I so after a long spell of not reloading I have begun to get set up to do it again as since retiring I have the time and the room to start up again. One thing I am finding is when trimming rifle cases .308 .30-06 .270 and .300wm I am finding it very difficult to get all of a batch the same. I Have been using a Lyman universal trimmer or the Lee case trimmers The lyman vary like this 2.008 2.0005 2.0075. I am thinking this is due to how much pressure I use on the crank but not sure. the other thing I am finding is the Lee trims to 2.015 or a little less .013 or .014. so it looks like the Lee trims to the spec for the .308 while with the Lyman I set it to the trim to length. I realise that the main thing is to trim all to the same length. so which length should I be using and how much should I worry about a couple of .000th
CASE Trimming no two cases the same
- Thread starter wce323078
- Start date
The differences in length that you are talking about is absolutely nothing, like ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
When you were reloading earlier in life you probably did like the rest of us did and only trimmed them if the cases, by looking at them, appeared to be getting longer. I used to keep a new factory loaded cartridge, or a new case, as a guide and if the fired cases were getting longer than my new case, I would trim them.
If your rifles are bolt action there is no need to crimp, so virtually no effect if the cases are shorter. When we used to make 270 brass from 30-06 they ended up about a tenth of an inch shorter than spec. This made no difference in shooting and eventually they grew to spec length.
I shoot at the same range you do, so some time we could get together some time.
Bruce
I never did much rifle when I was reloading before it was handgun and because I had a S&W 52 which shot wad cutter's only I had to watch the trim length pretty close but I was using the Lee trimers and never measured so didn't worry about it. Now with the rifle rounds and having a M1A and a M1 that I hope to reload for I am reading that length must be watched, But I am thinking as long as they are all very close and under max length it is not a problem. So thanks Bruce.
Bruce has stated the truth. You have no issues over a few thousands. I use Lee case length trimmers (numerous calibers) and they all come in a touch under SAMMI spec with a little variation in length. I have no concerns over the length....as long as none are over, that's what I look for. Happy reloading.
