How important case trim length consistency?

[jdw91]

Can anyone give any examples?

My dilemma is I am switching to 6BR and already have all the LEE reloading gear. So to start trimming the 6br cases all i need is the small $4 dollar part from Lee. I just chuck them in a hand drill and go at them.

However, I've head a lot of people use the L.E. trimmer as it gives very consistent results. But is it really worth 40 dollars compared to the 4 extra for the lee? With my experience in 223 the Lee has been very consistent- are the other, more expensive systems just easier to use or do they actually make a noticeable improvement in accuracy? I guess the real question is is the Lee trimming system ok?

Jake

 

[RonAKA]

I love the Lee case trimmer. Use it with a battery operated drill, and you do cases in no time with minimal hassle. The only issue is that it is essentially not adjustable. So if what you get is what you want, then it is fine. You can grind the tip to go shorter, but obviously not longer.

Also, I have not seen the 6BR listed on the Lee site. Is it available from them?

 

[cliffy]

Case Trim Length is important when crimping with a Lee Factory Crimper Die. Consistant pressure build-up and bullet release aids accuracy consistancy. When one actually bothers to hand-weight each powder charge, one can surpass the accuracy of any factory-load, especially regarding ambient temperature variations. If good enough is good enough for you, any reasonable load is good enough. Handloading and using a chronograph is the only means of finding the best load for your rifle. CASE in POINT: Consistancy of case length is quite important. Cliffy

 

[necchi]

I guess the real question is is the Lee trimming system ok?

Every case I have trimmed with my Lee trimming tools,,all seem to measure the same when I'm done 8) ;D Not a problem.

I didn't like the wobble I'd get with the drill attachment. Picked up their "Zip Trim" unit and it works great, much easier control when seating the case.
I like to trim my 223 a bit longer, all I had to do was spread the threaded section a bit before I screwed it in the cutter head and it stays where I want it.
So does it work? Ya. It's almost too easy! ;D
What I don't understand is why so many use all those expensive hand cranks and motor jobs, messing with adjustments ???

 

[bozo699]

Jake,
The lee will get the job done,but it looks like your stepping up to a 6br so accuracy must be important to you? If I were you I would spend a little more and buy a wilson it will do you a top job and last a life time.I own several Lee's a hornady,a redding,two rcbs,and one powered rcbs.Since I bought the wilson the others only collect dust. Just my .02 cents worth. Although if money is a issue and it is for lots of us these days the Lee will work just fine Good luck and enjoy.
Wayne

 

[tenring]

I own two Wilson trimmers and would have no other. Consistent trimming is to have all cases within about .002" and no more, of each other. With the right learned technique, most reloaders are able to do this.

One area in which accurate trimming is imperative, would be if you are turning necks against the stop. If case lengths are inconsistent, the turner will stop at various lengths on the neck shoulder junction.

 

[techoca]

I use a Wilson trimmer exclusively. Certainly it cost more but I believe the results are worth it. When using a Lee trimmer I found that the tip that goes through the primer pocket and bears upon the case holder will wear and change the trimmed dimensions. You should be careful to measure your trimmed cases so this wear will not go unnoticed. In my experience, you set up the Wilson trimmer and go to work; the desired dimension will not change.

 

[jdw91]

So, with the 6BR are there any tricks or special points about trim length? In what way can it effect accuracy (ie what happens when to short or to long?) ?

Also, I have not seen the 6BR listed on the Lee site. Is it available from them?

I think so,

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=510230

 

[Kenny474]

I have had this same discussion on another forum. If the LEE gives you consistent results with the length you need, than that is all that is necessary. The other trimmers, such as the Wilson, give you the ability to adjust trim length a bit more precisely. But like I said, if the LEE gives you the length you need, than why bother.

I use all LEE equipment for everything but my 6-284. My triple deuce will shoot .25 MOA at 100yds, and probably better if it had a driver that had a clue as to how to shoot. It's not all about equipment, but the consistency and care with which you use it. Granted at top level competition things are a bit different, but it still takes consistency.

As for trim length, too long and you can pinch the bullet into the case and cause some really high pressure. I have never tried it, so I can't say how bad it really is.

Get your gun to shoot as good as possible with a consistent length, then worry about if shorter/longer trim length could net any appreciable results. I feel there are other areas that deserve more attention that will have more effect on accuracy.

 

[boltman13]

I have used the Lee system on my hunting rifles for years with great results. I now have a Sinclair case holder I put in a B&D electric screwdriver and it is easier and faster. I use a Sinclair tool that works off of the datum line on the shoulder for really high volume trimming for HP with 223 brass. Chucked in an electric drill it is very fast. I do have a Redding lathe like trimmer that is an excellent tool but a b---h to adjust. I wish Redding would offer an after market micrometer adjustment device as I hate to buy their new one and spend that much when I have most of what the tool consists of. I get all the accuracy I want and need from all three of these systems. The one that works off of the datum line is not quite as consistant as the others, which are very consistant.

