neck size then trim?

BCrecce

BCrecce

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Have been handloading .303 with a lee classic and hand trimming but confused what order I should be doing this, neck size then trim or vise versa. If I trim 2.215" first then neck size, my cases slightly lengthen to about 2.218".If I size my neck first then trim, the neck throat opens back up slightly for the trimmer guide to squeeze in.
Am I overthinking the process?
 
It looks like you are trying to create a problem, where one doesn't exist.
.003" in the length of a case for a 303 is an absolute nothing.
 
Not trying to create a problem just create consistent case lengths.
I use the classic loader to prime aswell so I need to pound the case back into the neck sizer to install a new primer which ends up stretching the neck a second time. Seems to work the neck excessively going back and forth.
Anybody know how long the trimmer is supposed to trim, Im getting 2.215" but minimum is 2.212"?
Should I be sanding down my trimmer guide for neck clearance and shorter cases.
 
I am not familiar with the Lee trimmer I use a Rcbs. It should be adjustable for trim length is it not? As far as sanding the guide down I am not sure as I am not familiar with that trimmer maybe someone that knows that trimmer can help You out
 
BCrecce said:
I use the classic loader to prime aswell so I need to pound the case back into the neck sizer to install a new primer which ends up stretching the neck a second time. Seems to work the neck excessively going back and forth.
Click to expand...

Eh? You don't have run it up into the die to prime it.
You don't even have to have a die installed.
You are priming as the ram goes down.
 
Paatz said:
Eh? You don't have run it up into the die to prime it.
You don't even have to have a die installed.
You are priming as the ram goes down.
Click to expand...

The lee "classic loader" not a press setup.Literally "hand loading" with a hammer.
The hand trimmer/length guide is a pre set length for individual cases which may not be manufactured to consistent tolerences (looks like a tapered dowel pin screwed into the trimmer head)
 
The Lee Trimmer trims to SAAMI length. Ideally, you would want an adjustable trimmer so you can trim to the "Trim Length" as recommended in reloading manuals, the idea being that you trim the cases back to the recommended, case specific, "Trim Length". This allows multiple firings / reloads before the case extends back to SAAMI length and needs to be trimmed again.

The variation in the case lengths you document is likely due to slight variations as you screw the case specific "Case Length Gauge" into the "Cutter and Lock Stud". You could try gently sanding the pin on the Case Length Gauge so as to reduce it to, or close to, the shorter Trim Length.

As far as the variations in length using the Lee Trimmer, try to screw it in TIGHT to achieve some sort of consistency.

Alternatively, keep your Lee Case Trimmer to test for cases that have stretched to SAAMI length and then trim them with an adjustable trimmer (i.e. RCBS, Forster, etc.)
 
Read the directions. Size your case. Tap it out. Then trim. You dont drive the case back into the neck sizer to prime it. It should be floating in there. It sounds to me like your not following the directions for it. I still use my lee loader to reload my .303 and im using the same trimmer as well. You seem to be creating your own problems. Read and follow the directions. This system is almost foolproof if you read and follow the directions. The trimmer should give you a fairly consistent case length. .002 +/- isnt a bad tolerance to be working with. Read and follow directions watch a youtube video on how it works and if all else fails get in touch with lee and they will help. You can pm me if you have any questions
 
Surplus1 said:
Read the directions. Size your case. Tap it out. Then trim. You dont drive the case back into the neck sizer to prime it. It should be floating in there. It sounds to me like your not following the directions for it. I still use my lee loader to reload my .303 and im using the same trimmer as well. You seem to be creating your own problems. Read and follow the directions. This system is almost foolproof if you read and follow the directions. The trimmer should give you a fairly consistent case length. .002 +/- isnt a bad tolerance to be working with. Read and follow directions watch a youtube video on how it works and if all else fails get in touch with lee and they will help. You can pm me if you have any questions
Click to expand...

The isntructions about trimming were non existent in my kit, bought a newer version of the classic reloader they tell you to size the case and while its there tap in a primer and then break it free from the die before powder and bullet steps. The trimmer has trouble with ppu brass thats been neck sized, remchester is a bit thinner and not hard to ram in the trimmer.
After manually popping some primers Im going to invest in a hand primer, really dont want to set one off with the classic loader at the kitchen table.
Thanks for the advise all, cheers
 
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