short brass

[18Echo]

I just went through a 50 count bag of Winchester .308 and have 15 shells that are below the trim to length from 2.001 - 2.004. Is it Okay to shoot these? I figure after a firing they would have grown enough meet the trim to length?

I prepped all the cases I just need to prime and then figure out my redding competiton die with micrometer...

Also when you guys run your cleaners with the petsmart walnut lizard stuff is that all you put in there, or do you add something else?

You guys weigh your bullets and group them by weight?

As you can tell i'm just a beginner.

 

[Michael]

Re: short brass

It's not so important the length you trim to, so long as you trim them all to the same length. I run mine 2.000 just for the sake of something to do. Trim length is a guideline.

 

[Queequeg]

Re: short brass

I weigh bullets when there is no drying paint to watch!

What are you reloading for? Benchrest? Hunting? Plinking?

As you are just beginning, read, read and read some more.

It is usually best to trim to the recommmended trim-to lengths called out in the manuals but a couple thou short isn't going to hurt you.

On cleaning, I add a couple caps full of Midway brass polish per pound of media every few cycles when the mood strikes me.

 

[Strickland]

Re: short brass

I, too, trim all mine to 2.000, per Michael. Never had a problem and I at least I know all my brass is the same (at least starting out).

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: short brass

I trim to minimum length when I do trim. Trimming it shorter gets you a few more reloads on it before you trim again, so there is a plus!

 

[GSPKurt]

Re: short brass

I add Nu-Finish liquid car polish to my Lizard Litter. I now buy my walnut from Harbor Freight and get the fine stuff, doesn't stick in the flash holes.

 

[BeerAlchemist]

Re: short brass

+1 to Nu-Finish and Harbor Freight...they sell it as blast media (they didn't have the fine stuff when I picked mine up, so I'm stuck with the flash hole cleaning).