SmallCaliberCentral

I can't seem to find the recommended minimum neck wall thickness when .204 brass should be dumped into the recycle bin.

Well, it can't be thicker than .014", and most likely not much thinner than .010" to get any decent neck tension.

Remember, most .204R chambers will mic .232" (all my Coopers do), some production factory or sloppy chambering jobs may run a chamber neck I.D. of .234", so do the math: bullet .204", chamber ID of .232", that gives .028" split in half for both sides of the brass gives .014". But that would give zero chamber neck clearance in many chambers: not good. You want your brass necks to be right around .012", and your loaded neck O.D. right at .228". That will give safe, adequate bullet release and brass spring-back and still be fairly snug in the chamber for peak accuracy potential.

If your're turning necks, be careful to not turn too much, or the case will not hold a bullet after sizing.......

Caveat: An factory 204R engineering drawing I received from Hornady back in 2004 shows the neck OD of a factory loaded round as mic'ing .231". That tells me that many SAAMI-spec chambers are most likely cut with a .234"~ neck reamer. So unless you do a chamber cast or know what your neck ID really is, proceed accordingly with due caution.

Thanks Ric.

Great information and completely answers the basic question and I imagine potential future questions I might have had. I have recently begun reloading again after a 40 yr plus hiatus and find that I have forgotten more than I presently know.
Bob

Great information and completely answers the basic question and I imagine potential future questions I might have had. I have recently begun reloading again after a 40 yr plus hiatus and find that I have forgotten more than I presently know.
Bob

Can you still load with that age?. I am wondering because I think your too old at that time..

Gleedaniel13 wrote:Can you still load with that age?. I am wondering because I think your too old at that time..

How old do you think he is? Does age somehow limit ones ability to handload? Most folks I know in Oz seem much more in touch than you, and their English is much better too. WTF is up with your post response to this fellow?

Gleedaniel13 wrote:I am wondering because I think your too old at that time..

Hey buddy, I don't think anyone here really gives a flip about what the hel! you think! I think you should keep your rude comments to yourself!!! It has been my experience here, that we support, and try to help our fellow forum members. If that is too hard for you to comprehend, I would suggest you move onto another forum!

Gleedaniel13 wrote:

Great information and completely answers the basic question and I imagine potential future questions I might have had. I have recently begun reloading again after a 40 yr plus hiatus and find that I have forgotten more than I presently know.
Bob

Can you still load with that age?. I am wondering because I think your too old at that time..

Maybe Gleedanile13 you were attempting to make a funny comment, but it does not sound like that.. A person is never to old to reload, in fact age give a certain amount of maturity and knowledge/safety. As for Bob and coming back to the fold of our sport, I welcome him with open arms. Bill K