I am handloading this caliber for a MAK90 and can't get the neck tension I want with the RCBS seating/crimp die.  My bullets measure .310" while the ID of the neck after sizing is .308".  If I push really hard I can move the bullet in the case - when chambering a round by hand, the OAL grows by about .012".

I'm wondering if the RCBS die is just not sizing the neck small enough?  It sizes the neck to this size whether the expander ball is in or not, so the expander isn't too big.  I've been reading about the Lee FCD but haven't ever needed one on my other calibers.

Does anyone else use an RCBS sizing die, and if so, can you tell me what the ID of your neck is after a full length resize?  Also, does anyone use the FCD in this caliber?  I'd hate to add another step to my process but I don't load much of this caliber so I could if I have to.

Thanks,

Allan

Use the Lee Factory Crimp Die, I have the same problem, mine's on my 550B toolhead so no extra work involved in using the FCD

If your die isn't getting any better than .308 after sizing and without the expander ball... Call RCBS and bitch.  They will make good.  I also load this caliber, but use Redding dies, and have noted over the years that different brands or lots of brass can have thinner necks. Specifically for me was some Lapua!  The thikest is some IMI... go figure.  It's a fine round especially when handloaded to it's better level.  AA 1680 and Vita V 130 have bben supurb for me.

I use the RCBS dies, but do not have any brass on hand to test for you. I also use the Lee FCD. I have not had any trouble with neck tension, but agree that it may be your brass. I would get a FCD. It is not a big deal to add this step to the process and you will not havce any neck tension issues.

Devil Dog

I had an email conversation with RCBS regarding this and found I was overcrimping my rounds.  I have good neck tension now using Hornady 125gr SPs.  However, I still can't get the neck tension I want with Golden West Brass's 125gr FMJs.  I think this is because the sample pack of bullets I ordered look like they're pull downs.  They appear to have been taper crimped in a case already and have a distinct groove in them.  There isn't as much place for case to get a good bite on the bullet.

Hard to explain - perhaps I'll take a picture tonight and post it if anyone is interested.

Allan

Quoted: I had an email conversation with RCBS regarding this and found I was overcrimping my rounds.  I have good neck tension now using Hornady 125gr SPs.  However, I still can't get the neck tension I want with Golden West Brass's 125gr FMJs.  I think this is because the sample pack of bullets I ordered look like they're pull downs.  They appear to have been taper crimped in a case already and have a distinct groove in them.  There isn't as much place for case to get a good bite on the bullet. Hard to explain - perhaps I'll take a picture tonight and post it if anyone is interested. Allan

I got pics already hosted



GWB on left, Winchester on right