Not trimming fired brass?

[callen3615]

Hey guys. Ive been reloading .308s for about a month now. I just read somewhere about trimming brass after firing.

I use the lee classic loader, I dont mind it taking alittle longer than a press.

There is no mention of trimming the brass in the lee classic loader manual.

Do I need to trim these 308 cases?

I havent had any feeding problems yet, I have had 2 rounds that didnt fire tho...

Thanks for the help.

 

[wirehand]

Re: Not trimming fired brass?

Having to trim and how often will depend on how hot the loads,hardness of brass and the type of sizing you are doing,

Staying aware of the growth by measuring is a must.

If the case were to get jammed in the throat ,a pressure spike can occur when the bullet can't get past this easy enough.

^^^This is bad

 

[callen3615]

Re: Not trimming fired brass?

Im running my handloads at the starting powder loads. Aka, not hot.
But I dont want any round blowing up in my rifle. I only shoot a bolt rifle so if I cant get the round in, or if the bolt is stiff I wont shoot it.

 

[wirehand]

Re: Not trimming fired brass?

I would still run them thru a caliper, and once they get to 2.015 time to trim.

Personally I trim when they get over 2.010.

If you get interested in neck tension, this will be mandatory

Sinclair has a tool for finding the chamber length.

Some folks find the end and trim just short of that measurement, the reasoning is to mnimize the erosion on the throat.

In conclusion, get a caliper and do it.

 

[callen3615]

Re: Not trimming fired brass?

I just measured some of my primed brass. I measured a few pmcs. Some were around 2.006 but some were around 2.015.


What is the best, and cheapest way to trim the necks?

Time is not a factor.


Im just going to trim all my cases that exceed 2.010.

 

[sawgunner2001]

Re: Not trimming fired brass?

The cheapest way is probably with the Lee cutter, lock stud, and case length gauge.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=136199
and
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=271467

I realize they are out of stock, but now you know what to look for.

ETA: You won't be able to use this with primed brass.

 

[doc76251]

Re: Not trimming fired brass?

IMHO the easiest way (w/o spending $400 + for a Giraud) is the Possum Hollow trimmer offered from Sinclairs. All you need is a drill press or hand drill. Works good lasts long time and fast.

Cheers,

Doc