Trim before progressive press??

Status
Not open for further replies.

helz_mcfugly

Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2008
Messages
735
Location
TX
I have a qustion for the wiser. this is how RCBS says to do auto rifle. lets say .223 for an AR15
clean first, then trim and debur, then lube, then set up my RCBS Pro 2000 press. and run them through.
station 1 : deprime / full length size.
station 2 : prime
station 3: powder charge
station 4: powder check
station 5: seating / crimping

and being that when you full length size your brass in station 1 it makes it stretch so Ill have trimmed them first at say 1.755, (1.760 is max for an AR) when I go to use the press how it is intended Ill be stretching them to who knows what, maybe to long. Thats the only thing I dont understand about a progressive press. I always thought you had to full length size THEN trim to get a perfect shoulder and case length. am I correct or is there something Im missing.
 
They are wrong,sizing and trimming must be done before finishing the process.
Progressives do have their limitations where rifle ammo is concerned.
 
Here is how I do it
1. deprime in companion press
2. clean in tumbler
3. lube then FLS in station 1
4. Trim and debur
5. prime with a hand primer.
after step 5 is where I go to my progressive press and back out the FLS die in station 1.
6. Powder charge in station 3
7. Powder check in station 4
8. crimp / seat in station 5

I think the prograssive press was designed more for pistol.
 
You are doing it right, you need to size before you trim. A lot of people that load on progressives will use the RCBS X-die so they don't have to trim and can load straight through. You will have to trim one time with the X-die but not supposed to have to trim again after.
Rusty
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top