Case Trimming

[Gerald]

How much under COL do most guys trim their fired brass? In particular .243.

 

[Alpheus]

Why would you trim under case length?

 

[Gerald]

If I trim to COL in .243 (2.045) load the cartridge and fire, the cartridge will stretch beyond 2.045 correct? Now it will need to be trimmed and if I trim back to 2.045, load and fire again then I have to trim again. I don't want to trim every time I load.

 

[Mightymoose410]

Are you full length sizing? There is usually some amount of trimming necessary but I can be reduced with neck sizing in my experience

 

[Gerald]

I full length resize.

 

[Chas59]

Assuming it's over max for length, I just trim for consistency of case length. Brass seems to have its own mind as far as stretch goes, with the same brand brass stretching differently. If it's a big deal, get yourself a World's Finest Trimmer or a Giraud, makes trimming a breeze.
I've also bought new brass that's under the minimum trim length, but consistent, so not sure it matters a great deal to trim under length.

 

[Gerald]

I trim .025 under on the .243 and when I had a 22-250 I did the same. With my deer and moose loads I do not trim under because it is generally one firing.

 

[coleman1495]

The amount the brass grows is dependent on a few factors. The important thing is consistency and brass may not grow consistently.

After it has been reloaded a few times it should grow more consistently. You can skip trimming sometimes then.