Resizing New Lapula

[rodkayak]

I have bought some new Lapula 223 cases. Do I need to full length resize before priming and reloading? I did not with some 30 06 and the necks were sloppy with loose fitting bullets the result.

 

[Highlandsjohn]

I have bought some new Lapula 223 cases. Do I need to full length resize before priming and reloading? I did not with some 30 06 and the necks were sloppy with loose fitting bullets the result.

You have answered your own question..

 

[Old melv]

I didn’t full length size my .223 Lapua brass when new and loaded with no problems. Then neck sized after firing.

 

[malmick]

Old melv is correct, new Lapua cases are factory sized to the correct spec for loading. First firing then fireforms the case to your chamber and you can neck resize from there.

Try a .223 bullet in one of the new case necks to see how much pressure it needs for adequate seating.

 

[rodkayak]

I have just realised that there was a similar question posted, ( I did do a search before I posted but did not see any threads). I think the comment about resizing to your own FL die to start with to get the load development right from the outset is a good one

 

[rodkayak]

Malmick, good point about checking the neck tension with a case but I found that it varied with the 30 06 which was a problem as I was using 220 grain bullets and then recoil made the bullets in the mag get pushed into the case. Not such a problem with 223

 

[Milligan]

necks can be a bit tighter on factory Lapua than subsequent sizings ime, so loads that work from the blank may not perform the same in future sizings.

 

[stevenedwards]

I open out the necks on new Lapua to aid load development with neck tension generally more consistent with that on reloading. Also useful when loading a new batch with a known load.

 

[malmick]

^ Milligan and stevenedwards, OK I get both those points. It's what works best for consistency on your own dies, chamber and barrel. That's the intrigue and art of reloading I guess.

 

[zaz0903]

I was told to always full length size new brass.

 

[the prowler]

I use Norma custom brass. And just seat bullets from new.

 

[SussexSteve]

no need just load from the box

 

[PeterH]

no need just load from the box

Well I have always full lengthed new brass as a matter of course and the reason was justified today when a friend (member on here) bought over his new rifle in 204 to use my modified case. We had the above discussion which resulted in him trying some 'ready to reload' new Nosler brass without a bullet/primer - they were stiff to close the bolt on. These 5 were then F/L and subsequently gave easy bolt closure.

 

[Alantoo]

I have bought some new Lapula 223 cases. Do I need to full length resize before priming and reloading? I did not with some 30 06 and the necks were sloppy with loose fitting bullets the result.

If you are intending to F/L resize the cases for all your subsequent loadings then it makes sense to have the first firing also from brass formed by the same (your) dies.

More consistent that way, and the first firing will be similar to subsequent....it is just removing another possible variable.

If you are going to neck size your fire formed cases it is not so important from that point of view.

Alan

 

[Jelen]

Old melv is correct, new Lapua cases are factory sized to the correct spec for loading. First firing then fireforms the case to your chamber and you can neck resize from there.

Try a .223 bullet in one of the new case necks to see how much pressure it needs for adequate seating.

Not true. I also believed this. Bought 100 Lapua Match brass. Tried a sample of new unloaded brass in my CZ and the bolt closed, so I expanded, neck sized and loaded 5 rounds and went to check the POI. 2 cartridges fitted and fired spot on. 3 chambered but could not close the bolt! Have just bought a full length die from Spud!!!
I should have known better!

 

[Highlandsjohn]

Not true. I also believed this. Bought 100 Lapua Match brass. Tried a sample of new unloaded brass in my CZ and the bolt closed, so I expanded, neck sized and loaded 5 rounds and went to check the POI. 2 cartridges fitted and fired spot on. 3 chambered but could not close the bolt! Have just bought a full length die from Spud!!!
I should have known better!
[/QUOTE

+1 the clue was in the OP..

length resize before priming and reloading? I did not with some 30 06 and the necks were sloppy with loose fitting bullets the result.