Case Trimming

[jethro75]

I just got into reloading and was wondering how critical it is to have all the case th e same length. I started preparing some 223 brass and in my sierra loading manual it says max length is 1.760 and trim to length is 1.750. I have cases that I full length sized and they range from 1.755 to 1.759. should I trim them all to 1.750, 1.755, or just load them. The cases are onced fired from my gun and from the same box.

 

[Grumulkin]

I would load them again since they're all at or under the maximum allowed length. After the next resizing, you will probably need to trim them.

 

[Grump]

I'm trying to go slow enough that I don't get blisters.

Had so many, I decided to just trim to 1.755, to reduce the amount of grinding. Some were starting out at 1.765! Think it's time to sharpen that thing.

Now, in the AR, I just checked on fired after being trimmed to 1.755, and it grew on resizing to 1.758-759. Maybe I need to get an X Die after all. I can't stomach the thought of triming every two or three firings!

 

[Mantis]

Check out the Giraud trimmer http://www.giraudtool.com/prod02.htm
It almost makes trimming fun.

 

[jethro75]

Does a few thousenths of an inch variences in case length make that much if any difference in preformance?

 

[Mantis]

Does a few thousenths of an inch variences in case length make that much if any difference in preformance?

It depends upon what kind of shooting you are doing. If you are shooting benchrest it might, but if you are plinking or hunting, probably not. I shoot .223 in Highpower competition, and I can't hold good enough to see the accuracy difference a few thou would make in the length of my brass.

 

[Wilburs Horse]

Don't sweat a few thousandths diff. in case length since you are just starting out. If you are like most of us reloaders you will gradually try to improve to near perfection all this length, neck thickness, primer pocket uniformity, etc. etc. and all will come naturally as you learn new things and techniques. Keep your cases in lots of 50 or 100 and use the lot number when documenting a load you like. Good luck. It is a great hobby.