

I've done both. If given the option, I'd prefer to turn prior to firing, and as ATH stated, touching up that neck/shoulder junction periodically.