Can neck sized brass damage chamber?

NightRainFalls · February 20, 2005, 02:22 PM

I have just begun reloading 45-70 ammunition for my Marlin 1895 GS. The lee loader I have only resizes the neck of the brass.

About half of my reloaded cartridges chamber harder than factory ammo. The resistance occurs when the last eigth of an inch of the cartridge is pushed into the chamber.

The trim length and length overall are within spec, but the cases are a few one thousands of an inch wider than they should be. This is probably from brass expansion. The cases have only been used in the Marlin I am reloading for.

Is this just a minor problem, or is it likely to damage the gun. If this means that the action will work harder, but the gun is not damaged, I will use the ammo, but if it causes damage, I will happily discard them.

Thanks in advance for your kind assitance.

highteckredneck · February 22, 2005, 09:16 AM

I have read a few reloading manuals that say ammo is more accurate when loaded like this, but I do not know that to be a fact. I have always full length sized all my reloads.

hivel37 · February 23, 2005, 01:16 AM

I think you'll have much better results by running your 45-70 cases all the way in your full-length die. This should eliminate any feeding problems. As I understand things, only bottle-neck cases can be neck-sized. Good luck.

Joe Bloggs · February 23, 2005, 02:39 AM

Reloads for lever actions should ALWAYS be full length sized. You do not have the camming action of a bolt to help lock up the action. Using neck sized reloads will lead to problems.

bobelk99 · March 26, 2005, 12:17 AM

Reserve neck sizing for bottlenecks; Absolutely.
You need to full length size

LHB1 · March 26, 2005, 10:32 AM

I agree. Lever actions do not have the lockup rigidity and camming action of bolt actions. Thus ammo for lever actions should ALWAYS be full length sized to ensure good feeding and extraction. Also correct that neck sizing should be reserved for bottleneck cartridges (used in bolt action guns). If you just partially size straight cases, you can push up a small bulge where the sizing die stops. This case bulge will cause feeding problems.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

ps: NO, neck sized cases will not damage your chamber but may cause feeding problems in lever action guns as described.

February 20, 2005, 02:22 PM	#1
NightRainFalls Junior Member Join Date: February 20, 2005 Posts: 1	Can neck sized brass damage chamber? I have just begun reloading 45-70 ammunition for my Marlin 1895 GS. The lee loader I have only resizes the neck of the brass. About half of my reloaded cartridges chamber harder than factory ammo. The resistance occurs when the last eigth of an inch of the cartridge is pushed into the chamber. The trim length and length overall are within spec, but the cases are a few one thousands of an inch wider than they should be. This is probably from brass expansion. The cases have only been used in the Marlin I am reloading for. Is this just a minor problem, or is it likely to damage the gun. If this means that the action will work harder, but the gun is not damaged, I will use the ammo, but if it causes damage, I will happily discard them. Thanks in advance for your kind assitance.

February 23, 2005, 02:39 AM	#4
Joe Bloggs Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 22	Reloads for lever actions should ALWAYS be full length sized. You do not have the camming action of a bolt to help lock up the action. Using neck sized reloads will lead to problems. __________________ Hunters Hut

March 26, 2005, 12:17 AM	#5
bobelk99 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Location: Central KY Posts: 220	Sizing Reserve neck sizing for bottlenecks; Absolutely. You need to full length size

February 22, 2005, 09:16 AM	#2
highteckredneck Member Join Date: February 16, 2005 Location: Loogootee, Indiana Posts: 36	I have read a few reloading manuals that say ammo is more accurate when loaded like this, but I do not know that to be a fact. I have always full length sized all my reloads.

February 23, 2005, 01:16 AM	#3
hivel37 Senior Member Join Date: August 24, 2004 Location: Hill Country Posts: 522	I think you'll have much better results by running your 45-70 cases all the way in your full-length die. This should eliminate any feeding problems. As I understand things, only bottle-neck cases can be neck-sized. Good luck.

March 26, 2005, 10:32 AM	#6
LHB1 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,545	I agree. Lever actions do not have the lockup rigidity and camming action of bolt actions. Thus ammo for lever actions should ALWAYS be full length sized to ensure good feeding and extraction. Also correct that neck sizing should be reserved for bottleneck cartridges (used in bolt action guns). If you just partially size straight cases, you can push up a small bulge where the sizing die stops. This case bulge will cause feeding problems. Good shooting and be safe. LB ps: NO, neck sized cases will not damage your chamber but may cause feeding problems in lever action guns as described.