Neck sizing the .375 H&H

laurent · Member Joined: Sep 07, 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Quebec

Hi Guys,
I just got myself a new caliber in .375 H&H, and I would like to know what neck sizing die you are using. At first I was going to buy a Lee collet sizer die set but I am not sure if I will not be better with the redding die. What do you think

Thanks

Ominivision1 · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 4:34 pm Post subject: Re: Neck sizing the .375 H&H

When neck sizing my 340wby, I use the redding neck bushing die set. Although I don't think you can go wrong with the Lee collet die either!! The Lee will certainly save a few bucks.

fnuser · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 6:37 pm Post subject: Re: Neck sizing the .375 H&H

i used lee collet for a number of years on .243 Win with satisfactory results (many .25" groups) I lost it in a move and replaced it with another brand neck sizer. The thing I liked about it was how much of the neck was sized compared to some un-sized (or slightly sized) areas it seemed to "center" the case in the chamber better. I only fired the ammunition in one rifle; probably didn't have to say that but thought I should.

Grumulkin · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 3:32 am Post subject: Re: Neck sizing the .375 H&H

I would go with the Redding die. I've found loose bullets to be common with the Lee Collet Die and accuracy isn't always as good as cases sized with traditional dies.

The 375 H&H Magnum case has quite a taper to it which means it will stretch. Be sure to check for incipient head separations which could happen after 1 or 2 reloadings depending on the brass you're using and on how hot your loads are among other things.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 6:39 am Post subject: Re: Neck sizing the .375 H&H

Grumulkin wrote:

The 375 H&H Magnum case has quite a taper to it which means it will stretch. Be sure to check for incipient head separations which could happen after 1 or 2 reloadings depending on the brass you're using and on how hot your loads are among other things.

Very true. However, the stretching in the web area can be minimized by making sure the first firing holds the case head firmly against the bolt forcing the case to expand towards the shoulder, establishing proper head-space. Neck sizing from that point on should help hold case-head separation at bay for several loadings. This can be easily done by seating the bullets for the first loading to touch the rifling and using a moderate powder charge.

Another way is to use the neck to hold the case against the bolt-face: Running the case mouths over an expander plug the next size larger than the intended caliber and then, returning to the proper sizing die, sizing only enough of the case neck to allow the round to chamber ensures that the case is held properly to allow it to expand to fill the chamber without stressing the case web. To do this, run the new cases over the next nearest larger sized expander ball (Example: run 7mm necks over .308” expanders, .308” necks over .311-312” or .338” expanders, .338” necks over .358”, .375" necks over .400" expanders and etc.). Now adjust your sizing die for the intended cartridge to size only enough of the neck to allow the action of the rifle to close with a small amount of effort. This causes the cases to be held firmly against the bolt face at the time of firing and allows the case shoulder to move forward forming a perfect fit to the chamber rather than material flowing back from the case body, thinning the case walls and stressing the case head and web. The resulting cases can now be sized with the normal sizing die set to just barely touch the case shoulder.

Eremius · Member Joined: Dec 04, 2011 Posts: 92 Location: Owosso, MI

Depending on how much your cases are and how much effort you want to expend you could also look into annealing your cases.

Edit: Linked for article, not sales pitch.

laurent · Member Joined: Sep 07, 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Quebec

Thank guys,

I just ordered a Lee Collet Die set from my supplier, that's all he have on stock, so I will give a chance to Lee and see the result.

fnuser · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 11:50 am Post subject: Re: Neck sizing the .375 H&H

I think you will be alright just crimp your bullets good, but not too good otherwise that shoulder will swell on you

Aloysius · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 1:06 pm Post subject: Re: Neck sizing the .375 H&H

And for a scope: take a small one which can be mounted low. When the stock does not make enough contact with your cheeck, the scope will ruin your glasses and/of your fronthead.
I had to change the scope on my Dumoulin for that reason. The 'big' scope is now only used with reduced loads (+/- the energy of a .44 RM), this works splendid.

The .375 H&H is one of the best calibers. It can be used for almost everything from mice till elephants. And bullets: check also lead bullets and paperpatched.
The very nice thing about the .375 H&H: whatever you feed him, POI remains almost the same. Just try it, he will amaze you.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:14 am Post subject: Re: Neck sizing the .375 H&H

As an aside ... There is a good article on the .375 H&H in the March 2012 issue of "Rifle" magazine.

fnuser · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2012 6:50 pm Post subject: Re: Neck sizing the .375 H&H

Aloysius, Can we please see your Dumoulin. Is it a fullstock?

Aloysius · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:04 am Post subject: Re: Neck sizing the .375 H&H

I'll make a few pictures of things that might interest you. And one day I will try to make some kind of gallery here. I think I do have some things out of your history Smile

ever seen a Winchester 1903 in .22 Winchester Automatic?