223 brass sizing question

[crackleback]

I've reloaded lots of straight wall handgun ammo but relatively new to bottleneck cases. I'm processing a lot of .223 brass and using calipers and a Hornady Headspace Gauge I've measured a lot of once fired brass I bought. The cases measured anywhere from 1.450 to 1.470, with most around 1.460. Setting up my RCBS full length sizing die as per the instructions all cases came out resized to 1.460 plus or minus .001.

Those that were originally shorter than 1.460 stayed the same meaning I have some ranging down to 1.450. I'm I going to be OK using a length that short? I just bought a WFT trimmer that trims off the case shoulder so that means the necks will be uniform but the overall length of the case will vary as much as .010. Even though after bullet seating the OAL of the cartridges will be the same should I be concerned?

These will be for plinking in an AR but I need to get a good feel as to what I'm doing. I guess after several firings the case will stretch and all this will not be an issue. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

No problem, unless you are trying to crimp.

If you are trying to crimp with the seating die, it will not work.

They all have to be the same length OAL for uniform crimp.

You might get away with that much length variation by using a Lee FCD collet crimp die.
It runs off the shell holder, and case length is not overly critical.

rc

 

[steve4102]

Don'y measure other peoples fired cases for headspace, it means nothing to you and your rifle.

 

[243winxb]

Measuring Head to Datum

http://www.saami.org/PubResources/CC_Drawings/Rifle/223%20Remington.pdf See SAAMI. Load them with no crimp, they will grow. Forget about trim length. Worry about case head separation. A maximum chamber head to datum is 1.4736" The minimum factory loaded ammo or FL sized brass, head to datum measurement is 1.4596" The gives a total head clearence of .014" If brass is reloaded and shot a few time @ .014", you will get a separation at the head or in the case body. A 1 time firing of your short brass should not be a problem. I would guess your rifles chanber is not at maximum?? Compare your fired brass, from your rifle, using your Hornady thing to know. Load & shoot. Like i posted here > http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/402790_223_case_sizing_question.html