Feedback on 556/308 brass processing procedure

[Barbastard]

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/...d.php?t=211158

[baih777]

tumble first.

i normally swage my brass first. then check the primer pockets with this tool.

https://ballistictools.com/store/original/small-and-large-primer-pocket-gauges

check for split necks and any other damage.

then prep the brass.

[Paseclipse]

Sounds like you pretty much have it nailed down. Only a few things missing-

Lube die in station 1 on your processing tool head. Or lube another way.

Add a decapping die on station 1 of your loading tool head to remove any media that may get in to the flash hole if you don't inspect the cases.

Also, whatever you set your head space to, make sure to check and see if it chambers in your rifle. Or better yet, get a RCBS Precision Mic (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012939524) to get an actual number. I like to set my headspace to .002" below minimum SAAMI spec for blasting ammo.

Also, some sort of inspection step is good to do after loading. I like to run mine through a gauge.

To answer your questions-
1) No need to resize again. My understanding is that the Dillon Trimming die sizes at the same time.
2) No need to lube the brass again since your not sizing again.

[JamesY]

You can save a lot of time swaging it on your 650 using this https://swageit.com/swage-it-s650-version-2-combo/. Other than that, your process is mostly the same as mine. Other differences are station 1 in my loading toolhead has a deprimer and I also don't crimp.

[Tommy Gun]

Only step I do differently is:

Size
Prime
Load
Seat

Then tumble finished rounds to take the lube off. If its plinking rounds.

Precision rounds I tumble brass after deprime.

[anyracoon]

[Donny1]

I don't run anything through my dies until I wash it in vinegar and water for 30 minutes then rinse and dry. The soot and debris will tear up your dies.

[tabascoz28]

Fancy. I'm prepping once fired, crimpless 223 today.

Tumble
Spray lube, size
WCT trim with drill
No die on 1st station and progressive load.

I think new runs of PMC are not crimped.

[fish45]

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/...d.php?t=211158

If you small base size before trimming you will deprime and size before trimming. Neck sizing with the intention of running your ammo through a semi auto will eventually cause you problems. You need to small base size them at some point, it might as well be before trimming so you trim to the right length. If you size/deprime before trimming on one tool head you can skip sizing on the next tool head, but you will need to make sure there is no tumbling media in the primer flash hole before loading them.

[sigstroker]

tumble first.

i normally swage my brass first. then check the primer pockets with this tool.

https://ballistictools.com/store/original/small-and-large-primer-pocket-gauges

check for split necks and any other damage.

then prep the brass.

I process everything on a single stage. Another step I take at this stage is scraping out the primer pocket. Don't know if it makes any difference but I got a primer pocket scraper with my kit so I do it anyway.

[Barbastard]

Sounds like you pretty much have it nailed down. Only a few things missing-

Lube die in station 1 on your processing tool head. Or lube another way.

Add a decapping die on station 1 of your loading tool head to remove any media that may get in to the flash hole if you don't inspect the cases.

Also, whatever you set your head space to, make sure to check and see if it chambers in your rifle. Or better yet, get a RCBS Precision Mic (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012939524) to get an actual number. I like to set my headspace to .002" below minimum SAAMI spec for blasting ammo.

Also, some sort of inspection step is good to do after loading. I like to run mine through a gauge.

To answer your questions-
1) No need to resize again. My understanding is that the Dillon Trimming die sizes at the same time.
2) No need to lube the brass again since your not sizing again.

Will plan on lubing not with a lube die but using Dillon case lube or similar applied to the brass separate from the machine prior to dumping it in the case feeder.

I like the idea of adding a decapping die to station 1 of the loading toolhead to just double check the flash hole is clear.

Wil absolutely inspect after loading. Typically I check them all in a case gauge.

If you small base size before trimming you will deprime and size before trimming. Neck sizing with the intention of running your ammo through a semi auto will eventually cause you problems. You need to small base size them at some point, it might as well be before trimming so you trim to the right length. If you size/deprime before trimming on one tool head you can skip sizing on the next tool head, but you will need to make sure there is no tumbling media in the primer flash hole before loading them.

Not small base sizing before trimming. The M die would be setup AFTER the station were the dillon trimmer/sizing die is located. Only running the M die to clean up the case mouth after trimming and to prep for bullet seating without having to run it thru another full length sizer at station 1 of the loading head.

Thank you all for the feedback. Sounds like I just need a few tweaks and I'm there.

[jocww]

Seems like a lot of steps. I deprime wet tumble prime load. I will lube 1st couple of rounds and then again when it starts getting tight on depriming.