When to neck size?

[Reece123]

I know you can only neck size if you're using the same chamber, but im more questioning when is it worth it to only neck size?
For example, Im loading up some 243, 6.5 Creed and 6.5 PRC that will probably only ever be used in their respective rifle. All of these are using Hornady brass and are for hunting/hobby target shooting, no competitions etc. Is it worth it to spend another $50 per die for an RCBS Neck sizer for each one or does that not come into play until you're shooting competitions, using expensive brass, etc etc?

 

[Chris in TN]

IMO it's never worth it.

What are you trying to gain?

 

[Matt5266]

I never do. Im in the camp of always full length size everytime

 

[Balderdash]

For any of my more precision rigs, I neck size with a Leee collet die until I get positive heaspace. Usually 1-3 firings. Then I bump the shoulder back .02. Saves a lot of brass working on the case, especially with belted magnums.

To be honest, I don't even measure. I run Redding competition shell holders, and when I can feel positive headspace, I start with the thickest deck shell holder and just drop down sequentially till feeding is smooth. This way I get full engagenment with the shell holder to the die bottom, which decreases variences due to any play in the press.

 

[wapitibob]

I neck size only till after the 3rd firing in my stw (belted case .020" growth). On this 7PRC I need to fl size after the 1st firing because there is only a .003" shoulder difference between new brass and fully formed.

 

[Balderdash]

I neck size only till after the 3rd firing in my stw (belted case .020" growth). On this 7PRC I need to fl size after the 1st firing because there is only a .003" shoulder difference between new brass and fully formed.

I recently picked up a 6.5 CM Christensen Arms that is exactly like ypur PRC - .02 back to starting after each firing is perfect. Brass lasts a long time.

A lot of belted mags take a few firings to reach full length. Once full chamber length, I headspace off the shoulder like nonbelted cases.

I have a 6.5 PRC Tikka that I've fired some brass in 4-5 times and not touched the shoulders. And its a tackdriver.

 

[Choupique]

With my .338 I neck size the first few times till the brass gets snug in the chamber, then bump the shoulder after that.

 

[Marbles]

I only full length size. My reloads shoot fine and according to @Formidilosus full length sizing results in more reliable rifle function.

The real question to me is why do something other than FL sizing? What are the benefits and have they been measured properly?