New Lapua brass prep

[Boondoggle]

Got my first 6.5 build ready to go. Going to start with factory 123gr SST for function testing and initial sight in. After that going to start working up hand loads with Lapua brass 123 SSTs and IMR 8208 as my first powder.

For my bench bolt gun (.308) I use Lapua cases and prep them the same as I do fire formed. But, I'm just neck sizing the brass, uniforming the flash hole, chamfering and burring the neck for new brass.

So I guess the questions are;

1)Should I full length resize (Hornady dies)
2)My flash hole tool is .080" so I should get the smaller .060" version

I get a ton of great information off the forum almost daily so all help and feedback is most appreciated.

[bwaites]

Definitely need the little deprimer pin. I never do anything to Lapua except run the sizing ball through the neck to knock out the dings in the case mouth.

[Rickc]

Don't mess with Lapua flash holes on any brass

With the grendel you have to use the.small decapping pin.

I do run a Neck expander die on new brass and then run them through a full length sizing die. Those necks are tight

[Klem]

Don't mess with Lapua flash holes on any brass

With the grendel you have to use the.small decapping pin.

I do run a Neck expander die on new brass and then run them through a full length sizing die. Those necks are tight

No, they are not.

I measure Lapua unfired necks as .2815"-.2820"
When loaded with a 120NBT they measure .2845"
That means the out-of-the-box neck tension is .0025" - .003". Close to perfect.

Some prefer .004" neck tension. Other and bolt gunners probably less.

[LRRPF52]

I just load new Lapua brass, as long as the shoulders are where they need to be, and I've not seen one yet that was too long for headspace.

Neck tension has been spot-on for me too.