Trimming brass

[tink77]

If max case length for 223 is 1.760, and trim length is 1.750, do you have to trim the cases if they are 1.760 or less? I would think you don't have to trim to 1.750. Been reloading pistol for about 15 years but rifle is new to me. I never had to trim pistol.

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

I have done both. Leave them if they are within spec, and trim them to suggested length. If I was just making ammo, I wouldn't worry about it. If I was making the most accurate stuff I could, I would obviously trim. For ar shooting, I don't mess with it anymore. I've never noticed a difference. I've always trimmed for my bolt action, but they seem to stretch with my hotter loading I do for it.

 

[tink77]

I'm just shooting, no real need for even length cases. I'll just trim all the case over 1.760 to 1.750, and load the rest. Thanks!

 

[PapaG]

I hardly ever trim handgun brass. I almost always trim rifle brass unless it is within .003" of the trim to length. That said, I probably load 25% of the quantity I used to load. Since the bulk of my reloads are with cast bullets, uniformity is even more critical. (Rifle).

 

[243winxb]

When Brass reaches maximum, trim back. If you crimp, best if trim length is about tthe same. A taper is better than a roll crimp. Or use the Lee factory crimp die. I dont crimp.

 

[tink77]

I use the Lee factory crimp die, all my brass is just under 1.760, i see no need to trim it this time.

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

What gun are you loading for? Just curious?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I only trim rifle brass when it exceeds the max recommend length.

 

[Dudedog]

I have my WFT (Worlds Finest Trimmer)setup for 1.750 and just run them all thru. They get trimmed if they need it and if they don't they don't. Faster than measuring them to see if they need to be trimmed.

 

[hdbiker]

if your not crimping anything under max length is OK,but if your crimping ( 30-30 Win ) anything under max length is OK BUT all should be trimmed to same length. hdbiker

 

[joem1945]

I trim my .223 brass to 1.750. Any over 1.753 go in the trimmer to 1.750. I have a SS press set up with a Dillon AT1200 trimmer.

 

[Blue68f100]

I run all my 223 brass through the trimmer. By the time it takes to measure them I can have them trimmed. Using the Trim-it II

 

[Sunray]

You only need to trim(chamfer and deburr) when the brass is longer than the Max case length. .223 at 1.755" doesn't require trimming. 1.765" does.
Best if your cases start out the same length. So if you buy BNIB brass, check it for length and trim as required. All of it will need the chamfering and deburring though. Takes the place of the flaring of a hand gun case.

 

[springer99]

if your not crimping anything under max length is OK,but if your crimping ( 30-30 Win ) anything under max length is OK BUT all should be trimmed to same length. hdbiker

Bingo!! And only trim after resizing.

 

[Reefinmike]

I have my WFT (Worlds Finest Trimmer)setup for 1.750 and just run them all thru. They get trimmed if they need it and if they don't they don't. Faster than measuring them to see if they need to be trimmed.

I second this- get a wft trimmer, it is faster than sitting there and measuring every piece of brass and it will trim the brass if needed. I used to absolutely abhor trimming brass until I ponied up the dough for a wft. I like trimming brass now. fun, easy and extremely consistent. all brass is +/- .0005" of the set trim length.

 

[HKGuns]

I have my WFT (Worlds Finest Trimmer)setup for 1.750 and just run them all thru. They get trimmed if they need it and if they don't they don't. Faster than measuring them to see if they need to be trimmed.

I do the same with my Giraud. If you are reloading for accuracy, consistent case length is important.

Giraud is a fantastic trimmer.

 

[kostner]

I run all my 5.56/223 brass through the trimmer. By the time it takes to measure them I can have them trimmed. Have a Possum Hollow trimmer mounted in a drill press and it take only seconds.