how accurate are lee case trimers ?

Tak

Tak

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I was trying to trim my 30-30 cases with the lee case trimer.

the book says max lenght 2.039 and trim too 2.029, but with the case trimmer I trim to about 2.043.

Is it normal or am I supposed to "adjust" the pilot gage?

For now i'm using my hands, I don't have an electric screwdriver here.

Shouls I aim for the "trim to lenght or the max lenght with the trimmer?
 
Cummins4x4 said:
Used them for years, sounds like the pilot might not be screwed in all the way or you are not finishing the cut?
Click to expand...

Yeah it was screwed in all the way, even had to use a wise grip since it wouldn't go all the way there.

Just tryied just pushing harder, went down to 2.041.

Just measured the pilot :

2.041

Either the vernier or the pilot is off

But my vernier measures my .308 bullets .308
 
Tak said:
I was trying to trim my 30-30 cases with the lee case trimer.

the book says max lenght 2.039 and trim too 2.029, but with the case trimmer I trim to about 2.043.

Is it normal or am I supposed to "adjust" the pilot gage?

For now i'm using my hands, I don't have an electric screwdriver here.

Shouls I aim for the "trim to lenght or the max lenght with the trimmer?
Click to expand...

I used to aim for "trim to length". However, I am now aiming for the .005 off the max length. Why? Apparently the theory is that longer case neck length (as long at the neck is concentric) improves accuracy by ensuring the bullet is kept "straight" for a longer period of time. If I could, I would aim for the Max length, but I don't think my brass will get long enough before I reach 3 loadings (i.e., to avoid any unexpected problems, I am limiting my hunting brass to three loadings - what others with far more hunting experience a have suggested - older brass well be left for practice/fouling).

I have aSinclairs chamber length insert. In the instructions for this tool, it suggests that one trim .023 off the length of their chamber IF THEY DON'T use the Max length SAAMI Spec (which Sinclair recommends). My chamber on my .300 WSM measures 2.128", meaning that I would be safe with a trim to length of 2.105, or .005" longer than the SAAMI max length is 2.100.
 
"...trim too..." To, two, too.
As long as your cases are between the trim-to and max case length, you're fine. Having the cases all the same length within that spread, is more important.
 
not realy, a few barbs on a few cases.

But the brass was only fired once.

I might end up trimming the pilot gage but I don't wanna do it before I'm absolutely sure my vernier is correct. I ordered a new digital one just in case...
 
As a sort of aside, you can most certainly load the same brass more than three times. I start thinking about chucking it out after three trimmings, but other than the unfired brass I have at the moment, all my present brass lots have been fired more than three times.
 
rral22 said:
As a sort of aside, you can most certainly load the same brass more than three times. I start thinking about chucking it out after three trimmings, but other than the unfired brass I have at the moment, all my present brass lots have been fired more than three times.
Click to expand...

I don't know, if my vernier is right, wich I'll find out soon enough, some of the once fired brass already exceeds SAAMI Specs...
 
Tak, I would double check that measurement on a micrometer. My buddy who runs his own machine shop warned me there can be a lot of variation in readings due to human error. A micrometer is far more accurate, you could ask someone who has one to verify your measurements. If Lee's pilot is off spec they should have no problem sending you another one. Good luck, Rob
 
Let us know how it works out, as I would be among those surprised to find that the Lee trimmer pilot is the wrong length.
 
senior said:
Yes check your caliper.
But either way loading for the 30-30 means you'll likely be crimping so length consistancy is more important than length it'self.
Click to expand...

Yeah about that, is it mandatory ? Some seem to say yes, others say no... It's for my marlin 336.

I bought the dies from lee but I'm not sure if they crimp..
 
Tak said:
Yeah about that, is it mandatory ? Some seem to say yes, others say no... It's for my marlin 336.

I bought the dies from lee but I'm not sure if they crimp..
Click to expand...

Just awnsered my question, yes they do (obviously apparently :p), but it seems like another good reason to acheived consistent case lenght.

@ Cosmic, would a micrometer do it ? 'Cause I think it's worth it to achieve .005

The new digital vernier I bought is advertised to be accurate up to .001
 
I found one of those cheap digital calipers to be quite accurate, well at least up to one inch, I only have a 1" microminter to check them against but they're dead nuts on up to it.
 
I use my lee case trimmers by hand, turning it until its not cutting anymore, i find it does a better job when putting quite a bit of pressure on for the first couple cuts

for the .243/.303 i find it leaves it a couple thou over, which is fixed when i use the chamfer tool
maybe they purposely make it so its a few thousanths over just so when you chamfer off the edges it goes to the correct length?
 
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