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| Talking with a friend the other day, a fellow reloader, and he mentioned that the 223/5.56 cases need to be trimed after every firing. I don't load 223, but I have never heard this from anywhere else. I just wanted to ask around about this and see if there is any truth to it. I thought that with the vast resource I have in the clubs experienced reloaders, why not post a thread and learn something. I thank you in advance ffor your responses. |
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| as long as the measured case length is withing specifications, why would you trim it after every firing? doesn't make sense to me. every casing will expand or stretch a bit after each firing, that's physics, but not so much as to exceed specifications. to be sure, fire your rounds, check your case length after each firing, then make your own determination. that's all i can suggest. good luck. |
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| I'm sure thats what he meant, I always check mine and find that most of them need to be trimed. A case gauge don't cost that much and it keeps me from having jams which are embarassing. I also find that some are to short I throw them away, but lots of people say I'm to picky about it. If you want accuracy it pays to be perticular. |
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Guys I haven't loaded .223 in a while now. But when I did, I switched to RCBS X-Dies. I've got a box of 49 rounds that have been reloaded about 20 times without having to be trimmed. I lost one at the range. I always loaded light target rounds and I'm sure that that was a factor but I'm a big believer in the X-Dies. Always CHECK rifle brass length before reloading. CONSISTENCY is the key to accurate handloads.
Bill
Smokeless Powder is just a passing FAD! |
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Here is how I approach it (I also like RCBS, Wild Bill):
Case Preparation:
One of my trimmers is set up permanently for 223 brass. I de-prime and trim all brass when I acquire them to exact length. (I have "the case length plate guage" for rifle calibers, digital measurement tools, etc to verify)
I next use my high speed low drag RCBS electric case prep station to deburr etc...I reform primer pocket, bevel flash hole in/out, I love the RCBS prep station, electric motor makes it quick...
I then make sure the brass is clean and then add to my other prepared and cleaned brass. All is clean, trimmed, and measured brass...
Reloading Preparation:
I set up my digital scales (RCBS) and pull out cases and weigh them for consistency. When I find the quantity I want that weigh the same, I package those and put the others back. Weight doesn't matter except all should weight the same in the same batch...
I then do the same with projectiles, package "sames" and put the others back in container. Same deal as cases...
When I get ready to actually load, it is pretty quick as most of the prep work is done. Powder dispenser is digital and talks with dig scales via infrared so that is quick, easy, and accurate.
I prime all the batch first.
I load one round at the time on my RC instead of staging. I also actually prefer my RC instead of a gillion rounds per hour progressive....
e.g.
punch in 25.0 for charge, then:
hit dispense for powder1, charge case1, hit dispense for 2, visually verify load1, seat bullet1, box round1
after I hit dispense for 2, by the time I box round1, powder2 is already in the powder cup and waiting for me... and so forth. Moving consistently, I never really have to stop....
Great therapy for me. Load a hunnert or two rounds one at the time and you'll get your mind right..... It also makes for some very consistent ammo...
I put my newly spent cases in a coffee can until I start running low on prep'd case... I then start at the top of the list again and check length and prep 'em. My cases don't get many "notches" because of the way I cycle through my cases, hence, they need very little retrimming if ever...
Just my $.02 worth....
Ed
Ed ed@tristategunclub.org |
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