New reloader, need help with case length

[Kerbosa]

Hi all,

I am brand new to reloading. I working on loading some 30-06 right now.

My question is related to case length. My manual states the "trim-to" length for 30-06 to be 2.484". Using a Lyman Universal trimmer that i adjusted to that length, i proceeded to trim 50 cases.

After trimming, i have measured cases at random. Some are the correct length, while others are as much as 0.003 shorter. (Trimmer manual says inconsistent length can be caused by inconsistent pressure on the cutter arm, so this is the likely cause, however i did notice the "blade" loosing at some points)

I guess what i need to know is, are these cases still safe to use or should i discard them. As well, if they are still ok, will this have a drastic impact on the uniformity of my loads.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[Dmay]

The cases are just fine to shoot......technique and playing with your trimmer may get you tighter tolerances, but it's certainly no big deal....

 

[hk33ka1]

Are the cases all the same brand and type? Like from the same box(es) of ammo, or new bag of brass etc?

 

[mlehtovaara]

0.003 isn't gonna make any noticeable difference.

 

[Kerbosa]

hk33ka1 - yes they are all from the same brand. They are all from the same batch (bought several boxes from the same lot, fired them and kept the brass)

Thanks all, for your advice so far

 

[Ron AKA]

Use them. 0.003 is not an issue. They will continue to grow with each firing and catch up. You probably don't want to hear this, but using a Lee trimmer is much easier, no set up, and almost impossible to make this kind of mistake.

 

[mmattockx]

0.003 isn't gonna make any noticeable difference.

+1. Unless you are crimping, which should be unneccessary for 30-06, that small difference will be unnoticeable.

You probably don't want to hear this, but using a Lee trimmer is much easier, no set up, and almost impossible to make this kind of mistake.

I like the Lee trimmers, but the only drawback to them is that you get whatever finished length it is machined to. Sometimes they are right on, sometimes a bit short, sometimes a bit long. The cases will all be the same length after trimming, though.

It doesn't make any difference in the long run, but if you are an OCD sort it might be an issue. For the cost they are a great value.

Mark

 

[Fusilier]

Don't forget to debur the case mouth before you measure your newly trimmed brass. That way you're measuring a clean edge.

As folks have already said, you don't have to precisely measure every one. I set my calipers to the trim length and lock them down with the set screw. If a case slides between the jaws, it's good to go. If it 'rattles around' in between the jaws, I might take a closer look at it to see if I've screwed up something.