As a handloader for 20 years, I like to experiment with different methods. With my 375 H&H, I have fully sized the cartridge and set the neck back, but generally I prefer to size only enough that the neck is not set back. The reason, of course, is that headspacing on the datum line of the shoulder gives better accuracy and the case doesn't grow as much. However, when doing this, occasionally I find that I have rounds that cause more difficulty in closing and opening the bolt. Maybe a happy inbetween is to set the neck back just .001.

I am curious as to what the rest of you do.

On my 416RM I set the shoulder back by .001, this is sort of a compromise between neck and full-length sizing.

I find that I get best control of this by finding and using the appropriate shell holder out of the Redding competition shell-holder set the die so that the ram butts up against the die just as it over-centers.

I get too much variability in length if I just try to raise the die a little off the regular holder.

Don

My .375 H&H is a Ruger #1. Ineck size my brass for five reloads, then full length size and start all over again. So far, one box of federal brand bras has lasted for 16 reloadings, and is showing no signs of wearing out. BTW. These are full power loads.
Paul B.

I set the shoulder back by grads while running it into the rifle chamber, when it goes in like a factory round I stop and thats where my dies are set...I hunt dangerous game and dependability is first and foremost, accuracy is of little importance, however most of my guns are consistant one inch shooters with full lenth reloads, so its not a big deal...Who needs a 1/2" buffalo gun...

------------------
Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

I generally resize so there is about .005" headspace. Some different cases will cause press spring and I will still get about .003". However some might end up at .007"

I usually have barrels chambered so there is around .005" on the new cases.

By doing this I can usually get new cases and full lenght sized cases to shoot to the same point.

I have found in bench rifles in the bigger calibers, that is, 270 through to 375, that cases sized this way group as well and better than neck sized. However, neck sizing usually requires are different seating depth and most often that is right near or right on the rifling.

For the best consistent accuracy, you want avoid as ituation where some cases have a .001" or .002" and some become a crush fit.

Mike

[This message has been edited by Mike375 (edited 05-16-2001).]