When a .223 shell stretches...

[Dave-G]

Chris's shells stretch a tad after firing and need trimming before reloads.

 

I'm curious how come the bullet still goes into place the next time its loaded - as I'd have thought the tapered part of the neck would meet with a tapered part of the breech for accurate location. Obviously I'm wrong to think that but can anyone enlighten me as to why the subsequently longer main portion of the stretched shell doesn'nt prevent the bolt from closing?

[Dougy]

Chris's shells stretch a tad after firing and need trimming before reloads.

 

I'm curious how come the bullet still goes into place the next time its loaded - as I'd have thought the tapered part of the neck would meet with a tapered part of the breech for accurate location. Obviously I'm wrong to think that but can anyone enlighten me as to why the subsequently longer main portion of the stretched shell doesn'nt prevent the bolt from closing?

 

The bolt does become difficult to close if the stretch is significantly exesive, on occasions impossible to close without too much force ie a lump hammer. the stretch is maybe only a few thou but enough to cause problems.

Some chambers are produced tight and others not so tight. some also have a slightly longer chamber.

I am not 100% but i dont think its the length that stops the bolt from closing i am sure its the increase in the diameter of the case that prevents the case from seating right into the chamber.

 

Dougy

[dunganick]

When you full length resize the neck and neck tension all get adjusted. Otherwise as you say the round would not chamber easily and the bullet would fall inside the case.