Case processing steps

[Ulpian]

I'm starting to hand loading rifle cartridge for precision shooting. I'm also new to precision shooting and want to learn as much as possible. I'm only using .308win at the moment. Here are the steps I'm prepare the brass.

1. Deprimer
2. Clean with stainless steel media
3. Anneal the neck and shoulder (every other fire)
4. full length resize
5. Case trimming
6. Priming
7. Powder
8. Seat projectile

Am I missing anything? I'm not sure if I should trim before resize. Anything I should do to improve consistency and accuracy. Also, if the die have no problem going in and out of the case, can I get away with not lubing? Finally, should I crimp the bullet if I only shoot in a Remington 700?

Any help be appreciated!

 

[K2Ballistics]

Re: Case processing steps

My list FWIW:

1. Brief initial cleaning with stainless steel media
2. Lube and full length resize sans expander
3. Wipe excess lube
3. Expand w/ Lymna M die
4. Deprime
5. Final cleaning w/ ss media (all further case handling done w/ nitrile gloves)
5a. Dry cases w/ towel and air compressor
6. Trim cases as necessary
7. Uniform primer pocket
8. Deburr outside mouth
9. Chamfer inside moouth
10. Uniform/deburr flash hole
11. Record case measurements - length and headspace
12. Prime
13. Charge
14. Seat bullet
15. Crimp (semi-auto and pistol loads)
16. Record batch data - charge, bullet, OAL, lot numbers, etc.
17. Store in appropriate container - plastic boxes if to be shot right away, ammo cans with dessicant if long term storage.
18. Lable container with cartridge, batch info and expected velocity, rifles rounds can be fired in (see headspace above)

I trim after re-sizing. No crimp necessary in a bolt action. Use it if you like, but I have found it <span style="font-style: italic">can</span> degrade accuracy and you don't need it for your bolts. I always lube when re-sizing. Helps with the stuck case syndrome.

 

[Temp9]

Re: Case processing steps

Don't forget to lube before FL sizing and remove lube after. Also, you need to chamfer/deburr after trimming.

Trimming should always be performed AFTER resizing because the amount that the cases grow depends on the sizing process. Most of the time, the brass length will actually decrease after firing, then grow after FL sizing.

I'd be surprised if you could FL size without lubing. Even if you could, I can't imagine it would be very easy, and there's a good chance you would eventually end up with a stuck case. Personally, I would lube the cases every time you FL size.

No crimp is necessary.


Most of your accuracy in a precision rifle will come from the load work up, and of course, the shooter, rifle, and the rest of the system. Don't bother with things like weight sorting brass, neck turning, or sorting bullets.

Also get a bump gauge if you don't already have one. You only have to bump .001-.002" below the fired case length.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Case processing steps

Follow this and your set:

http://www.6mmbr.com/jgcaseprep.html