.223/5.56 too short after resizing

[06Shooter]

Occasionally, I'll find after decapping & FL resizing that my brass is too short, as indicated by mouth's recess from the end of my Wilson case gauge. I've convinced myself that a hair (What's a SAAMI hair?) too short is OK as long as the COAL remains the same, reasoning that the distance in the leade is the same. I'd like to hear what the experts have to say on the matter.


Thanks,
Chris

[the led farmer]

What's it measure with a caliper?

[Coyotegunner]

A little short would be fine.Let us know how short?I do not have many of the case gauges you mentioned,only a couple calibers.The calibers I use them on,I also use neck size dies only,due to shooting them in the same gun.It would be good to know how far the die you are using runs the brass down.It will work your brass harder.At least in my case,223 is expendable,where 300RUM is not.

[NoNOS67]

It's not at all uncommon for factory brass to be shorter than the trim-to length specified in reloading manuals. I've never been too concerned about it myself. If you are crimping, you would want to make sure that you brass is of uniform length.

[GeoffLinder]

Trim-to length for .223 / 5.56 is 1.75". Max safe length is 1.760" and minimum is to be considered 1.740" (no real safety issue at this end). If your cases are within this range (1.740-1.760) then you are good to go.

The only downside to variable case length (provided they are within above noted range) is that "if" you are crimping, the crimp will be inconsistent. BTW, always taper crimp .223 / 5.56 IF you crimp, don't use a roll crimp.

BTW, don't go by a case gauge, use a caliper to measure from case head to mouth to see where things are at. Case gauges are general guides and this range is a very small thing to try and measure with a gauge versus the accuracy of a caliper.

[LexLuther]

Measure how much too short it is in the case gauge, by using your caliper. Then measure with just the caliper and report back...

[ireload]

The case gauge (for bottle neck type brass)greatest attribute is how much shoulder set back your sizing die is set and if your finished round would chamber. As others have stated caliper to measure the lenght. The cheap FC case are notorious for being below the minimum lenght SAAMI spec.