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Issue Trimming Brass

Tony1320

I started using .308 Lapua brass a while ago but I bought enough that I'm just getting to length to trim them now. I went to trim them on my Forster case trimmer after FL sizing with my Whidden non bushing die but the brass won't go onto my pilot unless I put some pressure. Before I can finish trimming it gets tight and rough, I stopped and looked inside the neck to find it appears to be all scorned up where the pilot goes in. I figure this is not what I want for precise ammo.

What am I doing wrong here? I never had an issue trimming FGMM and Hornady brass.
 
Tony1320 said:
I started using .308 Lapua brass a while ago but I bought enough that I'm just getting to length to trim them now. I went to trim them on my Forster case trimmer after FL sizing with my Whidden non bushing die but the brass won't go onto my pilot unless I put some pressure. Before I can finish trimming it gets tight and rough, I stopped and looked inside the neck to find it appears to be all scorned up where the pilot goes in. I figure this is not what I want for precise ammo.

What am I doing wrong here? I never had an issue trimming FGMM and Hornady brass.
Click to expand...
Since you're using a non-bushing die, I can only see two options with that setup. One is to trim before sizing. I don't see/have a problem with this personally. Two is to turn/polish the pilot down to where the isuue goes away. That's all I got.--Mike
 
It doesn't sound like your doing anything wrong. Seems like your sizing die may be a bit tight.
I know that trimming takes place after sizing but maybe try trimming before sizing.
 
gunsandgunsmithing said:
Since you're using a non-bushing die, I can only see two options with that setup. One is to trim before sizing. I don't see/have a problem with this personally. Two is to turn/polish the pilot down to where the isuue goes away. That's all I got.--Mike
Click to expand...

Is there any possible issue trimming before sizing? I was always told to trim after sizing. I've tried polishing the pilot down but I can't seem to turn it down enough to get rid of the issue.
 
Tony1320 said:
Is there any possible issue trimming before sizing? I was always told to trim after sizing. I've tried polishing the pilot down but I can't seem to turn it down enough to get rid of the issue.

Here is a picture of a case I tried trimming

8vvpl2.jpg
Click to expand...
The pic isn't showing up for me for whatever reason but really, no...no problem. Most people trim after sizing because that's when most of the stretch/growth happens. You can creep up on the desired length but I'm not a big believer in a very specifi trim length, as long as the length is safe and thy're all the same. Just don't get carried away and you shouldn't have a problem with them getting too short. It'll grow a tad after sizing. That's what you're chasing and why most trim after sizing. Personally, I don't mind trimming first if the pilot fits the fired case neck well at that point. IMHO, it doesn't matter. What matters is the finished product. Don't over think this.
 
gunsandgunsmithing said:
The pic isn't showing up for me for whatever reason but really, no...no problem. Most people trim after sizing because that's when most of the stretch/growth happens. You can creep up on the desired length but I'm not a big believer in a very specifi trim length, as long as the length is safe and thy're all the same. Just don't get carried away and you shouldn't have a problem with them getting too short. It'll grow a tad after sizing. That's what you're chasing and why most trim after sizing. Personally, I don't mind trimming first if the pilot fits the fired case neck well at that point. IMHO, it doesn't matter. What matters is the finished product. Don't over think this.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info if I can't find another solution looks like that's what I'll have to do.
 
You die does not have an expander and you are sizing the cases too small for the Forster trimmer.
It is real simple to fix. Either you need to run an expander into the necks to make them large enough to accept the pilot or you have to use a smaller pilot. Either make a new pilot which is easy to do on a lathe or spin polish your existing pilot down until it fits you brass.

Tony1320 said:
Thanks for the info if I can't find another solution looks like that's what I'll have to do.
Click to expand...
 
You could try using a lube (I prefer Imperial Sizing Wax) inside the case neck and/or on the pilot. It sounds like your biggest problem is the galling from the dry contact between the pilot and the neck. It wouldn't hurt to polish the pilot with some rouge to smooth it, not to reduce the diameter.
 
ronemus said:
You could try using a lube (I prefer Imperial Sizing Wax) inside the case neck and/or on the pilot. It sounds like your biggest problem is the galling from the dry contact between the pilot and the neck. It wouldn't hurt to polish the pilot with some rouge to smooth it, not to reduce the diameter.
Click to expand...

I just tried that and it did seem to help a bit and yes that is the biggest issue. I'm worried the galling is going to hurt accuracy. I tried polishing with up to 1500 grit sand paper after trying to turn the pilot down. I don't know what rouge is
 
bloc said:
Have you measured the expander of your sizing die and the pilot of your case trimmer?
Click to expand...

I'm reading .303 on my expander ball, and my inner diameter of my case neck and my pilot is reading .304 I've been trying to turn it down with sand paper since I started this thread but it hasn't moved yet lol...

How much pressure do you guys use to trim cases and roughly how many turns on a hand lathe? It seems I have to put an unusual amount of physical effort just to trim one case. I do have the 3-1 case mouth cutter on the way so that should help.
 
Tony1320 said:
I started using .308 Lapua brass a while ago but I bought enough that I'm just getting to length to trim them now. I went to trim them on my Forster case trimmer after FL sizing with my Whidden non bushing die but the brass won't go onto my pilot unless I put some pressure. Before I can finish trimming it gets tight and rough, I stopped and looked inside the neck to find it appears to be all scorned up where the pilot goes in. I figure this is not what I want for precise ammo.
What am I doing wrong here? I never had an issue trimming FGMM and Hornady brass.
Click to expand...

I could not get fired brass on a Redding trimmer pilot. Don't remember all the details. I think it fit after expanding with a K&M expander? I chucked the pilot in an electric drill and spent 5-10 sanding it down smaller with fine sandpaper so it would fit the I.D. of my as fired cases. The cases now go on the pilot with a nice fit. Always put some oil on the mandrel.
 
mikecr said:
This for .308 bullets?
Way excess downsizing and interference fit..
I'd search for a better die & plan
Click to expand...

Yes for .308, I had RCBS dies and was recommended to buy Whidden dies when I was looking to upgrade so that's what I'm using now.

I am looking to improve my reloading practices so any advice or recommendations are welcome

I spent 10 minutes using a power drill and up to 1500 sand paper and have a perfect fit and no issues now thanks everyone. Hopefully the 3-1 cutter I have coming will make the actual trimming part less of a chore
 
The problem was never with the Forster trimmer, but with your Whidden die sizing.
Consider this for a minute, with your own brain. What led to what & where are you?
 
Tony1320 said:
Yes for .308, I had RCBS dies and was recommended to buy Whidden dies when I was looking to upgrade so that's what I'm using now.

I am looking to improve my reloading practices so any advice or recommendations are welcome

I spent 10 minutes using a power drill and up to 1500 sand paper and have a perfect fit and no issues now thanks everyone. Hopefully the 3-1 cutter I have coming will make the actual trimming part less of a chore
Click to expand...
Ok, no offense to John Whidden because he is one stand up guy and his dies are fantastic. BUT I bought a FL non bushing die and received a bushing die by accident and they do in fact happen. Might want to take a look and see.
 
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