Reloading Question

[Johnnu2]

Curious about how you handle bottleneck cases i.e. 256 Win and .221 Fireball as it relates to forward-flowing brass and neck thickness. As we know, a firing or two can cause the brass to flow such that it will increase the tension on the seated bullet to a point where it will cause severe pressure spikes. I always test my fired cases with a new bullet just to be sure that the bullet slides in and out without restriction; however, most times, the neck is too tight to insert the new bullet. I've used both inside and outside neck turning to assure my pressures stay safe. What do you do (if anything)?
J

 

[Dale53]

I have no experience with the .256. However, I have a fair bit of experience with the .221 Fireball in the original Remington Fireball, a Thompson Center Contender, and a Ruger #3 (rechambered .22 Hornet).

In those platforms I had NO problems with the brass. The .221 has excellent brass whether original or made from .223 brass (in those cases I DID turn the case necks after forming). This is a superb round for it's intended velocities. I get long brass life, too. I have shot these with full loads and jacketed bullets and also squirrel loads with the Lyman 225425 cast bullet with EXCELLENT results.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Chief 101]

I have had no problems with either one...xp100 for the 221 and T/C Contender for the 256...i don't use either one now but plenty in years past...I say keepthem trimmed and no worries...

 

[gmartinnc]

"most times, the neck is too tight to insert the new bullet"

That gun must have a very tight chamber! On that gun, you should thin the neck on your brass enough to allow a little room for expansion before ever using the brass. This is a common thing to do on a tight neck benchrest rifle.
I know nothing about a 256 but have shot a 221 for more years than I care to admit. As everyone else stated, it seems to be pretty much trouble free.

 

[Johnnu2]

Thanks guys, appreciate your thoughts. Gmartincc is right, I expect tight tolerance chambers to be the culprit as well as the brass flow. My old Contender in .221 has never been a problem. For years I reamed the inside of the case necks when they were too tight, but then, as gmartincc suggests, I started turning-down the outside necks and that has allowed the brass a longer life. THANKS ALL, J