Rifle reloading question 223?

[Julian537]

I have not reloaded rifle bullets before. I am going to start reloading some .223 ammunition tonight. I have two reloading books, of which both of them are at home, and I am at work. So this is why I am asking the question.

Do I resize/deprime first, then trim the cases, or do I trim them first, then resize/deprime?

This determines if I have to go to Cabelas before I get home to purchase the case trimmer, or if I go tomorrow and deprime/ resize tonight.

Thanks to all.

 

[kingmt]

You resize before trimming. Sizing makes the case grow.

 

[dmazur]

As the resizing operation is what causes cases to "grow" in length, it is customary to resize, then trim any that are over length.

As the "trim to length" is usually 0.010" less than the maximum safe length, it is generally not necessary to trim after every resizing operation. However, unless you carefully segregate cases and count the number of firings, it is customary to check case length every time. (At least I do...)

If you have a Wilson type cartridge headspace gauge, this can be used to check the setup on your resizing die and it also serves as a case trim length gauge.

 

[kingmt]

Actually it shoves all of the extra brass where the case was stretched when it was fired to the neck where it can be trimmed.

 

[33rowdy]

Resize first.
It's not impossible to see a difference in length of your case in a before and after it goes in your sizing die. So if you size first, then trim, You will know for sure what's going in your gun. That's 223 and all.

 

[Julian537]

In the case of my Dillon 650, I guess I just need to load the resize die in the press and run all my 223 brass.

Thanks for all the answers.

 

[Julian537]

I have more questions. I loaded some bullets in the cartridges last night to get my OAL. The bullet fits in the case, but the case does not go all the way down to the cantelure on the bullet. The bullet is a Remington soft point 55 grain PLHP. Does this matter? Is this groove designed for a different cartridge?

bullet

Thank you.

 

[highlander 5]

I trim before sizing,but I trim to 1.745 and upon sizing the cases come out at 1.748-1.751.
I use Redding full length dies with a carbide expander ball.

 

[Julian537]

Highlander, What OAL are you using and with what bullet?

 

[kingmt]

Ether seat to the cantelure & forget about COL or seat to COL & forget about the cantelure but make sure they fit your chamber.

 

[Julian537]

Ether seat to the cantelure & forget about COL or seat to COL & forget about the cantelure but make sure they fit your chamber.

What are the benefits to each of these? I understand the cantelure will secure the bullet better, but I thought a COL that fits your chamber is better?

 

[PCCUSNRET]

What rifle are you shooting? I have a Remington 700 in .223 and there is no "safe" way for me to load the bullets you are talking about much further than the cantelure. You need to have .223 of the bullet inside the neck (that is .223 after the taper stops). I think you will find that this puts this particular bullet just about to where the top of the neck aligns with the cantelure. I shoot mine primarily out of bolt action so I don't crimp these bullets.

 

[Julian537]

here is a picture of the test round. you can see the cantelure is above the case rim. it is 2.258 OAL.

 

[dmazur]

I don't have an exact match for your bullet, but a Sierra manual shows a COL of 2.230" for their SMP (semi-pointed) 55gr bullet. From the picture, it looks like the Remington might be closer to that profile than a FMJBT (full metal jacket boat-tail).

Typically, the cannelure is located to provide proper feeding in semi-auto rifles, and to provide a place to perform a crimp without damaging the bullet.

I'm guessing you're using a COL which is recommended for a different bullet.