Case Trimming .223

[gnfiter3]

Just started reloading .223. It was so cheap before, I just bought it. Saved the brass and here I am. All of it so far is out 1.765after sizing; looking for a short cut here.
1. Should I trim to nominal before full length sizing, or size, then trim?
2. Is it any issue priming before trimming. Dillon 550
3. Does .223 usualy stretch out of tolerance,after the first firing

Is there anything I should infer from the fact that all the samples are so far out of tolerance?

 

[jasonk]

Re: Case Trimming .223

1. Size, then trim.
2. Avoid it if you can, but probably wouldn't cause issues in my mind.
3. I would be surprised if it did.

 

[Graham]

Re: Case Trimming .223

Size, then trim. Otherwise they'll grow again when you size them.

My ARs beat up the brass so badly that I only reload .223 for bolt guns.

You can get once fired, cleaned, sized and trimmed .223 brass here: http://www.scharch.com/products.php?cat=9

 

[gnfiter3]

Re: Case Trimming .223

Thanks for the link. Components have gone up so much, that's why I'm willing to do all the work. Loading .223, 22-250, .243. 25-06, .308, 30-30 for a Contender Pistol. Not to mention 9mm, .40 cal, .357, .41 mag, and .44 mag.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Case Trimming .223

Try not to double post the same topic in the future.

 

[polish handgunner]

Re: Case Trimming .223

I have had good luck with RCBS's X die set. You only have to trim the case once.

 

[gnfiter3]

Re: Case Trimming .223

Sorry about the double post. It was loading so slowly, I thought the first one was lost in space. Comcast isn't what it's advertise to be, speed wise.

 

[Mag 300]

Re: Case Trimming .223

case trimming is needed and a pain in the ass . for the long run buy a Giraud trimmer it will make the process easier , less frustratind and a lot more enjoyable

 

[danr]

Re: Case Trimming .223

I load my .223 service rifle/bolt gun ammunition on a Dillon 550 so trimming my brass (chamferring/deburring)is the first step in my reloading process. I know this is not the way it's usually done, but again I don't single stage reload .223. It makes no sense to me to interrupt the reloading process (having to trim the cases after sizing). That defeats using a progressive press. I just pick one night to trim cases then I have brass ready to run thru the 550 like new brass whenever I'm ready to reload. I trim the cases to min. length (1.750") and the redding sizer I use consistently stretches them to 1.754-55" length, well within case length specs. IT WORKS. I get good case life and 1/2 - 3/4" accuracy from my bolt gun and my service rifles using match bullets and ballistic tips for hunting. Even my recently acquirred SR 556 is producing moa results at 100 yds. That's impressive to me because first, I have a 4 moa Aimpoint and second I'm using 55 gr. W-W bulk bullets and surplus Accurate 2230-C powder I acquirred 10 plus years ago. I just place the dot under the neck of my full size IPSC steel silhoutte target and the SR 556 nails 'em one on top of the other. I've done it several times off the bench as well as prone. As busy as life has become nowadays, this method has worked for me for the last 18 or so years in keeping reloading as simple as possible with satisfying results. Enjoy.