 

[Shynloco]

Welcome to the world of 6BR, JDW91, and get your wallet out! I've only been shootin 6BR (for fun and not competing) for about 3 months. But I've surrounded myself with guys who compete and if theres one thing I've learned from all the guys, if you want accuracy, you need to be absolutely consistent in your reloading down to the last ioda. Being in the ballpark ain't gonna get it. You'll note that some of the previous posts speak about the Wilson Trimmer and say they'd use none other. Since I'm not competing, I use a Redding 2400 Trimmer that has the mic on it that allows for exact adjustment. From all I've read and heard about shooting 6BR, I've pretty much concluded that if you want to compete or shoot the tightest of groups, remove every variable possible and make every round you reload as close as every other round you shoot from your weapon. Once you've accomplished near perfection in your ammo for the prevailing conditions, the rest is up you the shooter and his or her ability to read wind (if any) and their individual shooting skills. Good luck and have fun with your 6BR. It can be fun, rewarding and frustrating as heck sometimes.

 

[RonAKA]

Out of curiosity I measured a few cases that were trimmed with a Lee setup and drill. It produces cases 0.005" under the standard length, and within 0.0001" or so are all the same length.

 

[bozo699]

within 0.0001" or so are all the same length.
[/quote]
I own several lee case trimmers and like them for what they are,for the .22 hornet I only use the lee as the case is short and small in diameter and hard to handle.This is not a very accurate cartridge
anyway so if the case mouth is off a little no worries.The Lee trimmer goes through the primer pocket and bottoms out on the case head when done cutting. I have personaly never found brass that close in tolerance.What kind of brass were you trimming?
Wayne.

 

[Kenny474]

The stud (case length gauge) actually bottoms out on the case holder's lock stud, not the case head. If you use it without the case being in the case holder you will have brass that is cut too short.

When the length is set by a steel rod, how can the length be different from case to case? As long as there isn't debris between the tip of the length gauge and the lock stud it will be the same within a small tolerance.
And as long as your brass is concentric to start, the mouths will also be square to the body as well.

All my cases are trimmed this way, and they all measure the same on my starrett calipers. So they are not far off at all.

A little tip for adjusting trim length. If you need to make the trim length a bit longer, make a small washer from a feeler gauge to go over the threads on the length gauge before you screw it onto the cutter. Works beautifully.

 

[bozo699]

I guess I will have to get mine out and goof around with it a little today.
Thanks Kenny474.
Wayne.

 

[RonAKA]

within 0.0001" or so are all the same length.

I own several lee case trimmers and like them for what they are,for the .22 hornet I only use the lee as the case is short and small in diameter and hard to handle.This is not a very accurate cartridge
anyway so if the case mouth is off a little no worries.The Lee trimmer goes through the primer pocket and bottoms out on the case head when done cutting. I have personaly never found brass that close in tolerance.What kind of brass were you trimming?
Wayne.
[/quote]

Was on a Federal 264WM case. As Kenny pointed out the pin bottoms against the holder. So as long as the holder is solid against the base of the case, it has to be very repeatable.

 

[bozo699]

RonAka,
I was not trying to be a smart *#^ I didn't think they worked that well but as usual Kenny was spot on. I went down to loading room today and played around with .22 hornet and .300wm with Lee and Wilson they were real close. now I tried RCBS and as per usual couldn't get it to repeat.So on the Lee I stand tataly corrected!!
Wayne

 

[Eddy B]

How is the Lyman Case-Prep Xpress is anyone using one?

 

[hikfromstik]

Highly recommend the Frankfort arsenal Platinum trimmer . It's as accurate as your reloading . Its a datum point trimmer ,so if you keep things consistent then your necks will be +-.002 . I just bought it for my 223 target ammo . Im not a competition shooter , but im a nut for accuracy and my accuracy is just as it was as my Hornady trimmer , which was a +-.001 trimmer . It doubled my productivity .

 

[Campbell]

My thoughts!

I have only been reloading for LR precision target shooting for 3 years, please feel free to critique my argument!

IMO, for the purpose of long range precision target shooting, consistency of case length is potentially important for the following reasons (given that one has a consistent f/l resizing length) + [every thing else been equal]

a) Neck length will effect neck tension. More surface area of contact with bullet will increase neck tension

b) Neck length will effect neck lathing results (again effecting neck tension).

But what does the the above-mentioned translate into real life results?: Answers on a post card please