.223 case trimming question - The Firearms Forum

1in9twist · 10-18-2011, 12:15 AM

So, does everyone trim their .223 brass prior to reloading? A buddy of mine runs a couple MG's and of course, just dumps mad amounts of rounds down range. He swears he hasn't trimmed a case in years. I keep measuring my spent .223 and none of em have stretched to trim length, literally none of em. Some have 3 reloads on em.

10-18-2011, 05:04 AM

I have 5 or 6 loadings on some of my 223 brass and they are not showing any signs of being too long. If you are using tighter chambers that might be the case. Unknown about relaoding FA brass as all the brass I fired FA was on the govt dime and we just put it all back in the box and took it to the ammo dump.

LDBennett · 10-18-2011, 06:35 AM

1in9twist:

You might be onto something. I reload for over 30 different caliber including 223, over the last 20+ years, and I don't ever remember trimming 223. I just had not noticed that before now. But I would still check it after every shooting.

LDBennett

rcairflr · 10-18-2011, 06:38 AM

I check and trim every case before reoading. Some need trimming, some don't. I use the Lee case trim tool and a battery powered drill.

gun-nut · 10-18-2011, 07:18 AM

All mine seem to have to be trimed after the first time to the low limit. but after that i get about 3 reloads on mine ,but i am shooting a bolt rifle.

steve4102 · 10-18-2011, 07:35 AM

Trimming is a necessary step for safe handloading. The 223 should be trimmed if and when it exceeds 1.760. Or, you can get a chamber length gauge and see exactly when your brass need to be trimmed.
http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pi...er-Length-Gage

LDBennett · 10-18-2011, 07:55 AM

steve4102:

I agree but what I am saying is I don't remember ever having to trim 223 because it never exceeds the max limit. But that may just be my experience and you are right: You must check it after every firing. A reloader should be sure to check it AFTER the cases are sized, not before, as the act of sizing the brass affects the Case Overall Length of the loaded cartridge.

LDBennett

medalguy · 10-18-2011, 11:01 PM

I shoot a ton of 5.56 in my M16. I reload military brass only, no commercial brass. I trim the first time I load it and then reload it three times and pitch it. I have never retrimmed it and never had a case separation either. Don't overwork the brass and toss it before it becomes a problem is my mantra.

langenc · 10-19-2011, 10:23 PM

"....toss it.."

Do you ever consider selling at the scrap yard. Brass is about $2/ pound around here.

medalguy · 10-19-2011, 11:25 PM

Oh yeah, toss it into the scrap bucket. No brass goes into the trash.

gun-nut · 10-20-2011, 08:07 AM

why toss it i have about 9 reloads on my 223 but then i dont load hot though. and i have no signs of case seporation yet

10-18-2011, 12:15 AM	#1
1in9twist Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 22	.223 case trimming question So, does everyone trim their .223 brass prior to reloading? A buddy of mine runs a couple MG's and of course, just dumps mad amounts of rounds down range. He swears he hasn't trimmed a case in years. I keep measuring my spent .223 and none of em have stretched to trim length, literally none of em. Some have 3 reloads on em. __________________ 1in9twist Reloading should be enjoyable. www.inlinefabrication.com -->

10-18-2011, 05:04 AM	#2
cpttango30 Adnanced Senior Member Posts: n/a	Re: .223 case trimming question I have 5 or 6 loadings on some of my 223 brass and they are not showing any signs of being too long. If you are using tighter chambers that might be the case. Unknown about relaoding FA brass as all the brass I fired FA was on the govt dime and we just put it all back in the box and took it to the ammo dump.

10-18-2011, 06:35 AM	#3
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: .223 case trimming question 1in9twist: You might be onto something. I reload for over 30 different caliber including 223, over the last 20+ years, and I don't ever remember trimming 223. I just had not noticed that before now. But I would still check it after every shooting. LDBennett Last edited by LDBennett; 10-18-2011 at 06:52 AM..

10-18-2011, 06:38 AM	#4
rcairflr Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wichita, Ks Posts: 1,348	Re: .223 case trimming question I check and trim every case before reoading. Some need trimming, some don't. I use the Lee case trim tool and a battery powered drill.

10-18-2011, 07:18 AM	#5
gun-nut Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: ohio Contributor Posts: 947	Re: .223 case trimming question All mine seem to have to be trimed after the first time to the low limit. but after that i get about 3 reloads on mine ,but i am shooting a bolt rifle. __________________ Don't retreat just reload.

10-18-2011, 07:35 AM	#6
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	Re: .223 case trimming question Trimming is a necessary step for safe handloading. The 223 should be trimmed if and when it exceeds 1.760. Or, you can get a chamber length gauge and see exactly when your brass need to be trimmed. http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pi...er-Length-Gage

10-18-2011, 07:55 AM	#7
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: .223 case trimming question steve4102: I agree but what I am saying is I don't remember ever having to trim 223 because it never exceeds the max limit. But that may just be my experience and you are right: You must check it after every firing. A reloader should be sure to check it AFTER the cases are sized, not before, as the act of sizing the brass affects the Case Overall Length of the loaded cartridge. LDBennett

10-18-2011, 11:01 PM	#8
medalguy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 585	Re: .223 case trimming question I shoot a ton of 5.56 in my M16. I reload military brass only, no commercial brass. I trim the first time I load it and then reload it three times and pitch it. I have never retrimmed it and never had a case separation either. Don't overwork the brass and toss it before it becomes a problem is my mantra.

10-19-2011, 10:23 PM	#9
langenc V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montmorency Co, MI Posts: 428	Re: .223 case trimming question "....toss it.." Do you ever consider selling at the scrap yard. Brass is about $2/ pound around here.

10-19-2011, 11:25 PM	#10
medalguy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 585	Re: .223 case trimming question Oh yeah, toss it into the scrap bucket. No brass goes into the trash.

10-20-2011, 08:07 AM	#11
gun-nut Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: ohio Contributor Posts: 947	Re: .223 case trimming question why toss it i have about 9 reloads on my 223 but then i dont load hot though. and i have no signs of case seporation yet __________________ Don't retreat just reload.