I've used one since I began loading with up to 3 different calibers. I use by hand but have also used in a power drill in the past. As long as the neck fits your chamber, longer than spec is irrelavent and longer is better within the range of the spec's if you go that way. As far as loading 3 times, I have some brass that have gone through 10-20 loadings. All my brass get a full work over whether new or re-fired so I'm likely to discover defects before loading.
how accurate are lee case trimers ?
- Thread starter Tak
- Start date
I was told by someone at the range yesterday that it really wasn't unusual to have to trim the lee pilots thought... I might just have to do that but I wanna double check with another instrument to make sure... As soon as it is done, I'll post the results.
I also just sent an e-mail to Lee, inquiring what the propre lenght is for the 30-30 pilot gauge. I also asked them about the chamfer tool incidence on the final lenght.
I don't mind being a little longer if it fits the chamber, the thing is my brass averages between 2.030 ish to 2.041, I would like to narrow this down a bit since I'll have to crimp the bullets apparently and this needs consistency... I don't wanna have to shoot my shorter brass 3 times just to make it longer before I get a standart lenght
I use the Lee trimmers and have found them to be good tools. As already stated, hold the case firmly in the collet and apply a little pressure to the cutter with the other hand. Then use the chamfer tool to clean up the end.
This may be a stupid question but are the cases your trimming cleaned and has the primer pocket been cleaned? I doubt it but maybe a bit of crap is stopping the pilot form going through the flash hole and stopping on the collet causing your trim length to be long.
For my .303 Brit since I have the data an front of me the max case length is 2.222. When I trim with the Lee trimmer my cases come out 2.212 consistantly. The other thing is to grab a set of digital calipers for proper measurements.
Cactus
This may be a stupid question but are the cases your trimming cleaned and has the primer pocket been cleaned? I doubt it but maybe a bit of crap is stopping the pilot form going through the flash hole and stopping on the collet causing your trim length to be long.
For my .303 Brit since I have the data an front of me the max case length is 2.222. When I trim with the Lee trimmer my cases come out 2.212 consistantly. The other thing is to grab a set of digital calipers for proper measurements.
Cactus
No the primer pockets are empty and clean, the pilot is really stopping against the base of the shell holder.
I'ts either the pilot gauge that's wrong or the vernier, but I'll find out tomorrow for sure, I work in an air force unit, I'm sure the techs there have some pretty accurate micrometers to work on the helicopters
I'ts either the pilot gauge that's wrong or the vernier, but I'll find out tomorrow for sure, I work in an air force unit, I'm sure the techs there have some pretty accurate micrometers to work on the helicopters
Aight I got the info, my pilot gauge is 2.039, measured with a vernier they use to work on the helos... pretty damn accurate apparently.
So it's exactly the max lenght as per SAAMI numbers.
I guess I'll leave it that way and shoot my shorter brass first in order to get it all to same lenght, and them keep trimming to max lenght with the tool.
It also means my vernier is at least .002 off
On lee website, they say their tolerance for pilot gauges is +.000 and -.015 from max lenght so I guess it's bang on. I wouldn't have minded to have a bit shorter one but I'll probably leave it that way for now.
So it's exactly the max lenght as per SAAMI numbers.
I guess I'll leave it that way and shoot my shorter brass first in order to get it all to same lenght, and them keep trimming to max lenght with the tool.
It also means my vernier is at least .002 off
On lee website, they say their tolerance for pilot gauges is +.000 and -.015 from max lenght so I guess it's bang on. I wouldn't have minded to have a bit shorter one but I'll probably leave it that way for now.
Shorter is better than longer. You want to ensure consistent release of the bullet. After attending a presentation on ringing the best out of your rifle and reloading I trim my cases after about 5 firings. I want to keep them as close as possible to the same length.
Yeah I had measured the pilot.
BTW, Here's what LEE awnsered :
Maximum length is specified at 2.039". If you want to trim closer to 2.029, just grind, file, or stone .009 off the end of the small diameter pin. If you do not feel you can do this, just return the gage with an empty case to the factory and we will correct it for you.
Along the way you asked about crimping for that lever. I would. It's a tube magazine, right? For hunting? The standard Lee dies will crimp OK if you take pains to set the die properly. You can also get their factory crimp die which is much easier to set and not fussy on such a consistent case length. It will also crimp bullets that don't have a cannelure so you would have a greater selection of bullets and also seating depths.
Use a drill or power screwdriver with those pilots, it's light years easier. Lee also sells a simple pull type trimmer that works like an engine recoil starter.
One other thing, it's important to make sure the cases are seated in the holder properly so that they are centered/aligned. If you use a drill you will see what I mean if they are not seated properly. The cases that I have checked are under the max spec.
Use a drill or power screwdriver with those pilots, it's light years easier. Lee also sells a simple pull type trimmer that works like an engine recoil starter.
One other thing, it's important to make sure the cases are seated in the holder properly so that they are centered/aligned. If you use a drill you will see what I mean if they are not seated properly. The cases that I have checked are under the max spec.
Another thing, I found that the first firing of some factory 7X57 ammo needed a lot of trimming. Either that PRVI brass was a bit longer than spec or that first firing gave most of the stretch as the brass conformed to the chamber. Subsequent couple of firings did not even need trimming with full length sizing.
Aight I got the info, my pilot gauge is 2.039, measured with a vernier they use to work on the helos... pretty damn accurate apparently.
So it's exactly the max lenght as per SAAMI numbers.
I guess I'll leave it that way and shoot my shorter brass first in order to get it all to same lenght, and them keep trimming to max lenght with the tool.
It also means my vernier is at least .002 off
On lee website, they say their tolerance for pilot gauges is +.000 and -.015 from max lenght so I guess it's bang on. I wouldn't have minded to have a bit shorter one but I'll probably leave it that way for now.
I'd double check with the helicopter mechanics, make sure it's not a vernier that they use on the SeaKings...
I'd double check with the helicopter mechanics, make sure it's not a vernier that they use on the SeaKings...
No it's actually the Bell 412
As far as factory crimp die goes, yeah I might end up getting that. For now I use the seating die with pretty good results as long as case lenght consistency is great. I made myself a dummy round so I just have to put it back in the seating die and adjust untill die touches shoulder and bullet touches seater and it's all set.
