Reloading neck sizing vs crimping

[Pole Pole]

To increase neck tension instead of crimping use a neck sizer without the expander plug. This could be done by decapping then use a neck sizing die only (without expander plug) to neck size again. Boat tail bullets will seat but flat base may be an issue to get started.

Would this cause pressure issues?

Your thoughts, thanks

 

[375er]

What caliber(s) are you loading? Most standard calibers i.e. 30-06, etc never bother to crimp because I have never had a bullet set back problem in the magazine. Magnums can be a different story.
My thought on neck sizing without an expander ball is you will run the risk of wrinkling cases.

 

[Pole Pole]

264 win mag. Did not wrinkle. I don’t crimp either. Just kind of a “wondering what if” situation. Got me to thinking when I was pulling bullets

 

[Joker12]

To increase neck tension instead of crimping use a neck sizer without the expander plug. This could be done by decapping then use a neck sizing die only (without expander plug) to neck size again. Boat tail bullets will seat but flat base may be an issue to get started.

Would this cause pressure issues?

Your thoughts, thanks

Why go to all that when the Lee FCD does such A splendid job for so little effort and cost.

 

[Pole Pole]

Does the Lee FCD require a crimping grooves? May someone would want to seat a bullet other than at the groove, if required.

 

[375er]

Does the Lee FCD require a crimping grooves? May someone would want to seat a bullet other than at the groove, if required.

Works well without grooves.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

To increase neck tension instead of crimping use a neck sizer without the expander plug. This could be done by decapping then use a neck sizing die only (without expander plug) to neck size again. Boat tail bullets will seat but flat base may be an issue to get started.

Would this cause pressure issues?

Your thoughts, thanks

On rifle cartridges up to .300 Win Mag, I don't bother to crimp. When I load for my .458 Win Mag though I crimp every round. The bullet weight and recoil lead me to believe that it's a good idea!

 

[shootist~]

To increase neck tension you can also turn down the expander ball using a drill and emery paper. I like to see about 0015".

 

[Pole Pole]

Shootist, in the 264 do you think I would have pressure issues if I didn’t use an expander? I am using Sierra 140 grain boat tail so they will seat without expanding? Also, might this effect accuracy? Thanks for your thoughts

 

[shootist~]

Shootist, in the 264 do you think I would have pressure issues if I didn’t use an expander? I am using Sierra 140 grain boat tail so they will seat without expanding? Also, might this effect accuracy? Thanks for your thoughts

"Probably" not, since I've seen where others do this, but no real experience. I've experimented with not using an expander ball a little, but measuring the O/D of the neck before and after seating a bullet just seemed to me like it was over-working the brass. Measure and see what you are looking at.

It won't hurt to try, IMO - just don't start with a fully maxed out charge. Back off at least a grain or two and work back up - as always - when you change anything.

Another option is called a mandrel die I believe. Does what you want without having to size twice.

Edit to add: If no accuracy improvement, then try something else.