Trimming 308 brass

[bryan35]

New to reloading and wondering if it is a good idea to trim every piece of brass so it is the same length? Resized 50 and they are all under the max case length. (1.99-2.015). Will it affect accuracy much using the varied case lengths?

 

[Trinimon]

Trim 'em so they're all uniform in length.

 

[redryder]

Trim them all the same length. I trim a little shorter than the trim to length.

 

[chalkriver]

Trim them all the same length. I trim a little shorter than the trim to length.

The recommended length is 2.005 ...what length do you trim yours to ? As I have a bunch of brass that is under that min length and was wondering if I could do what you mentioned.

 

[bryan35]

Thanks trimmed them all to about 1.997-2.000. Using the Lee trimmer guide.

 

[redryder]

Thanks trimmed them all to about 1.997-2.000. Using the Lee trimmer guide.

Sounds about the same as I do.

 

[woodlotowner]

If you are roll crimping then by all means trim them all exactly the same length. If using a factory crimp die then a little variation in lengths is very forgiving. If you don't crimp, then you don't need to trim any cases until you are approaching 0.010" over the 'trim to length' quoted in the SAMMI specs, which in the case of the .308 is 2.005" as noted above. It's your C.O.L that (may) affect accuracy and this measurement is independent of case length. JMO.

 

[bryan35]

Where do you find the 'trim to length' quoted in the SAMMI specs?
I only see the max length of 2.015 here.
http://www.saami.org/PubResources/CC_Drawings/Rifle/308 Winchester.pdf
Thanks.

 

[Hoag]

Reloading manuals often have the trim to length listed. If yours doesn't, it is a good idea to pick up one that does. I just checked in the manuals that I have and the Hornady and Lyman manuals do have it. The Nosler & Lee do not have it. An additional manual is a good thing because it will likely list powders, recipes, and bullets that may not be in the manual that you currently have.

 

[OldDude]

Reloading manuals often have the trim to length listed. If yours doesn't, it is a good idea to pick up one that does. I just checked in the manuals that I have and the Hornady and Lyman manuals do have it. The Nosler & Lee do not have it. An additional manual is a good thing because it will likely list powders, recipes, and bullets that may not be in the manual that you currently have.

The "trim-to" length listed in manuals is typically 0.010 shorter than the max case length, at least on the rifle cartridges I've paid attention to...
A guy can't have too many reloading manuals... ;-})>