.223-Cases too short to load?

[Red_Dog_Leader]

Prepping some .223 brass to reload soon and some are 1.738 to 1.742...LC's/08.

I was was just curious if there was a "too short to load" spec?

Thanks, T

 

[JimKirk]

No.
There is no problem unless you are crimping, you may end up with too short OAL if you use the channelure to crimp in. I don't crimp any rifle rounds myself. You will just have less neck to hold the bullet, but there should be no problem.

Jimmy K

 

[Ol` Joe]

Have these cases been resized yet? If not they will grow when you size them.

 

[Red_Dog_Leader]

Ok, thanks.

 

[Red_Dog_Leader]

Have these cases been resized yet? If not they will grow when you size them.

Only LEE collet sized.

 

[medalguy]

Size first, then trim as they do usually grow when sized. They can be a little short and work fine as long as they will hold the bullet. I suppose if you REALLY trimmed them SHORT , they might not work.

 

[williek69]

I had the same issue/question. My .223 cases were short (new) both before AND after sizing. I didn't see any significant lengthening post sizing, either.

I just went by cartridge overall length and all was good.

I hope this helps.

Willie

 

[243winxb]

Trim length for the RCBS X die is 1.740", this is shorter than the normal 1.750" Brass can and does get shorter on firing. To short is when the neck no longer seals the chamber and gas/pressure come back past the shoulder. I do not know how short this is. Brass grows when FLRSed.

 

[Walkalong]

The front part of the brass body does 99% of sealing the chamber. The necks can be very short and still be safe, although you will be getting damage to the neck area of the chamber farther back than usual.

1.730 to 1.750 (and probably 1.760 in most guns) is perfectly fine (IMHO), although I would like to see my brass all at 1.750, with a minimum of 1.740.

 

[243winxb]

you will be getting damage to the neck area of the chamber farther back than usual.

Very true, plus the nose of the bullet must seal the bore before the base of the bullet leaves the case mouth or you get more gas cutting of the chamber throat then normal. This photo would seem to show that the neck did not seal the chamber on firing?

 

[Walkalong]

That is exactly what happened. Gas leaked by the neck and pushed a big dent in the body. It is generally from too low of a pressure. According to Speer it is mostly associated with big cases full of very slow burning powder not getting up to pressure. Obviously it can happen in most any case if the condition is right.

 

[Beelzy]

That case looks damaged by a headspace issue. Notice those two sealing rings on the case
neck. That's not good.

 

[243winxb]

That case looks damaged by a headspace issue. Notice those two sealing rings on the case
neck. That's not good.

Case was neck turned and bushing dies were used. Bushings do not size the full length of the neck, thats why you see larger neck near the shoulder.

According to Speer it is mostly associated with big cases full of very slow burning powder not getting up to pressure.

Correct, seen it also on other forums.

 

[Red_Dog_Leader]

Thanks for all the replies.