I am new to reloading and am unsure if I need to trim in the following example. My brass is from American Eagle whitebox (Federal, I believe) factory cartridges. It has been reloaded once (fired originally, then FL sized and reloaded once for my Ruger 77 Target). I measured the fired brass and found it to between 1.755 and 1.765 with most at 1.76; the Sierra manual suggests a 1.750 trim length. Is this extra length acceptable or should I be looking for a trimmer on the EE? Thanks for any advice.
Trimming Question- .223
- Thread starter hiredgun
- Start date
gushulak
CGN frequent flyer
Your specs are just slight out, can still load the brass. For the most accuracy though, I recomend FL sizing and then trimming. I trim to 1.750" on a Giuard Powered Trimmer, does an excellent job in seconds. Having uniform cases also makes it easier to crimp the bullets in the proper place provided you are using bullets with a canneluture.
Your reloading book should also list a Max Case Length.
Having all cases the same length is important.
Shooting them the way you have them is fine.
Easiest way to always have cases at same length all the time is to use the Trim to length.
Having all cases the same length is important.
Shooting them the way you have them is fine.
Easiest way to always have cases at same length all the time is to use the Trim to length.
The trim is 1.750, the max length is 1.760 for .223. Since some of your cases are over max, you need to trim. The trim length is shorter than the max so that you don't have to trim every time you shoot - the cases will grow gradually (likely) and eventually need a trim again.
Your chamber is likely cut generously just in case you don't trim, but if it isn't then you'll have an over-pressure situation. So you need to trim.
Simplest thing for a new reloader is the Lee system. Nothing to adjust, fairly quick and inexpensive.
