What is the Minimum length for 30-06 cases

[Bobramdas]

Ok Evidently my case trimmer slipped it's adjustment and I have some cases that are .055" less than the listed max length. I usually drop them to a max of .020" below max case length.
What is too short and why? I really would rather not have to trash these cases if I don't have to.
Thanks in advance.

[Rem222]

My RCBS case length chart says...

.30-06 Max length- 2.494" Trim length- 2.484"

[rg1]

Normal trim length of most cases is .010" less than maximum length. The main reason not to load cases with really short necks is bullet tension and the risk of a bullet being pushed deeper into the case. Normally recommended to have at least one bullet diameter inside the neck which is a minimum of .308" of bullet inside the neck in 30-06. Since overall length of loaded rounds only puts the bullet so deep into the neck, then a super short neck wouldn't have enough neck to hold bullets tight. I believe I'd scrap 30-06 cases trimmed that short but you'd have to be the judge if bullet tension would be enough? Check to see how much bullet is inside the neck of your short brass. Should be at least .308" or close to it or preferably more.

[Germz]

Most reloading manuals list their prescribed minimums... you have a manual right?

just giving you a hard time. my manual lists 2.484" as the trim length

[krwada]

.30-06 trim-to-length is 2.484"

I load a ton of .30-06, therefore I know this dimension without even thinking about it.

If it is shorter, just toss it in the recycle bin. This is what I do.

You should always check every few rounds after trimming. This makes sure you catch those cases that had 'slipped' and got cut too short.

[gunboat]

you don't have to scrap them --
I would trim them all to the same length and load with somewhat reduced loads for plinking.
Or -- give them to someone to be used to make other brass == 308, 250 7mm, etc --

[bcrich]

Id convert them to 8mm mauser, where are you at? i can trade you some brass for it if you are local.

[bruceflinch]

Most reloading manuals list their prescribed minimums... you have a manual right?
just giving you a hard time. my manual lists 2.484" as the trim length

Noob teasing a Noob.
I have 3 manuals, so I load at the average minimum length! 2.4839...