Hey guys,I just registersd on this site and have a question. I am just getting into reloading and have a bunch of .300 WSM cases to reload.The cases are from factory ammunition that I have fired.I do not have a case trimmer,yet,and am wondering if they can be reloaded the first time without trimming.Is this safe,or should I get a case trimmer before attempting to reload them? All input is appreciated.
Case Trimming
- Thread starter winman
- Start date
rick smith
Handloader
- Apr 6, 2005
- 1,249
- 0
You need to measure the length of the fired cases and then decide.Rick.
With those once fired factory cases I would not worry about trimming them just yet.
You WILL need to buy a case trimmer and a good caliper and keep abreast of case stretching in the future. But having only been fired once, I imagine those cases are just fine. I shoot a 300WSM and did not have to trim my cases till they had been fired three times in my Remington 700 XCR.
You WILL need to buy a case trimmer and a good caliper and keep abreast of case stretching in the future. But having only been fired once, I imagine those cases are just fine. I shoot a 300WSM and did not have to trim my cases till they had been fired three times in my Remington 700 XCR.
winman:
Go ahead and SIZE them, then check the length.
They don't have to be to the trim length, but if some of them are longer than the specified case length, you can just hit'em with a file, and chamfer them. WARNING, it's kinda tuff to get the necks square using a file, but it can be done, and you can get the trimmer later.
Of course, if they are all WAY to long, you might wanna get the trimmer sooner.
(I recommend the Forster trimmer.)
(You're probably not gonna crimp, but if you do, they should all be of uniform length.
Smitty of the North
Go ahead and SIZE them, then check the length.
They don't have to be to the trim length, but if some of them are longer than the specified case length, you can just hit'em with a file, and chamfer them. WARNING, it's kinda tuff to get the necks square using a file, but it can be done, and you can get the trimmer later.
Of course, if they are all WAY to long, you might wanna get the trimmer sooner.
(I recommend the Forster trimmer.)
(You're probably not gonna crimp, but if you do, they should all be of uniform length.
Smitty of the North
- Thread starter
- #6
G
Guest
Guest
I'd recommend a good dial caliper, in stainless steel. You can get a decent one from Midway, Cabelas, or just about anywhere machine tools are sold. Try Harbor Freight, etc. You might also check a decent pawn shop around your area, as there is one that has lots of calipers, dial gauges, and mics in mine. I recommend against the digital just because it is one more item to break, go dead, or just get out of calibration and measure wrong. I have had a dial caliper for nearly 15yrs, since I started loading, and I can tell you it is easy to read, and works great. Save your money, and spend $20 or less, and get a steel dial version. Get one that reads to .001" though. Anything less is irrelavent.
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,170
- 8,443
dubyam":349gd9rl said:
+1
JD338
Placitas Slim
Beginner
- Feb 26, 2007
- 10
- 0
You can get one of the inexpensive Lee trimmers for five bucks and you will also need the cutter/lockstud combo for about seven bucks at sportsmens warehouse.
YoteSmoker
Handloader
- Oct 3, 2006
- 1,602
- 0
+1 on the Lee case length gage and cutter. These are sized caliber specific and come with the shell holder you will need. You will only need to buy the cutter once. Cheap and works perfectly. I use it every time I get done sizing for everything. Too easy not to and I know all the lengths will be the same. If you trimming a ton of cases you might get a blister on your thumb like I have now, but that was from doing about 200 308's at once.
- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,278
- 2,989
The greatest thing since sliced bread ...PERIOD! No way possible to under or over trim!
If they do not have it for your caliber call Lee and for 15 bucks they will make you a custom. I have them made in every caliber (if not already manufactured) from 17 rem to 458 lott and some huge weatherbies in between!
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=817365
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=476992
You will thank us!!!!!!!!!!! :wink:
If they do not have it for your caliber call Lee and for 15 bucks they will make you a custom. I have them made in every caliber (if not already manufactured) from 17 rem to 458 lott and some huge weatherbies in between!
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=817365
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=476992
You will thank us!!!!!!!!!!! :wink:
- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,278
- 2,989
POP":qgfw7eqk said:
