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Brass trimming

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ZeeRo_7 View Drop Down
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    Posted: November 18 2015 at 12:19am
I have a batch of PPU brass that is twice fired. I only neck sized. I still have components to reload another set and i began to wonder if it is time to trim the brass. Im measuring some cases to 2.225 and some still under 2.222. I want to know if having brass measuring 2.225 is still safe to reload without trimming. Ill also check the length again obviously after resizing. Forgive the novice question as i am just getting into reloading and dont want to blow up my gun. And what would you guys have to say about Federal brass? I have some that i kept from my last batch of factory ammo. Everyone likes the prvi stuff and i hear aweful things about Remington brass. All the help is greatly appreciated.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote White Rhino Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 18 2015 at 3:42am
Check the length against the length in your reloading manual ..... If you dont have one you should get you one !! a reputable one like Lyman or any of the other top brands ...
But if you dont have your manual then let us know and we or I can look in my manual and get you the specs to go by ....  That is after the water goes down today and I can wade to my gun shop !! already had to tromp through over the ankle water in the rain and only wearing my under wear to kill a damn coon in my chickens !!!  all this at 4:30 am !!!!  Not a good start for the day !!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Zed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 18 2015 at 4:06am
On my No4 rifle the chamber is quite generous, so I trim to the 2.222" standard and check them each reload. I know some people trim shorter so they get a couple of loads between trims. Thats ok too. I've found that with my rifle when using boat tail's I need as much neck as possible to maintain a reasonable seating depth without excessive jump (although I still have too much jump). That's why I keep them at the upper limit. I don't think 3 thou over will be a problem, but it could depend on your chamber.
With regard to Remington brass; it was all I could get for a while. it's ok if you neck size and anneal; but not as good as PPU. I got split cases around 5 reloads and now inspect each case for the ring developing at the base. Throw them out when it starts to show. Cutting one open will show the wall of the cartrdge has stretched in that area.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 18 2015 at 7:37am
Its just me but if the trim length is specified (& it is) at 2.222" ad any case exceeds it then its time to trim to 2.212"
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ZeeRo_7 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 18 2015 at 9:51am
Sounds good man. And i trim after resizing right?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote White Rhino Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 18 2015 at 9:52am
Correct.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ZeeRo_7 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 18 2015 at 10:01am
Thanks for the help guys.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 18 2015 at 12:49pm
Yes because the stretch is mostly in the resize so by trimming after you don't start a fresh set of lengthening.
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ZeeRo_7 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 18 2015 at 5:03pm
I was going through some of the brass and most of it is coming up under 2.222; which is great. Maybe just a few are barely over. Ill just separate the ones that are still within proper length and trim the others.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DairyFarmer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 18 2015 at 6:45pm
Rule of thumb:
Straight wall cases don't need to be trimmed.
Necked cases must be trimmed EVERY reload.
 
I always advocate that cases be trimmed, chamfered and debured every time you decap them. You don't need anything fancy to trim them either. I just use the Lee Case length Gauge. Its quick and cheap. Also gives you a chance to "feel" the case after it has been decapped.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 19 2015 at 7:54am
"Necked cases must be trimmed EVERY reload."

If you're crimping then perhaps, because the lengths must be identical for consistent crimps, but I've never heard of trimming every time before.
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote evanguy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 19 2015 at 8:17am
I fire cast 200gr lead at about 915fps. I know its a low pressure load but ive gotten over 20 reloads and my cases all come in at .220-.223. I do chamfer them every reload though as to not cut lead as they seat. I just started anealing my case necks since its getting to hard to seat the bullet without deforming it. i also only neck size the cases, ive backed off the neck sizer a little to not make the neck so tight on my .314 bullets.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DairyFarmer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 19 2015 at 8:13pm
There are two ways the case can "stretch" between loads. The most likely is when firing. The slight gap of the head space and the ability of the neck to "flow down" the barrel. Brass does return but not all the way.
 
To a lesser degree (i.e. very seldom) when working the brass through the resizing die the brass can also stretch.
 
I don't know if its just me being pedantic but I am adverse to knowing that my batch of rounds have differing case lengths. 
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