Ok guys, help a traditional handloader with a question...

[RainDodger]

Although I use a Dillon SDB for pistol, I have always loaded my rifle cartridges with single stage presses.... so, I've got a question for you progressive press experts.

When loading cases that require occasional trimming, how do you handle it? Do you size on the progrossive, pull the case out and trim it, then put it back in the press? Does anyone ever trim their case(s) BEFORE sizing, taking a guess at what the end result will be after sizing, thus retaining the full advantage of the progressive?

I realize that some press manufacturers offer expensive trimming attachments (like the Dillon), but how do most of you guys do it?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[GarySTL]

Maybe I'm strange, but here's how I do my .308.
Deprime with universal decaper
Tumble to clean
Size
Trim as needed
Then back on the progressive to prime, drop powder, and seat bullets.

Probably not the most efficient.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have loaded some 223 Remington on my Hornady L-N-L and really do not like to do it that way. I prefer to load rifle on the single stage press.

On the progressive, I separated the resizing step from the reloading process so that I could trim the cases if required and clean off the lubricant before handling primer and powders.

I prime off the press then used the progressive to charge the case and seat the bullet.

It is my preferred way of loading the rifle on the progressive. lots of folks do go from fired case to loaded round on their progressive.

Dillon makes a trimmer that sizes the case and trims it in one step on the press.

For most of my rifle cartridges, I really do not shoot so many rounds at one time that I need the progressive for volume. I enjoy reloading and spend time at it frequently. I resize, trim and clean cases shortly after shooting and store them for a future loading session. Small batches get processed quickly. I may only load 50 or 100 rifle cartridges at a time for the most part.

 

[RainDodger]

Cfullgraff (and Gary), I tend to agree with you. Even with my Dillon Square Deal loading pistol, I still size and prime separately. I insert the case into station 2, already primed. It is slower, but it gives me a couple additional looks at the case and I see and feel every primer after seating it.

So far, I don't see a way with a progressive to really finish the job by including trimming, and still use the press to it's full advantage.

Looking forward to more opinions!

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

.223 goes like this:

1) resize/deprime on single stage
2) swage primer pocket if needed
3) trim/chamfer/deburr if needed
4) tumble
5) prime/charge/seat/crimp

if the brass is very dirty, i will sometimes tumble before step 1. i always tumble off the resizing lube before loading.

 

[cfullgraf]

Even with my Dillon Square Deal loading pistol, I still size and prime separately.

I separate handgun as well, but all is done on the progressive. Fewer strokes as I do multiple steps at each pull of the handle and I prefer to clean cases between resizing and reloading. Small resizing batches then stored away for a mega loading session at a later time.

i still hand prime though. I can hand prime 100 cases about as quick as filling a primer tube.

 

[Blue68f100]

I load 308 and Rem 7mm Mag on my LNL. I use the RCBS X-die on the 308. Once you do the initial trimming you no longer need to trim, at least I have not need to yet. I only neck size on the 7mm but I don't shoot very many of them.

 

[MechanicKid]

I just recently encountered this myself and given my findings, I too:

1. Deprime/form (station 1)
2. Trim, swage, uniform primer pocket, debur and chamfer
3. Tumble to remove lube
4. Prime (back on station 1)
5. Charge (station 2, modified for individual measure and pour)
6. Seat (Station 3)
7. If I feel the need, crimp (station 4)
8. Final inspection

A little experiment for you to try, this helped me decide:
Trim your brass first, then form, then measure again. I found that when re-forming brass, the collapsing of the collar and my choice of .01 headspace reduction actually causes the collar to "extrude" a little, giving me a bit of a longer case, along with the normal from firing. Very apparent on gas guns with once fired brass. After a couple of trimmings, this may not be needed, but always good to check. Ultimately, this does turn your progressive into a turreted single stage, but what the heck. Piece of mind is worth it.