Does new, unfired brass need to be full length sized when reloading for the first time? I'd like to just neck size because I'm shooting a bolt action rifle.

I'm ordering a .338 die set from Cabelas. It appears to me that the standard set (both dies) comes with a FL die and the neck sizer die comes alone. Is this a correct assumption? I'd rather not buy all three.

Yep, its usually separate item. I FL mine. The body doen'st get touched really with new brass, but straightens out the dented necks. Also measure to make sure you don't have to trim. I like to start fresh with trimmed deburred FL brass.

You should not have to FL resize it. It should be ready to go as is.

Let me guess James, even your new remington brass comes perfect with no dented necks

Thanks for the info guys. I will buy all 3 dies and be ready for anything.

Side note: I bought 225 gr. Hornady accubonds to load for my first Elk hunt this fall. I love hornady because they're cheap and real good.
I also purchased 250 gr. triple shocks and a barnes manual because I had some extra cabelas cash and I always wanted to try this bullet.

Does anyone have any imput on the triple shock? Thanks

The only thing you need to do to new factory brass is true the necks, so all I do is run the sizing button through the case mouth. I have been advised to do this by both Remington, and Winchester. Good luck.

Can I give you a suggestion? I suggest lee collet die for truing necks.A neck sizer will do it, but the collet is cheaper andI believe does a better job. I also believe you will use it more.

Yep...been that way for 50 years. Regards, Rick.

I've been doing it that way for over 30 years,and it works perfectly.

Drilling Man

No My Remington Brass is often dented but like Handloader says I just run them in far enought to straighten the neck. I never buy Remington Brass unless I can't find Winchester. However they are usually dented too.