To Turn or Not to Turn?

[powerspc]

I’ve learned a lot being a member of this Forum. One thing I’ve learned is that there are certain subjects that elicit the same reaction as casually mentioning at a Shoah Foundation Convention that, “that Hitler guy wasn’t all bad”. I think neck turning might fall into that category. Assume the following:

• You buy new Lapua brass in .338 LM
• You acurately measure 10 cases (taking 4 measurements on each case) using a Mitutoyo digital ball micrometer
• Which shows that the variation in neck thickness is a maximum of .001” between your sample of 10

Is the debate of whether to turn the necks now over? Or is there an argument to make as to why it should still be done? And if so, why and when?

 

[spife7980]

That depends, for me the debate would be over but for someone that wants turned necks it sure isn’t.

The debate is that while what you have is good it still isn’t as good as a turned neck.

When? I would do new brass if I were to turn my own.

 

[Bradu]

Personally unless it is a neck turn chamber or you are necking brass down that causes the neck to become thicker, there is no need in neck turning. If you are worried about consistent neck tension then I would use an expander mandrel and add that step into my reloading process. Neck turning in a chamber that doesn't require it just works your brass more when fired.

 

[diverdon]

I would not turn new quality brass. After a few firings the brass may flow enough that it needs to be turned. If you want to shoot bench rest your opinion may differ.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

Wouldn't a Lee style collet die negate the need if you rotate the case and run in the die a second time?

 

[XLR308]

I might be the oddball of the bunch then, I have allways neck turned even new Lapua brass.
My 308win Lapua brass I turned to .0145" and my 65 Creedmoor Lapua I took a skim cut for 80-90% clean up.
I have the tools for the process so I use them, is it necessary most likely no but consistency is key to precision.
I just want everything as consistent as possible and I'm not losing brass at matches that I have invested more time in than is necessary for banging steel.