Case trimming question

[09cs]

Newbie here to reloading so still learning. I have some once fired Federal brass I shot the other day, and was measuring them today and they were all in between 2.010 and 2.012 (+/-) before resizing. Do I need to trim them and if so to what length and should I before or after resizing?

Thank you

[Quinc]

After resizing.

[just in joy]

okay a few questions here

what caliber are you reloading for?

also what does your reloading book say the length is supposed to be?

I would refer to the book to get the measurements to trim the brass to. Seems like loading it once and trimming is a little too soon my brass has always been within spec. for 223 243 257 7mm at or around 3-4 times

[LynnJr]

After resizing them trim all your brass to your shortest case

['ol shooter]

That's within the spec, that is.

[09cs]

Sorry forgot to mention its .308 brass

Have not gotten my book yet, its coming along with the press, I'm that new to reloading lol

[jchappies]

.308 is trim to 2.005 and max at 2.015

[bigbossman]

You could get one of THESE, and then just check and trim when necessary.

[09cs]

That's cool, looks like I'll be picking one of those up lol

[23's Dad]

Look at the lower right corner of that Lyman Gauge.

You need a caliper anyway.

[09cs]

I already have a digital caliper

[Witch Hunter]

If you have a caliper, the gauge is unnecessary....

[Calplinker]

Personally, I prefer case gauges for each caliber I reload. For example, the .308 gauge will show you if your case is within OAL spec, whether is it properly re-sized and if it is head spaced properly.

The Lyman length gauge above is pretty nifty and handy, but I still prefer machined steel case gauges. Just picked on up for .30 carbine, which is my next reloading project.

I check every single case before and after resizing. Funny thing is every single .308 needs "work", while nearly all .223 would be fine to reload "as-is".

[bohoki]

If you have a caliper, the gauge is unnecessary....

i know you can get a good digital one from the hazzard fraught tools

[damndave]

Trim to 2.005 after FL re-sizing.