Case Trim Length 30-30 HDY FTX

[Zerstoerer]

According to the Hornady Reloading Manual the regular Case Trim Length is 2.019" for the 30-30 Winchester.
For the 160 gr. FTX bullet they state a case trim length of 2.029 and say that this is due to the lengthened ogive of the FTX bullet.

"Sometimes this requires that the cartridge case to be trimmed shorter than the suggested .010" under SAAMI Max lenght that we recommend for conventional bullets"

Am I missing something here? Is 2.029 not longer than 2.019 already?

Also, I accidentally cut some cases to 2.010, shorter still - are those usuable as long COL is not exceeded? Or trashcan?

Thanks.

 

[Steve C]

Looking at the compiled load book for the 30-30 and a few other manuals all say the OAL for the 30-30 is 2.040" except Sierra which lists a "trim to length" of 2.029", Lymann which lists 2.039". Could be the difference is between maximum and minimum allowed.

Don't know what manual you found 2.019" as a trim to length but you may want to consult several sources. You are correct that it would be shorter than what's recommended by Hornady. I'd suggest following Hornady's trim to length when trimming your brass if using their bullets.

I accidentally cut some cases to 2.010, shorter still - are those usuable as long COL is not exceeded? Or trashcan?

There shouldn't be any danger to use the shorter case for target loads as the 30-30 head spaces off the rim, however you may have difficulty getting the crimp needed to hold bullets in place in a tubular magazine. If so, load them singly and keep them segregated. If shooting from a bolt gun or single shot there wouldn't be any problems.

 

[Zerstoerer]

Steve,

thanks I'll do that.
The 2.019" case trim length is in my Hornady reloading book on page 311, about the 30-30 Win.
Fourth printing from 1994, 1991 edition.
Typo maybe?

The 2.029 is from the download form HDY's website for the 160 FTX.

Thanks again.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Maximum SAAMI case length for the 30-30 is 2.039" and Hornady wants you to trim 30-30 brass used with a FTX bullet to 2.029". Hodgdon also recommends a trim length of 2.030". Hornady states you many need to trim the brass an additional 0.010" to 2.019".

 

[NCsmitty]

Far too much is made out of trim lengths and adhering to the bible-like dimensions given in manuals, and reloading neophytes worrying about having trimmed .010" too much.
The bottom line is, as long as the case is shorter than the listed max, so there is no interference with the chamber neck, you can make the case length anything reasonable. The only thing negative would be a possible carbon build up in the chamber neck area that solvent will easily remove.
IMO, having a consistent case length is more important for crimping purposes than the fact that it may be .010" undersize, according to the manual. The case will grow when it's shot. If that is the situation for me, I would trim all my cases to the same length.
If you have a few cases that have been trimmed short, then either set them aside and load separately or trim all your cases to the same length.
If you're not crimping, then case length consistency is not as important for plinking and hunting loads.
I hope that I have made sense here. I'm certainly not advocating a cavalier approach to trimming, but stuff happens and you need to deal with it in a common sense manner.



NCsmitty

 

[rcmodel]

Typo maybe?

Yes, I think it was a typo.
Hornady # 6 manual lists the SAAMI standard:
Max = 2.039".
Trim = 2.029".

The shorter 2.019" trim length for the longer FTX spitzer bullet is to keep the OAL under SAAMI max of 2.550" so they will work through a lever-action magazine.

rc

 

[rcmodel]

There is no safety issue with brass trimmed .006" too short.

Just make sure your crimp groove on the 32-20 bullet is in the right place for something in the order of 2.550" OAL or a little less for proper function in a lever-action.

Way to short OAL may very likely cause feed problems.

rc

 

[popper]

What NCsmitty says about crimp groove. I trim to SAAMI with FTX for my 336 30-30. No problems at all. Only trimmed once in about 8 reloads, still no problem. OAL is what counts and is difficult to measure accurately. Adjust the seater die for what fits your rifle. Set your F/L die to just set the shoulder back a couple thous. Check where your chamber's shoulder is on a fired full power load. Then you can N/S until the shoulder needs to be pushed back.

 

[Hummer70]

NXSmitty is right on. The 30-30 chamber is very long. I will uniform mine at max length.