trimming 223

[Kerplow]

Let me know if i understand this correctly.

My load data shows the OAL for a 223 case as 1.760. Trim to length is 1.750. There is no reason to trim the cases as long as they are less than or equal to 1.760", correct?

[Low-Pressure]

Yup!
Here's the way I do it:
I set my calipers at 1.760 and lock it, I then run my cases through it. The ones that get hung up goes in my "need to be trimmed bucket" and the others are good to go.
BTW: are you measuring after full length sizing them, right?

[Kerplow]

Yes, after sizing. So my next question is, what is the point of trimming back an extra ten thou when 1.76 is good to go? Doesnt the extra trinming reduce brass life?

[XDRoX]

Yes, after sizing. So my next question is, what is the point of trimming back an extra ten thou when 1.76 is good to go? Doesnt the extra trinming reduce brass life?

No not really. If you're going to be trimming them anyway, then trim them short so you want have to trim them again after 1 time shooting. Or better yet buy an X-die, trim them once and then never again.

[818gtiguy]

I run all my cases throught the trimmer. No matter if its new, or has been fired. I like to have ALL the cases I use to be the same exact length. More consistancy. To each his own though. If you are just making plinking ammo, I really wouldn't be super anal. Only when making match quality rounds. Btw, I trim my .223 brass to 1.755

[XDRoX]

When I do trim, I trim to 1.750".
Trimming is over rated IMO (Flame suit on)

[Agustav]

I wouldn't say it's overrated... However, unless you are bench rest shooting, you will not notice a few thousands of an inch difference in case length. Your hand probably shake more then that shooting off hand.

For plinking ammo, as long as the case fit into your chamber with ease, you are GTG!

[Low-Pressure]

I trim back down to 1.750".

[bohoki]

the possum hollow thingie i got works dandy i was so sick of my cases spinning out of the lee trimmer

[bjl333]

K, Try this load when you have a chance. 21.5gr of Reloader7, 55gr Sierra bthp, Win sm rifle primer. I get 1/4" groups in my Savage and 1/3" groups with my MK12.

I can't tell you what my cases are trimmed to, because my dad loads them for me now!! He is retired now and he just loads what I tell him to. He trims to the average of what all his manuals says ... He has about 35 reloading manuals dating back to the late '70s !!!

[Kerplow]

K, Try this load when you have a chance. 21.5gr of Reloader7, 55gr Sierra bthp, Win sm rifle primer. I get 1/4" groups in my Savage and 1/3" groups with my MK12.

I can't tell you what my cases are trimmed to, because my dad loads them for me now!! He is retired now and he just loads what I tell him to. He trims to the average of what all his manuals says ... He has about 35 reloading manuals dating back to the late '70s !!!

right now all i've got are 69gn SMKs, 55gn sierra blitzkings, 75gn A-max, and a can of varget.

haven't found anything spectacular with these yet, though, i haven't even tried the A-max.

i wish the dang range wasn't 50 miles away. it would make load testing far more practical.

[Agustav]

Hornady A-max (and the V-max) is quickly becoming my favorite bullets...

I am starting to replace some SMK bullet with equivalent A-max right now!

[bootcamp]

The bulk that I do with 223, everything gets run through the dillon trimmer whether it needs it or not. I don't have the time to measure thousands of cases.

If I don't hear a trimming noise when it gets run up into the trimmer, I pull it off the shellplate, measure and if it's too short, I chuck it.

[TurboAR]

Giraud trimmer

I also run all resized brass through my Giraud trimmer. Even if the case is close to 1.750, it de-burrs the edge so when you push the bullet in, theres no copper shavings from the sharpe case edge.
Giraud trimmer is one of the best investments I made in the relaoding process.

http://www.giraudtool.com/Giraud%20Trimmer.pdf

[21SF]

I wish the 75 AMAX would feed from a mag.