Trimming cases

[maxmonster]

Hey CG, just curious I am in the process of getting stuff to finally start loading 223. Only really loading plinking rounds and maybe eventually I'll work up some precision loads. Right now I have a good deal of 223/556. All the 223 is mixed, the 556 is separated into LC brass and other NATO brass.
In regards to trimming obvious if I am going for accuracy I will be using cases with the same headstamp but I am a bit unsure about plinking ammo. Am I correct to say that mixed headstamps (resized) will be different lengths? If so then won't trimming be mixed lengths as well? How do you guys go about this?

[kcheung2]

I’m not sure I get the question. You trim to the same length. Why would you trim to different lengths?

[Divernhunter]

you trim all brands/headstamps of the brass to the same length.
You will also need to remove the primer crimp. I have tried just about every method/tool for that since the 1960's and the very best and fast tool is the Dillon super swager. I adjust mine deep so it will work on all different headstamps of brass and just use the "feel method" . That has worked great for me for many years.

[maxmonster]

I know everything needs to trimmed to a certain length... Im moreso curious if case length AFTER resizing will be different across multiple MFGs.
I'm just throwing numbers out there but lets say LC brass resizes to 1.78" and Winchester resizes to 1.79" and IMI resizes to 1.77 If were going on the 1.75" case length then is the proper way to trim cases is to trim by MFG? Or adjust on the fly? It just seems like a headache...

[bsumoba]

Lengths will vary, even amongst the same mfg. It is a pain to trim, but just trim to the recommended trim length for .223 and do it for all of then. Some will require a lot, some may not require any.

Trim after sizing cases. Make sure to remove the crimp on the primer pocket if there is one. You can either cut them out and swage it. Also make sure to chamfer and deburr cases after trimming.

[choprzrul]

In my progressive, when doing case prep, I size/deprime and then trim to length using the Lee Quick Trim and a cordless drill.

Then, to prep the primer pockets, the Dillon Super Swage 600 works fantastic.

[bohoki]

i dont care about accuracy i just use a possum hollow trimmer on the drill adapter its close enough for me besides i think trim length is less important than bullet seating depth and neck tension per brand of brass

[kcheung2]

Trim after resizing. Then the case mfg/prev case length doesn’t matter.

['ol shooter]

Righto, clean, size, trim, load.
Repeat as necessary.