Neck size vs full size for 223 in AR15 question

Rule3 · Apr 4, 2009

When reloading 223 ammo for my bolt action, I usually just neck size unless the case gauge says it's out of whack and then I will full size and trim if necessary.

I was always told that when loading for a a semi auto such as an AR that you need to full size the brass to make sure it feeds and chambers properly.

If it is my brass and going back in my gun with the same chamber,why, what's the difference?? I understand if the ammo was then used in another rifle with a different chamber. I have one of those brass catchers on the side so I know it's my brass. Isn't the brass fire formed to my chamber just as the bolt action? I also run the cases through the Lee factory taper crimp die so the recoil is not going to change the OAL.

Am I missing something here or can I neck size for the AR as long as it's kept separate from my bolt action or any other 223 rifle?

Rule3 · Apr 4, 2009

When reloading 223 ammo for my bolt action, I usually just neck size unless the case gauge says it's out of whack and then I will full size and trim if necessary.

I was always told that when loading for a a semi auto such as an AR that you need to full size the brass to make sure it feeds and chambers properly.

If it is my brass and going back in my gun with the same chamber,why, what's the difference?? I understand if the ammo was then used in another rifle with a different chamber. I have one of those brass catchers on the side so I know it's my brass. Isn't the brass fire formed to my chamber just as the bolt action? I also run the cases through the Lee factory taper crimp die so the recoil is not going to change the OAL.

Am I missing something here or can I neck size for the AR as long as it's kept separate from my bolt action or any other 223 rifle?

john traveler · Apr 4, 2009

Neck-sizing only for the AR type rifles is not recommended for several reasons. The action does not have a robust primary extraction, and the manual bolt carrier retractor handle is often not enough remove a slightly oversized cartridge jammed in the chamber. Even the forward assist device is not enough to fully chamber a stuck cartridge.

Neck-sizing only is fine when shooting that one caliber in only one rifle for the reasons you stated: the cases fireform and will continue to fit the chamber for several firings. But bolt actions have closing and opening camming action must more powerful that the seven-lug AR design, and the leverage on the bolt handle represents much more power to force an oversized cartridge into the chamber or to extract a stuck one.

If you insist on loading neck-sized ammo for the AR you are asking for greatly decreased functional reliability.

Rule3 · Apr 4, 2009

Originally posted by john traveler:
Neck-sizing only for the AR type rifles is not recommended for several reasons. The action does not have a robust primary extraction, and the manual bolt carrier retractor handle is often not enough remove a slightly oversized cartridge jammed in the chamber. Even the forward assist device is not enough to fully chamber a stuck cartridge.

If you insist on loading neck-sized ammo for the AR you are asking for greatly decreased functional reliability.

Thank you, it appears this was "the part I was missing"

I have not used any neck sized only in the rifle and have seen to many pictures of KB's. Also saw one a guy brought into the shop, a brand new Smith even. It was completly destroyed. Of course he was trying to blame S&W and then the shop owner, but when asked what kind of ammo he was using for some reason he didn't remember.

First it was one brand, then another then he said he had some reloads also but never did bring any ammo in with the gun.

john traveler · Apr 4, 2009

The factory failure analysis people can easily determine what blew the gun up. Bore obstruction, cartridge overpressure, firing out-of-battery, you name it.

All they need are a few fragments of cartridge case, the ammo fired, and the blownup gun. Even without samples of the ammo, they can get pretty close to determining cause.

Firing reloaded ammo of course, completely invalidates the manufacturer's warranty.

Rule3 · Apr 4, 2009

We (the owner of the shop and all of us that "hang there") and witnessed the guy bringing it in feel it was an out of battery KB based on the total destruction done.The guy is real idiot because at first he wanted the owner and my friend to replace it himself claiming it was a defective gun. The guy was in the shop for at least an hour and the owner could not help anyone else as this guy was taking up all his time. He handled it like a Saint. I would have thrown the guy out.
But, this guy is such a whinner, Smith will probably give him a new gun just as a customer relation deal. The last I heard it is with factory folks and have not heard the final determination

Rapidrob · Apr 5, 2009

Small base size. You will never have a FTF or FTE

Neck size vs full size for 223 in AR15 question

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