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Question about trimming .308

CharlieTN

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 18, 2010
465
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53
Tenneseee, USA
Reloading some Winchester brass. Prior to loading I trim it to 2.005. After firing it measures 2.010. Listed maximum case length is 2.015. Do I need to trim it back down to 2.005? I have been trimming it after each firing. Am I wasting my time or is it worth it to trim each time?

Thanks for the great advise I have always received here.

Charlie
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

Are you trimming it before or after sizing? I only trim when my cases reach close to max length.
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

As long as they don't exceed max length, you can save yourself some time and go do something else more useful.
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

You should be fine at 2.010" if that is the measurement after sizing. Personally, I trim after every firing/resizing, back to 2.008-2.010.
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: insight3b</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you trimming it before or after sizing? I only trim when my cases reach close to max length. </div></div>

I'm trimming after sizing.

So far I've been trimming each time I size. Think I'll try skipping it after the next firing and see how it goes. I don't really mind it but if it doesn't make much of a difference, then why mess with it.

Granted, my shooting abilities are not near the point where the difference would be noticable anyway. :)
Charlie
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

I also trim after every firing, if the brass is different sizes wont the pressure be different?
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

I trim everytime only because I have a Giraud Trimmer, before I got it I didn't trim my 308 brass until it reached 2.025, then I would trim back to 2.015. Sinclair International sells a Chamber Length Gauge, it will tell you exactly what your trim length is, I gaurantee it's a lot longer that 2.005, I have a Therory, in 308 2.005 is fine, once you start shooting over bores like 260 or 243 trim length is a lot more critical, trimming back to SAAMI minimum burns the chamber lead/throat faster. I doubt very seriously 99% of the shooters here can shoot the difference in varying trim lengths.
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

I trim every time. I have a Giraud now but even when I didn't I still trimmed them every time.
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

I would trim everytime after resizing for the same brass length at 2.005"


Thus make me result with one digit in SD.
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

I don't trim every time: what I like to do is set my dial calipers to a specified size and use it as a go no-go gauge. Those that need it get trimmed.
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

There's nothing special about any 'trim to' lenght, the book's suggestion is 10 thou less than SAAMI max. Trim your's anyway you wish.
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

I measure them each time and trim those over 2.015.
 
Re: Question about trimming .308

Do Nk sizing process will increase oal of brass?