Recommend me a neck turner?

[kala_azar]

So in thinking hard on a 6.5 4S, but I have no experience neck turning and the options are extensive!

I've always been happy with Sinclair tools, and they have a complete kit (currently out of stock though).

I've also heard that the "pumpkin" tool by Nielsen is THE neck turning tool, but there is little info about it and I can't find it for sale anywhere?

What say you, fellow Hiders?

 

[lightman]

I have a couple of Sinclair turners. I also have the little Forster. They both work fine. If you are only going to clean up your case necks, the Forster will get you started for a small investment. If you are going to turn more than that, then the models with better adjustments would be a better choice. Sinclair, K&M, PMA, 21st Century, and Hart are a few that come to mind. The Pumpkin is liked by the benchrest crowd, but I've never even seen one! The models made by RCBS, Lyman, and Hornady seem to be lesser quality than the others listed. Lightman

 

[PJ BAD]

My vote goes to K & M.

 

[nfresquez]

21st century neck turner is my favorite and you can buy an adapter if you want to use the K&M mandrels.

 

[fx77]

Check out via this email the Pumpkin Neck Turner...
contact maker Don Nielson


[email protected]

 

[kala_azar]

UI'm leaning towards the Sinclair, 21C, or K&M.

Which of these is the easiest to adjust? Also, which would you say is the easiest to get a smooth turn? I've heard that some have a wider blade, which might take fewer turns and leave a smoother surface? Any thoughts there?

Thanks for the replies!

 

[PittsDriver]

I added the Forster neck turner to my case length trimmer. Can't say I'm very happy with it. I wish I had bought the hand held version.

 

[smschulz]

Recommend me a neck turner?

 

[kala_azar]

Indeed sir!

 

[wvlapua]

I really like my 21st century neck turning lathe. Its very fast and easy to use. Also seems to have a wider blade than the k&m, which in turn gives a nicer cut with fewer passes. Whatever you decide to buy, get the cutter angle to match the shoulder angle of the case.

 

[kala_azar]

Thanks for all the advice guys

 

[lightman]

I just finished turning the necks on a hundred cases. While working on these, I remembered to suggest to you to buy an expander die and mandrel when you buy the tool. Any of them will work ok, but you probably will have more success with one made by the same company that made your neck tool.

There is a learning curve here, so save a few cases to practice on. Its common to mess up a few! If you only want to clean up the case neck, a turning tool and a expander die will get you going. If you are fitting cases to a tight neck chamber, you will need a caliper and maybe a tubing micrometer. There are a few sites that have detailed info on neck turning. If a quick search does not produce anything for you, let me know and I can tell you about them. Good Luck, Lightman

 

[kala_azar]

Thanks. I already have/use a tubing micrometer, and I already use expander mandrels, mostly to clean up the case mouth on virgin Lapua or Norma brass. So I get the principle.

It just seems like with many things in reloading, the devil is in the details. Also, buy once, cry once

 

[Chopper]

PMA tool. Call Pat. He will hook you up

 

[mudpig]

I've had decent luck with the hand held Forster unit and the Sinclair drill chuck case holders. The Forster unit adjustment is not very precise, but if you work down to your desired thickness and lock it down, it won't budge and gives good smooth cuts. +1 on matching brands on the expander mandrel and turning mandrel!!!! .0005 can make a big difference in trying to turn a case....also I've found that periodically lubing the mandrel with Imperial case wax keeps things running smoothly.

 

[DropinLead]

After much research I just got the K&M with the pilot jack and the indicator dial. I found it best to clamp it to the bench and use a drill with the chuck removed from the handle. It is designed to unbolt from the handle for that purpose. Done with 300 cases, 700 more to go.

I expand & urn & re-size the necks the cases using cutting oil. Pain to clean but makes the process way faster and the blade never heats up.