trimming

[tipiguy]

I use a Lee trimmer to trim the length of the shells.  Since I used a Lee Loader I would always decap the brass, trim to length, and then size it.  Now I wonder if I am doing it wrong and that I should be trimming after I size it.  

The problem is that after sizing it is VERY difficult to get the post in the brass.  Is there a trick?  Lube the post?  Or maybe it doesn't matter...

Tipiguy

[Wlscott]

I always resize first, then trim.  I also use a Lee trimmer and don't seem to have any problem getting the pilot into the neck.  

Two things pop into my head:

1.  Maybe the neck sizing plug is undersize.
Or;
2.  Maybe there is a lot of powder residue in the necks of your fired cases.

Try cleaning out the necks with an appropriate sized bronze or nylon bore brush.  If that doesn't help, try borrowing another sizing die.  If that fixes the problem, call Lee and tell them about the problem.  They will probably send you another plug for your die, if not, a new sizing die.  

Hope this helps.

[Selmer]

I always trim after sizing o that the brass isn't worked anymore and the trim length is accurate.  I use a Forster trimmer, sometimes the pilot is a little hard to get in, but it always goes, maybe some graphite in the necks would help.
Selmer

[Val]

I always trim after sizing since the sizing will cause the brass to increase in length. The size increase will vary with caliber and the tightness of your chamber. You should take some measurements to see how much length increase you get. I see as much as .012" on some of my brass in certain calibers.