.223 Brass length and Crimp Questions

[MrSigmaDOT40]

I'm a bit about case length. My Lee data says 44,70mm is the max trim length but I noticed that the hand full of brass i have checked so far is well under 44,70. more like between 44,50-44,60.But this is once fired factory rem brass that I have saved. So my question with all of this is:

How often should I be reaching for the case trimmer after standard loads?
I had the impression that the case necks stretch and need trimming after every use no matter the load.

Also what is the MIN length? Where should I stop trimming and discontinue using a case that hasn't cracked and keeps getting trimmed?

Oh I almost forgot... My Lee Manual says that the cases should be stretched a bit by the full length sizer/expander die. So I'm checking that out now, maybe I wasn't using the bie right and I wasnt actually resizing.


As far as crimping goes, I was wondering if somebody could show me a picture and/or explain how much crimp should be put in for use in a auto loader.

[Army GI]

I believe the "trim-to" length is the minimum length (1.750"). The brass should be fine as long as it does not exceed the max length (1.760") or get trimmed below the trim-to length. Besides neck splitting, the other sign of rifle brass failure is a loose primer pocket and incipient case head separation. It looks like a bright shiny ring around the case near the case head where the brass has been stretched to the point of no return.

I fully crimp my 223 rounds. I know lots of people skip this step, but since the crimp die came with my set might as well be safe than sorry. All it takes is one set back bullet. It probably will not happen, but like I said it's just good security.

For all brass, I trim for the first loading to make sure it is uniform. For match ammo I trim every time, but that's only 10% of all ammo I load. For the rest (plinking) I trim after the first time, and don't trim after that. I measure samples of the batch of brass each time to make sure it hasn't grown past the maximum length. For standard 223 loads, I end up throwing them away for before they have a chance to grow past max length due to neck splits.

[MrSigmaDOT40]

I believe the "trim-to" length is the minimum length (1.750"). The brass should be fine as long as it does not exceed the max length (1.760") or get trimmed below the trim-to length.

I fully crimp my 223 rounds.

For all brass, I trim for the first loading to make sure it is uniform. For match ammo I trim every time, but that's only 10% of all ammo I load. For the rest (plinking) I trim after the first time, and don't trim after that. I measure the brass each time to make sure it hasn't grown past the maximum length. For standard 223 loads, I end up throwing them away for before they have a chance to grow past max length due to neck splits.

Hhhmm I guess thats why I should have more then 1 reloading manual. I'm not seeing a "Trim-To" Length anywhere. just the "MAX Trim Length--1.760in/40,70mm".

Thanks for the other info!

[bohoki]

i dont crimp my 223
my bullets feel pretty tight in my cases

[Darklyte27]

for 223, if you are shooting at the range, you prob dont need to crimp.
Crimping is usually just for making sure the bullet doesnt seat deeper which can cause more dangerous pressures I think? someone confirm that?

I havent crimped any of my 223 rds as they will be just plinking rds.
I think also crimped rds take a bit more pressure to get the bullet moving, so it needs to build up more pressure and shoots faster i think from what ive read.

as for the resizing die, they are suppose to resize the brass to spec size. when you push the press arm back up it pulls the brass down and tends to slighty pull on the brass which can stretch it a little. Thats when you need to measure the brass and trim if needed.