need help on case trimming

[m715kaiser]

Ok ive been reloading 45acp for a while.Decided to tackle my 30/06.
My speer reloading book is not clear on when to measure and trim the case.
I am using my once fired factory remmington brass.
Do I measure the case length before full length resizing or after I have resized the case?
Hope this is clear enough.

 

[agd1953]

You resize then measure and trim to the "trim to length" in the manual. My lyman manual lists a trim to length of 2.484" for the 30-06 and a maximum lenth of 2.494", thats the measurment on the drawing. The drawing measuments are all maximum.

 

[m715kaiser]

ok so what happens if i trim to just below the maximum case length instead of the trim to length?
Just curious

 

[byf43]

ok so what happens if i trim to just below the maximum case length instead of the trim to length?
Just curious

IMO, if you trim just below the 'maximum' length, you'll be trimming the cases more (and working them more).

I've been loading the '06 for a lot of years.
I have always trimmed to the 'trim to' length of 2.484" because the experts said to.
(I don't mean to sound sarcastic. Just stating why I trim to the stated length.)

Also, after trimming, don't forget to de-burr (chamfer) the casemouths inside and out.

 

[m715kaiser]

Thanks for the info
one more for ya
will I have to trim after each time the case is fired?
I know the 45acp is no comparison to the 30/06 but I have not had to trim the 45acp yet.

 

[scrat]

i guess thats why i like the lee system. when ever i do a full length size i dont even measure anymore. i just put them in the trim guages one at a time and if they need trimming they will trim if they dont then they wont. takes the guess work out of it.

 

[m715kaiser]

K but this poor boy uses an rcbs single press.
guess I will have to measure each one
thanks for the info

 

[m715kaiser]

Does it still hold true when seating the bullet to seat it just deep enough so that it falls in and out of the chamber without sticking? thats how I load the 45acp is this the same with the high powered rifle?

 

[byf43]

will I have to trim after each time the case is fired?
I know the 45acp is no comparison to the 30/06 but I have not had to trim the 45acp yet.

.45 acp. . . I've never had to trim one, yet. Never.

.30-'06. . . Usually, every other time, to after the third time loaded, I'll trim them. I load in 'batches'. If one batch needs trimming, I'll watch the others.

I have an old friend that used to load a near maximum charge of IMR 3031 in the '06, and he had to trim cases after ONE firing. (Rifle was a Remington pump. . . 760, I think.)
Well, he was preparing to go hunting and asked me to load him some of his 'favorite' loads. (He had to work O.T. and couldn't get his loads ready.)
When I read what he was charging the cases with, my only reaction was He was 4 grains OVER maximum!!!!!
No wonder he was stretching the snot outta his cases!
I worked up a really accurate load for his rifle. One that was nowhere near maximum!!!!!!!
(BTW, he took an 8 pt whitetail at 125 yds, one shot, with my loads that I worked up for him. I'm kinda proud of that.) That buck dropped where he was hit.

Bottom line. . . I don't load for maximum velocities. I load for accuracy and to hit the sweet spot of around 2800 fps.

Trimming should be done when needed and probably not after every loading.

IHTH.

 

[Idano]

m715kaiser,

The information that everyone has given you is correct for standard full length resizer dies. However, you don't have to trim again if you use a RCBS X-Die and you may only have to trim once or twice during the life of the case if you only neck resize. Whether you decide to go X-Die or the neck only sizing die depends on the following: Use the X-Die if you will use the shells in anything other then a bolt action rifle or in more then one gun. Use neck resizer die if you only load for one bolt action gun in that caliber or if you have more then one gun you keep your brass separate. Neck only resizing is easier on your brass and supposedly provides aids in accuracy since the brass is formed to the gun. I don't about the accuracy but if you neck resize you don't have to lube whole case and you only need to lube maybe every 10 neck. Using the X-Die assures that your brass is always back correct tolerances but does require that all cases are lubed. I personally use the X-Die on .223 and the neck only resizer on my 22-250 and 30-06.

 

[m715kaiser]

thanks and thanks again

 

[30Cal]

Does it still hold true when seating the bullet to seat it just deep enough so that it falls in and out of the chamber without sticking? thats how I load the 45acp is this the same with the high powered rifle?

It depends on how long the throat is on your chamber. With most fodder bullets (147-150gr FMJ/FMJBT), you'll run out of room in the magazine well before you get close to the lands. With match bullets, it might be worthwhile seating them pretty close to the lands (especially so if you're shooting long VLD-type bullets). But then again, we're talking about a surplus gasgun, complete with a one-size-fits-all stock and rattling handguards, so that is probably all in the noise.

Ty

 

[scrat]

Back to the original question.

After firing a round, the round will be formed to your guns chamber and slightly elongated. However this is not the time to even think about checking the length. here is the order

Shoot your ammo
Go home
Clean and inspect your cases,(case tumbler or by hand)
Lube your cases (by spray or case lube pad)
Resize your Cases ( neck size only if you are shooting one out a time through bolt action.)(full size the case if its going in a semiauto, lever action, or in a magazine)
Measure your cases, either with a caliper or some kind of guage. this is where i just set up the case trimmer and run them all through. if the case is below max length nothing will happen. if its longer then it will be trimmed down.
PrimeClean your prime hole and flash hole. then wipe down case and prime the cases
Charge what ever system you are using now you need to charge the cases (add the powder)
Seat bulletAgain whatever bullet you are using seat the bullet long, check the max length then press a little more until you get the desired length. now seat all your bullets.
CrimpCrimp your rounds. doesnt matter what kind of system you are using you need to crimp your rounds to ensure a good seal tight fit.

For charge loads and bullet type you need to refer to your loading manual. now these are the steps that i use as well as a lot other people.