Full length-bad Neck-good

[ewolf]

I have a Savage 16 .243 and am having trouble getting grouping. If I shoot the brassand justneck size I'm fine (1.5" gorups at 225). If it is FLR brass it doesn't shoot worth a hoot (4"+ at 225). Is the a head spacing problem? If not any ideas? I dont' really want to have to shoot all 100 peices of my new nosler brass just so I can reload it.

Thanks,
Eric Wolffram

[Roskoe]

How did virgin brass shoot? I'm a little surprised there is such a disparity between NSO and FLR cases. Usually the NSO loads shoot a little better - maybe 25% better. I'm wondering if you aren't sizing the cases too much. Did you originally adjust your FLR die to just touch the shoulder of a fired case?

[ewolf]

It doens't seem to matter if it's the nosler, winchester or my resizing. If the case is not fire formed it seems to be junk. The full length resize is adjusted to get it back to factory size.

That's what I didn't understand was the great difference in group size. It use to be able to shoot sub moa with factory 70gr ballistic tips.

I'm using 49.5gr H414 with 55gr ballistic tips and Winchester primers.

Well, depends what is happeing to the shoulders. I have some head and shoulders gauges that I use. If you pushing your shoulders back like .010" or something, it could be a problem, but if its less than .005", I can't see why your seeing what your seeing.

[handloader1]

ewolf:

If the rifle dosen't shoot the factory rounds you mentioned, I would get it checked by a gunsmith. Good luck.

[ranger140892]

Sounds like excessive headspace or an egg shaped chamber. Common with factory barrels. Two items will help you find out. Dial calipers and headspace gauges.
Measure a fired case just above the head. Rotate it and measure at several points. If you get more than .007" variation, you've got an egg shaped chamber.
And of course, use headspace gauges to find out if your chamber is cut too deep.
Neither of these conditions is horrible. Neck sizing will eliminate the effects.