How to Avoid Trimming so many Cases

I used to trim 100% of my cases, because folks told me that is what I needed to do for maximum accuracy.

I have experimented with that myself and have not found any great difference in accuracy if every single case is trimmed to the exact same length, or if they vary by about ten thousandths of an inch. Since the maximum length is only ten thousandths more than the minimum length, I see no need to trim every case.

If a case needs to be trimmed, then trim it! If it dont, then dont!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Reloading
• Ammo
• Hand
• Loading
• Custom
• Single
• Stage
• Press
• 38
• Special
• Revolver
• Brass
• Case
• 2nd
• Second
• Amendment
• Firearm
• Gun
• Pistol
• Handgun

[TexasStraightShooter]

I am using a Lee Factory Crimp die, so it does not matter for the crimp if the cases are the same length or not.

[plasticslap]

pluce you almost never need to trim straight walled cartrige cases. i never have.

[ECTBWHO]

: P

[spodee55]

I use a case length gauge the same way for general target practice rounds.

[jefallijay]

@plasticslap ya, i know i dont.

[bddc201]

To put a finer point on it, you can get away with not trimming pistol cases if they're already under trim-to length (most cases are short). For practice ammo, this is fine. If you want to watch your groups really tighten up, having a consistent trim-to length, i.e. consistent crimp, will change your perspective.

[ebrak47]

wow! I'll try that from now on.

[john1182]

works great i find for general reloading, but for tartet loads ill trim all the brass to the one length, consistance = accuracy

[jacobl816]

good idea setting mic to full length. i finally have a use for the lock screw. i always open and close it on each case. that extra two seconds adds up over 500 cases