Case Trimming

[Chopper T]

I've recently began reloading rifle cartridges. Up until this point I have not needed to trim cases as I have only reloaded straight walled revolver rounds. Anyway, I'm new to case trimming and I have a really simple question. Is there any reason that I should not simply use a "template case" trimmed to the recommended trim case length to set my Trim Pro 2 and then leave it there and run the rest of my resized cases through it? I am reloading for my Winchester Model 94 .30 .30.
Thanks

 

[nettlle]

As long as you spot check your lengths that should be fine.

 

[Walkalong]

When I first started trimming cases I checked every single one and sweated any that were off even .001. Eventually I gained confidence in my cases being close enough (+/- .002 is close enough IMHO for anything but the most critical reloading) and repeatable if I was careful with my technique with the trimmer.

I would recommend you do the same, take care and measure plenty of cases to start to see what works, what doesn't, and gain confidence.

After that, yes, just spot check. I like to check one at the end of a run, if it's OK, most likely the ones in between are.

 

[Charlie98]

That's kind of what I do. I usually have some processed cases on the bench, I just find one that is the length I'm looking to trim to, use it to set the trimmer, and go to town.

Trimming is probably the LEAST favorite thing I do on the reloading bench...

 

[rdnktrkr]

I load rifles in 100s, I get the shortest one and trim each to the same then set my dies for that 100. If it is for the Garand or 03A3, I don't worry about a thousandth or 2.

 

[Chopper T]

As long as you spot check your lengths that should be fine.

thanks

 

[Chopper T]

When I first started trimming cases I checked every single one and sweated any that were off even .001. Eventually I gained confidence in my cases being close enough (+/- .002 is close enough IMHO for anything but the most critical reloading) and repeatable if I was careful with my technique with the trimmer.

I would recommend you do the same, take care and measure plenty of cases to start to see what works, what doesn't, and gain confidence.

After that, yes, just spot check. I like to check one at the end of a run, if it's OK, most likely the ones in between are.

 

[Chopper T]

I appreciate the feedback everyone.

 

[lightman]

I have 1 case trimmed to the correct length for every caliber that I load for to use for setting up my trimmer. I'll still measure the first case that I trim but the sample case speeds up the set-up and has worked well.

 

[hotshot357]

Thanks Chopper T for the post. I am starting to load .30-30 ammo also. I have purchased a L.E. Wilson case trimmer and had questions like you. Your post has answered a lot of them! I wanted to thank you and thanks to all that replied to the post. Steve Berry.

 

[Walkalong]

Wilson: The best, square, no flex. (Flex from force exerted sideways on handle.)


Forster: Very, very good. Square, almost no flex.


RCBS: Very good. Fairly square, not much flex. (And of course we can prevent much of it as the operator)

 

[JFrank]

I thought my cases were trimmed nice a square until I purchased a Wilson

 

[ParallelCode]

I've had a good experience with the Hornady Lock-n-load case-trimmer. After I get it configured to the desired length I just spot check a handful of cases.

 

[hotshot357]

I just received the base (Sinclair calls it a Platform) for my L.E. Wilson trimmer. It even has a teflon disk to hit the cartridge on and not damage it.

 

[Walkalong]

Cool. I have an old Wilson trimmer, a few case holders, and the Sinclair version of the stand.

 

[JFrank]

I’m too cheap to buy a stand, I use a small vice.

 

[cw308]

I have been using the RCBS trim Pro case trimmer for 25+ years , I shoot benchrest only 308 , I trim to the middle of the trim chart and keep it there , I trim after every firing so it's more of a clean up . Keeping all your brass trimmed to the same length is good . I switched to cleaning with a wet tumbler using SS Pins and liquid detergent , brass looks brand new inside and out even primer pockets , easier on dies and trimmer.

 

[JFrank]

I have been using the RCBS trim Pro case trimmer for 25+ years , I shoot benchrest only 308 , I trim to the middle of the trim chart and keep it there , I trim after every firing so it's more of a clean up . Keeping all your brass trimmed to the same length is good . I switched to cleaning with a wet tumbler using SS Pins and liquid detergent , brass looks brand new inside and out even primer pockets , easier on dies and trimmer.

What brand brass are you parcel to?
I’ve been running Nosler in a 308 and may switch to something different, probably Lapua but I’m not really sure yet.