VarTarg neck size help

[L.Sherm]

You may also go to Lapuas site i just read were there 221 fireball brass is no longer in active production

[mefizto]

Hi L.Sherm,

I understand the concept of loading a few rounds and measuring them. But, my question is more generic. How do I specify the neck size to account for alleged lot-to-lot variation, need to use a different brand of brass, etc.

Kindest regards,

M

[L.Sherm]

Thats gonna be tuff because there. 003-.004 difference.
If it was me I would try to find a bunch of Lapua if thats what you want but there currently not producing it.
The safe bet is .232 neck and run Rem or Norma brass it seems to be more available.

[strkr]

"You may also go to Lapuas site i just read were there 221 fireball brass is no longer in active production "
Wammo Nammo !!!
Glad I did not buy into their cool aids.

Maybe some good discounts when distributors start dumping. Maybe not in the current frenzy though.

[Nor Cal Mikie]

Looks like the best thing to do is: find a good stash of whatever brass you can get your hands on, size and measure the loaded neck and spec your barrel/chamber for that measurement.
And keep in mind that new will be different (over time) than fired.
My Remington .221 Fireball brass (fired verses new) was all over the place so I settled on the .234 neck. Never bothered to try any other brand.
Still have a 100 count box of Nosler .221 Fireball brass that I never opened.
(and a good stash on Remington .221 Fireball brass)

[mefizto]

Hi L.Sherm,

thank you for the heads-up on Lapua; ironically, my paranoia proved once again justified.

Hi Nor Cal Mikie,

I understand your point. However, the problem of finding a lot of ammunition and then needing to buy a great amount, with its associated financial outlay, is what drove me from 22 lr to small case center-fire.

So I think that I will proceed on my path to lear how to form the cases from .223, which will always be available.

Kindest regards,

M

[Bill K]

[QUOTE=mefizto;

So I think that I will proceed on my path to lear how to form the cases from .223, which will always be available.

That is the easiest and best thing too do. With a couple of the correct dies, for forming and the availability of LC brass, it is the way too go, instead of chasing your tail with all the Lapua and other so called BEST brass, and not being able to locate any, or very few.

[Nor Cal Mikie]

Keep in mind that you WILL have to neck turn the .223 brass.
Did a bunch but didn't care for the finished product.
At least by forming your own VT brass, you'll have that experience under your belt. We learn something new every day and if we don't, we're not living.

[mefizto]

Hi Bill K,

thank you for the confirmation.

Hi Nor Cal Mikie,

yes, I understand that I will have to turn necks. My understanding is, that it is done only once for each case, and with a good tool, it is not so difficult.

And yes, learning is what, in my opinion and experience, life is all about.

So, with the above, the reamer issue has morphed into the following:

Given that the different brand of brass that I had already resized to .221 FB, has an average neck size 0.254 inch, with after further resizing to VarTarg should be 0.234 inch, and there is a need to turn necks, should I specify the reamer neck size at 0.232 inch or 0.234 inch?

In other words, does the difference of turning by 0.002 inch or 0.004 inch make a difference?

Kindest regards,

M

[Bill K]

[quote=Nor Cal Mikie;292313]Keep in mind that you WILL have to neck turn the .223 brass.
Heck NCM. You have too turn other makers of brass also, at times, i.e. Lapua, PVI for just two. So neck turning is not a issue, with the proper equipment.