Trimming cases, is it needed every time?

[Fiveohmike]

Hey Guys,

I am about to work my first load. I have 20 cases that I just cleaned with my tumbler.

Question. My case trimming tool/deburring tool is not here yet.

For the .308, the lyman book says my case length spec is 2.015. All of my cases are coming in between 2.011 adn 2.013.

I am assuming I wont need to trim them? I am just anxious to setup my reloading dies and dont want to wait for that tool.

[Fiveohmike]

And its probably a retarded question lol, but im nervous going through my first time ever doing reloads

[Hoop]

Trim to length is usually 2.005. I would trim them, after all you want consistency. After you fire and trim them once they shouldn't grow a whole lot if at all unless you are running a hotter load or using soft brass like federal.

[AAShooter]

This is the time to ask . . . better safe than sorry.

[swifty]

As long as the cases are shorter than the "max case length" you are fine. Be sure to measure after sizing.

For best consistency, you want your cases to be the same length.

[Fiveohmike]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the info. I missed the "Trim to Length" in the lyman book. Ill have to wait for my trimmer

Wednesday cant get here fast enough

[Fiveohmike]

As long as the cases are shorter than the "max case length" you are fine. Be sure to measure after sizing.

For best consistency, you want your cases to be the same length.

Next question. How do you trim after sizing on a progressive press?

[Fiveohmike]

As long as the cases are shorter than the "max case length" you are fine. Be sure to measure after sizing.

For best consistency, you want your cases to be the same length.

Next question. How do you trim after sizing on a progressive press? the guys at JR Gun supply told me to do all prep before putting the cartridge in the press so just wondering.

[Ahhnother8]

For the .308, the lyman book says my case length spec is 2.015. All of my cases are coming in between 2.011 adn 2.013.

I am assuming I wont need to trim them?

Load and shoot them. Check the length every time, after you size them. Once they reach 2.015", they will need to be trimmed back to 2.000"-2.005", it really makes no difference. They will likely need to be trimmed every 3-5 firings.

[swifty]

Ill have to wait for my trimmer

As your measured cases as shorter then the max length you are OK to load now.

[swifty]

Resizing can cause the neck length to increase, measurements after sizing are more accurate than before sizing.

Since you are using a progressive loader, trim cases to "Trim To" length, check lengths as per case loads increases.

[Fiveohmike]

Well I was foiled in the end lol.

I forgot to get a case guage to set up my Sizing Die.

Also, after initial sizing the case length went up to 2.020 so I definily need to wait on the trimmer

[Fiveohmike]

On another note, the XL650 from dillon took some learning to switch the conversion kit from 40smith to .308.

All good learning though.

[tujungatoes]

Next question. How do you trim after sizing on a progressive press? the guys at JR Gun supply told me to do all prep before putting the cartridge in the press so just wondering.

trimming interrupts the process on a progressive. it's just a reality. size, then trim, then rock 'n roll.

[swifty]

Also, after initial sizing the case length went up to 2.020 so I definitely need to wait on the trimmer

That's a big jump in case length, be sure to lube the inside of the case neck.