Trimming metallic cases

Gil Martin · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 9:18 am Post subject: Trimming metallic cases

I check all metallic cases (rifle and handgun) when reloading and trim those that need it. Then I chamfer and deburr the cases mouths. My preferred method is to use Lee brand case trimmers. They are cheap, durable and easy to use. This is especially important for handgun rounds that chamber on the case mouth. I have talked to some reloaders that do not trim metallic cases and I do not argue with them. What do you good folks do? All the best...
Gil

SingleShotLover · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:25 pm Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

I check case length on all of my "precision" rifle cartridges (.17 Remington, .223s, .22/250, .243 Winchester and etc.) each loading and every third loading for "game" rifles (.280 Remington, .30/06 and the like. Since I neck size only, there is seldom a need to trim until I have to bump shoulders back.

Handgun brass (.357, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt and .45 ACP) get checked regularly because I want uniform crimps. Most .45 ACP brass is short of "optimal" even after many loading, which precludes true headspacing on the case mouth, so I seat all rounds so that the bullet (lead) lightly jams the rifling.

I like the Lee trimmers too. No adjustment or fuss. I do, however, have a Lyman trimmer for anything that requires aggressive action

Bushmaster · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 2:21 pm Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

All rifle and handgun cases are checked to insure proper length and to insure even crimps on those that require crimping (.38, 357, .30-30, some 308 etc).

My Colt 1911 shoots best when the cases are 0.90.

Yes...I, too, measure and trim all cases that are out of spec.

Elvis · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 2:38 pm Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

I use lee trimmers and a cordless drill. quick and easy...the .308 I havent bought size rod for yet so cheat and use the 7.62x39mm one and check with micrometre to get length right.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 2:55 pm Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

rcbs.com/Products/Case...r-Kit.aspx

I really like that trimmer. VERY consistent and easy to use.

I check all rifle brass and trim if necessary, i.e. if they are not all pretty darn close to the same length. I do the same for most handgun brass. To be honest, if I'm throwing together some loads for handgun plinking I'm not as picky but I still check some cases and, if they are several thousandths different, I trim them too.

English Mike · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 3:05 pm Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

I had a Forster "mini lathe" type trimmer & couldn't get on with it, as lengths were +/- 0.005" or more.
These days I use the Lee trimmers, though the guide rod/length stops do wear down & need replacing.

Vince · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:37 pm Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

I am like SingleShot and Bushy, I measure all rifle cartridges (.223, 30.30, and .243) every third loading and trim as necessary.

I batch, and keep, my cases in batches of 50 and don’t reload the batch until all are fired, thereby keeping them all fired th same number of times and hopefully providing consistent accuracy. If I find one case in a batch that needs trimming, the entire batch is trimmed to the same length using the same trimmer as Bushy.

PaulS · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 8:12 pm Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

I have my Lyman trimmer permanently adjusted for 9mm brass. That is the shortest brass I reload. For other cartridges I made a set of bushings that limit trim length to what I use for each caliber. Rather than checking the length with calipers I just run them through the trimmer. If they trim, they needed it. If they don't trim, it's all good.
I have 11 bushings (some are used for two cartridges) and 8 pilots.

RePete · Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 5:32 am Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

Rifle yes, but I don't waste my time trimming pistol, as they tend to shrink rather than grow like rifle.

I use RCBS and Lyman trimmers for rifle.

Suzanne · Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 8:45 am Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

I use Lee trimmer on everything. Although I have some calibers you can't get a trimmer for (antiques), but I shoot them with very light loads and very rarely.

similar to
my sex
life
Suz

dhc4ever · Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 3:51 pm Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

I also use the lee trimmers and a battery drill, simple cheap quick and effective.
I also have a Lyman trimmer, but prefer the Lee.

So Suz,
No big boom anymore?

Hiding now............

lesterg3 · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2018 10:29 am Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

Subject to OCD, check the case and adjust as required every time. Same set up as Bushy, simple fast and easy.

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 12:02 am Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

Vince wrote:

I batch, and keep, my cases in batches of 50 and don’t reload the batch until all are fired, thereby keeping them all fired th same number of times and hopefully providing consistent accuracy. If I find one case in a batch that needs trimming, the entire batch is trimmed to the same length using the same trimmer as Bushy.

I try to do the same.

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 12:10 am Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

Bushmaster wrote:

All rifle and handgun cases are checked to insure proper length and to insure even crimps on those that require crimping (.38, 357, .30-30, some 308 etc).

My Colt 1911 shoots best when the cases are 0.90.

Yes...I, too, measure and trim all cases that are out of spec.

That trimmer is different than mine...what holds the case in place?

Mine has a spring tensioned lever and uses a shell holder that is correlated with the same number shell holder used in the press.

Bushmaster · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 12:35 am Post subject: Re: Trimming netallic cases

The "T" handle forces these collets that are machined to hold several sizes of case heads firmly so the cutting head can trim.