I have a quick question for you all. I'm loading a belted cartridge that also has a shoulder. I want to leave no room between the shoulder and the chamber and have a question about resistance. When I push in the bolt, I feel no resistance. For the first half of the downward motion of the bolt handle, I feel the usual resistance. However, during the second half I feel quite a bit of increase in resistance, like the shoulder case is touching the chamber. I can easily get it closed and was wondering if this would be OK to fire. I just want to ensure no space between the shoulder and chamber. Thanks for the help!

Kenneth Irving

Then I suggest that you neck-size your cases, and only about 1/2 to 2/3 of the neck.

You want to be certain that it is the shoulder causeng the resistance. Put pencil marks on the shoulder, or smoke up with a match. A long neck will feel the same, and may blow the back out of the case.
Good Luck!

You may also want to check bullet seating depth.

I had chambering resistance I thought was because I'd been neck sizing the brass, but it was because the bullets were seated out too far.

A touch of magic marker on the shoulder will tell you if it`s touching. I`m taking it for granted your case and oal are within proper lenght.
Steve gave some good advice, neck size with a little bit of the neck shoulder junction left untouched.

Lots of good advice here.....I believe if the cartridge don't chamber freely it should not be fired unless one knows for certain what the resistance is and knows that it's harmless.