223 trim length

[flitz]

heres another question.just started trimming my first brass.they are new rem. iam
using a lee trimmer with case length gauge.they are all comming out at 1.746 is
this acceptable? dont want to mess up first time.

thanks flitz

[quickdtoo]

I use the Lee trimmers too, new brass is very inconsistent in length, I've not loaded for the .223 yet, but many other calibers there's always some shorter brass in the bunch, to add a little consistency to my load work, I like all my brass to start out the same length, so I find the shortest of the batch, shorten the pin end of the case length gauge just enought to clean up the shortest round and trim all rounds to that length. I don't think it makes  any difference if they're a touch short, but it sure makes a big difference when I crimp which I do to all my ammo. After all, accuracy comes from consistency between shots, the less variables there are, the more accurate the ammo. Works for me!!

I've read of the pin end of the case length gauge wearing down and/or a hole wearing in the lock stud, but I haven't experienced that......yet!!

Tim

[beemanbeme]

What does your reloading manual say???  Wonderful books, lotsa information. 
.1746 is a little short but not enough to matter. The books say .1750.

[Wingman26]

The trim to length on 223 is 1.74", max case length is 1.76", so you are fine.

[daddywpb]

Sounds like you may be unfamiliar with you're reloading manual. If you are new to this, you should read the info pages in the manual completely. It should also have a section that explains how top properly use the data.

[OLDHandgunner]

Get yourself a couple of good reloading manuals if you don't have them already.  I've been loading for almost 40yrs. and I still go to my trusty manuals. They have alot of good & helpful information. I buy a new manual every year or two just to keep updated on the new calibers, powders, bullets & other things.

[GregP42]

1.746 is fine, max length is 1.760, some manuals say trim to is 1.740, some say 1.750, after much looking the only reason I can find for the two different lengths is one is for 5.56 Nato and the other is for .223, now before someone says they are the same thing, no they are not, close yes, but not the same.

Greg

[Wingman26]

1.746 is fine, max length is 1.760, some manuals say trim to is 1.740, some say 1.750, after much looking the only reason I can find for the two different lengths is one is for 5.56 Nato and the other is for .223, now before someone says they are the same thing, no they are not, close yes, but not the same.

Greg

Dimensionally, 5.56 and .223 ammo are identical, though military 5.56 ammo is typically loaded to higher pressures and velocities than commercial ammo and may, in guns with extremely tight "match" .223 chambers, be unsafe to fire.

http://www.ammo-oracle.com/body.htm#diff