Case Length

[hughie]

So I FL sized my once fired 204 cases. The OAL of cases varies but not to the point of being over length. Sould I trim all to same length or just load them.
How will this effect accuracy. Thanks

 

[jwrowland77]

Consistency is the key.

 

[Tom1417]

If I were reloading for sheer accuracy I would trim them all to a consistent length. This will give you the most consistent bullet release shot to shot. But if it's just plunking ammo and they are all under max length I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[USSR]

Establish good habits from the get-go; trim them all to the same length.

Don

 

[hughie]

Thanks for input. I will trim them all. Looking at a Wilson trimmer, what do ya think about them

 

[UziLand]

Never looked at the Wilson trimmer, How much are they? I can tell you from personal experience that the Lee trimmer and the drill are tough on the hands, even if you have the Lee ball grip.

 

[Walkalong]

The Wilson is slow, but does a great job. I used it on 6PPC, and now use it on the final cut on .308 after trimming it close with a WFT.

The Forster is the next best of the hand trimmers. Very good trimmer.

Can you, your rifle, and your load take advantage of cases trimmed dead square and all the exact same length? I don't know. It would have to be a very accurate combination, but consistency never hurts.

And as Don said, good habits.

 

[higgite]

Thanks for input. I will trim them all. Looking at a Wilson trimmer, what do ya think about them

Wilson makes an excellent trimmer. Like Walkalong said, it's slow, but precise. It consistently trims +/- .0005" IME. Super easy to dial in with the micrometer option.

 

[spitballer]

I don't trim my fire-formed cases until they get to within .003" of the bore, but I would be inclined to at least segregate different lengths into groups to make them easier to monitor.

 

[USSR]

Looking at a Wilson trimmer, what do ya think about them

It's what I use. Slow and precise describes it well. However, I bought a power attachment from Sinclair for $15 that replaces the handle, attached my cordless drill to it, and now it is fast and precise.

Don

 

[gamestalker]

I keep my brass all the same lengths and within spec..

GS

 

[dagger dog]

You definitely want to trim if you crimp, if you don't crimp, and I don't see why you would unless your shooting an AR type in 204 Ruger, or using a progressive press, then you really don't need to crimp until they reach the maximum spec.

I don't mind the extra work and enjoy the menial brass prep, it's a hobby right not a job ?