PaulS is right. I never get my brass trimed to the exact specification, always plus or minus a .010 (or so), but they are all trimed to a consistent length. They still shoot accurately, safely and most of all, they still hunt good.

[quote="Dirty Harry"]Gentlemen,

I have found that trimming cases to the perfect length is one of the most trying aspects of reloading. I almost always wind up a tad short. /quote]

Harry, I know exactly what you mean!

I have a Hornady or Pacific trimmer that I have used for years, and was experiencing the same thing, getting the length uniform. Close, but not enough to satisfy me.

I tried the Possum Hollow trimmer with my drill,, and it was not a happy experience.

When I first started reloading, I used the Lee trimmer, but they didn't have one adaptable to a drill. I don't think even I had a drill, back then. It did the job, but would raise blisters on your fingers. .

I just bought another Lee trimmer that I can use with my drill, and it is great! I trimmed and chamfered 100 rifle cases in about half the usual time yesterday. It trimmed a trifle long, so I got out the emery cloth, and shortened the post a little, to where it was right where I wanted. (I know, Picky, picky.)

Like at least one other poster, I don't plan to use anything else for my reloading. Cheap, easy to use, and consistent.

I use the lyman Power trimmer and once you set the locks it is dead on for the rest... I have noticed that if you trim in 2 passes... that is trim a little and chamfer and deburr... then trim again, chamfer and deburr you get better results...

I have a RCBS Case Trimmer 2...When set up and locked I get tolerences of +/- .001 (.002 to .003 if I'm not paying attention). I guess it still comes down to paying attention to detail and touch(feel).

Bushmaster wrote:

I have a RCBS Case Trimmer 2...When set up and locked I get tolerences of +/- .001 (.002 to .003 if I'm sot paying attention). I guess it still comes down to paying attention to detail and touch(feel).

My trimmer is a Lyman but I get the very much the same results as Bushy. Paying attention is the key.

I have two trimmers one is a Forster and the other is a Lyman. The Forster uses interchangable collets to support the base of the cartridge while trimming. The adjustment is made on the handle end but I modified it so it is always adjusted to the shortest cartridge and I use precision bushings to fit it to other cartridges. I just pull the shaft out, place the correct bushing on the shaft and slide it back in. It is always correct. The Lyman I have set up the same way but the operation is a little more difficult. The cutter head is larger than the shaft so I have to remove the cutter head, pull the shaft out, place the proper bushing on it, slide the shaft back in and replace the cutter head on the end of the shaft. Each ti I change busings I clean the shaft and cutter so it always bottoms at the same depth. If I got a burr under the cutter head it would make the cases too short or at least shorter than all the rest.
Both trimmers are set to trim to the "standard" length and not the "trim to" length. Running each case through the trimmer is just part of the reloading process for me - each time a case is reloaded it is run through the trimmer. I don't often trim much from a case, most often I don't trim any materialfrom the case but once in a while I hear it rub a little and there is a tiny bright spot on the case mouth.

Why you dont use filing- or trimming dies? RCBS Trimming dies price 33,95$. I think it is easer way.

While manuals give maximum length and trim length, actual chambers can vary as to each dimension. To preclude exposing more chamber than needed to the errosive gases, setting the trim length close to the maximum chamber length has advantages. This is accomplished by using a chamber length gauge that can be made from one of the cases that is trimmed back far enough to allow a Sinclair chamber plug to seat with some resistance. Then, chamber the round and the plug will contact the end of the chamber and give the exact maximum which should be recorded. From that dimension, case length and trim length can be exactly determined.

Sidenote: when using conventional dies, there is always some play between the die and the press. This will induce some variance from perfect centering of the bullet into the die for seating. Having the die seat flush with the shellholder is easy -- place a washer between the shellholder and the die and run the die down until it contacts the washer, then snug down the lock ring. Using a Sinclair (or other) concentricity gauge, one can detect far greater conformity using this method. And, that means smaller groups. Probably not enough of a difference for big game, however, for prairie dogs and smaller distant targets, it definitely can make a difference.

I've used the Forester trim method and find that if I do my part, the cases come out exactly the same one to another. This tool also allows outside neck turning if case neck uniformity is needed. Collets and pilots are readily available.

The RCBS trim dies are a basic way to go, however, they don't allow the range of options of setting your specific trim length. Again, this is fine for some applications, but, not conducive to optimum accuracy.

Checking case neck variation is another option to allow more conformity in ammo. Basic brass has enough variation in case neck thickness to allow bullets to seat slightly off center.

If you have a rifle capable of fine accuracy and that accuracy is important to the type of shooting undertaken, these steps are important.

My experience with premium brass shows it to be more uniform out of the box. Nosler's custom brass is an excellent value if you wish to preclude a lot of case prep and a much smaller amount than with standard brass. Likewise, Lapua brass is exceptionally uniform. Both cost more but save time.

Even with this type of extensive brass prep (let's add, primer pocket uniformity and flash hole uniformity and weight) some individual pieces of brass simply won't stay as accurate as others. If I find one piece that consistently gives a flier out of the main group, it gets set aside. If you log your brass, you will find some pieces that tend to be the most consistent in group size.

OTOH, I enjoy the whole process of brass prep and find it to be very relaxing. It adds confidence to each an every shot. For the majority of hunting needs, these proceedures are excessive, but, when you are shooting prairie dogs with an accurate rifle at 500+ yards, it makes a notable difference. That difference is the difference between simply reloading and handloading.

handloader, for my rifles i measure all case (new) by hand which ever is longest i chamber it empty,see if the rim is crushed, if not that where i set my trimmer to. works good for me. dave

Gidday Handloader. I use an RCBS lathe style trimmer and I trim all of my cases to the maximum factory length. Don't know if it makes a difference to case life but I figure the less brass I have to take off the longer the case will last and the less stresses that are placed on the case.

Don't know if this makes any real sense to you but it seems to work for me.

Cheers, Vince

fireball 3 and Vince: its all good. Hang around with experienced handloaders and you find many things that work well even if they are done in a different manner. I guess it all comes down to hitting your target.

just a quicky- after the first firing i only neck size the brass. dave

My Hornady-trimming dies are only neck sitzer. I can make adjust. .308 die so can use it .308 and 30-06. That is all to sitzing=neck sizing. Ofcourse I need dechaping? (i can´t spell this word)die . Excuse me, can somebody to read my writing ? Can I stay here? PS; I have Hornady lathe-trimmer. No good. Must do trimming two timmes. turn 180 degree secund time.

"can somebody to read my writing?" Yup.. .."Can I stay here?" Yup.. ..

Welcome to this fine site. You most certainly can stay here and we will put up with your spelling as we have a few others that can't spell either. And we let them stay.

I take it you are out of the U. S. And where might that be?

My trimmer is a RCBS Case Trimmer-2. Been using it for 20 years now. I insure all cases are at proper length and trim to the middle of the minimum and maximum length.

Never mind...Figured it out by reading other posts...Finland...Alright!!! Again...welcome to the site. And I agree with SwampFox...Your english is far better then my Finnish...

I thank Yours kindness. This sites are really fine. I shall read and keep laerning. (My grammar must be miserable). Kauko.