.223 Headspace headache

Lilswede1 · December 10, 2010, 01:10 AM

Just got 1.000 .223 Lake City Once Fired deprimed cases cleaned and ready to load.
Although the cases look really good, the headspace they have been resized to is just a little "snug" for my rifles.
Using the RCBS Precision Mic tool the cases are .001" - .002" too long.
When dropped into the Forester OAL tool the cases all fall within the the "go" range.
When resized back .003" the cases chamber nicely. But that's a lot of resizing if it is not needed.
Tikka, CZ and Remington are the 3 rifles being used and the chambers are identical in all 3.
Need opinions on whether to resize or live with the "snug" fit?
Will the slightly oversize headspace affect accuracy?

Win_94 · December 10, 2010, 02:20 AM

Why don't you size them the '.001" - .002"' needed, instead of the '.003"?'

Quote:

Will the slightly oversize headspace affect accuracy?

The slightly oversize cases can affect accuracy, just as slightly undersize cases can.
Cases fire-formed in the chamber they are to be used in, are conducive to accuracy.

I would bump the shoulder back to the desired size... Just as I do with all the cases that need sized to the proper dimensions; wherever they come from.

4runnerman · December 10, 2010, 07:42 AM

Im with Win 94. I just got done doing 8000 223's. Kiss the wife and kids on Sat morning and say--See ya Sun night haha

Really once i got down to it and started it really did not take that long. You will rest alot easier come loading time know that the issue is gone. New brass is famous for this issue you have.

dlb435 · December 10, 2010, 08:10 AM

You didn't say what rifle you are using. Most new AR-15s chamber a bit tight, so you will need to resize all of your ammo to get reliable feeds. I also have an AK in 223 that will chamber almost anything.
I use a case gauge to check all of my cases before reloading. After you have resized the cases they will make several reloads before they age out or have to be resized again.
Reload 10 rounds or so and cycle them through the rifle. If you have any trouble then you need to tweek the cases a little.

Qtiphky · December 10, 2010, 08:22 AM

I have found that even with, or should I say especially with new brass or once fired brass, they always should/need to be resized. After you size them and shoot them from your rifle, then you can neck size if necessary.

Lots of loaders with lots of more experience have taught me that, and lo and behold they have all been right.

Lilswede1 · December 10, 2010, 10:05 AM

Good feedback. Knew the cases should be resized but just needed the push to get going on it.
I will resize them to .002" shorter then the fireformed cases and they will chamber a lot easier.
I measured 50 more of the new cases and found that 10 (20%) have a OAL of 1.753" or longer so I will do the whole prep process of the total bunch.
You guys are right, when I get to loading I dont like to have questionable stock.
Last year my sons got me the RCBS Case prep machine with 5 rotating stations. What a time and work saver.

4runnerman · December 10, 2010, 10:36 AM

I measured 50 more of the new cases and found that 10 (20%) have a OAL of 1.753" or
That is still in the safe zone 1.75 to 1.76 is acceptable. Do we have other issues at hand here?.

December 10, 2010, 01:10 AM	#1
Lilswede1 Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: NW Wash State Posts: 216	.223 Headspace headache Just got 1.000 .223 Lake City Once Fired deprimed cases cleaned and ready to load. Although the cases look really good, the headspace they have been resized to is just a little "snug" for my rifles. Using the RCBS Precision Mic tool the cases are .001" - .002" too long. When dropped into the Forester OAL tool the cases all fall within the the "go" range. When resized back .003" the cases chamber nicely. But that's a lot of resizing if it is not needed. Tikka, CZ and Remington are the 3 rifles being used and the chambers are identical in all 3. Need opinions on whether to resize or live with the "snug" fit? Will the slightly oversize headspace affect accuracy?

December 10, 2010, 08:22 AM	#5
Qtiphky Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2008 Location: Upper Michigan, above the Mackinac Bridge Posts: 568	Bad news - Size Them I have found that even with, or should I say especially with new brass or once fired brass, they always should/need to be resized. After you size them and shoot them from your rifle, then you can neck size if necessary. Lots of loaders with lots of more experience have taught me that, and lo and behold they have all been right.

December 10, 2010, 10:05 AM	#6
Lilswede1 Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: NW Wash State Posts: 216	Thanks, I will do it Good feedback. Knew the cases should be resized but just needed the push to get going on it. I will resize them to .002" shorter then the fireformed cases and they will chamber a lot easier. I measured 50 more of the new cases and found that 10 (20%) have a OAL of 1.753" or longer so I will do the whole prep process of the total bunch. You guys are right, when I get to loading I dont like to have questionable stock. Last year my sons got me the RCBS Case prep machine with 5 rotating stations. What a time and work saver.

December 10, 2010, 07:42 AM	#3
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Im with Win 94. I just got done doing 8000 223's. Kiss the wife and kids on Sat morning and say--See ya Sun night haha Really once i got down to it and started it really did not take that long. You will rest alot easier come loading time know that the issue is gone. New brass is famous for this issue you have.

December 10, 2010, 08:10 AM	#4
dlb435 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 654	You didn't say what rifle you are using. Most new AR-15s chamber a bit tight, so you will need to resize all of your ammo to get reliable feeds. I also have an AK in 223 that will chamber almost anything. I use a case gauge to check all of my cases before reloading. After you have resized the cases they will make several reloads before they age out or have to be resized again. Reload 10 rounds or so and cycle them through the rifle. If you have any trouble then you need to tweek the cases a little.

December 10, 2010, 10:36 AM	#7
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	I measured 50 more of the new cases and found that 10 (20%) have a OAL of 1.753" or That is still in the safe zone 1.75 to 1.76 is acceptable. Do we have other issues at hand here?.