Need sizing lesson

[Jeffery8mm]

I have developed a load for a 30-06 handi rifle using Unique and a 170gr FP gc boolit. I have read where there is no need for "full length sizing" of the brass for this load. Question is, how should/would one "neck" size only with a reg sizing die? How to tell if you are sizing enough? Any and all info is appreciated!!
Jeff

[BowHunter252]

The only thing you can really do with a FL die is to unscrew it a little. This will still partially size the case and should neck size enough to work.

I prefer the lee neck sizers, and they are pretty cheap too. No lube required with them.

[Larry Gibson]

Jeff

"Partial sizing" to NS most often oly works well with cases that lots of body taper. It does not work well with minimal taper cases. The reason being that the sase body expands during firing but does not contact to it's original shape. We see this as expansion down at the expansion ring of the case. The higher the pressure thae more poronounced this will be. If the inside of the die sizes any part of the case side then the shoulder is moved forward and chambering becomes difficult if not impssible with single shot weapons like the Handi-Rifle. However with tapered cases and minimal pressure cast bullet loads one can be succesful to a degree.

The '06 has a taper to the case. Use cases that have intially been full length sized and then fired with your load. If they are well fire formed partial sizing probably will not work. Screw the FL die in until it bumbs the shell holder and back off 1 turn. With your load using FL sized cases to begin with the die body should not touch the case sides and the neck will be sized a little more than 3/4s of it's length which is sufficient for cast bullets. You should get several firings before the case body is expanded enough that it then hits the die body and closing the action on the case will be difficult. At that point FL sizing is then required and possibly trimming.

Two suggestions;

first get a neck size die as it will save time and frustration. Having loaded rounds that will not chamber at the range or in the field is not "fun" and having to take them home and pullet the bullets to resize the case while trying to save the primer and bullet is a PITA.

Second is with your action FL sized cases would be better (probably more functional with the action not having any camming action) so getting a RCBS X-Die (regular not SB) will allow FL sized case use, no trimming and many, many firings per case with no case head seperation.

Larry Gibson