collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Case length inquiry  (Read 2313 times)

Offline Caretaker

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 480
  • Location: Sumner
  • Age 51
Case length inquiry
« on: April 25, 2016, 10:12:53 PM »
I've been reloading for about 25 years and have never taken an interest in case length until now, don't ask why I just haven't.  I reload brass no more then 5 times then toss them.  I purchased a Hornady manual case trimmer today at Sportsmanwarehouse (love that store) to get me started at the entry level, if I like it I'll probably get something more upscale, not sure yet but that's always a possibility.  Anyhow, I am in the process of reloading a new batch of 270 WSM for my Sako A7, so with a bunch of Federal factory loads shot once I cleaned them in my Hornady ultrasonic cleaner, resized them then manually checked the length of them all, I was shocked to see they ranged from 2.092 to 2.110, case length on these is supposed to be 2.100.  That's a delta of .018!  I'm not a benchrest shooter but I desire perfection where I can get it.  I'm willing to bet that the variance in case length/neck length has an effect on groups.  For brass that's .008 under the case standard of 2.100 there's nothing I can do about those, but for those over that I trimmed them down to 2.100.  For desired accuracy is it ok to trim them all to the shortest length of the batch that I have of 2.092?  This way I can insure that I remove that variance?  Is there a brass manufacturer that is preferred that is more in line with case standards?  Thank you in advance for your input.

Offline Wanttohuntmore

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2009
  • Posts: 1970
Re: Case length inquiry
« Reply #1 on: April 26, 2016, 04:45:34 AM »
Each shot lengthens the brass.  Some brands seem to stretch easier than others.  I find the more expensive brass seems to stretch less.  However, great accuracy can be attained with cheap brass as well.  I always trim to the shortest length to keep the consistency of the neck tension, and always buy brass in batches of the same manufacturing lot number.  Another thing you can do after trimming, is sorting brass based on weight.  Toss the extreme ones, as they are usually thicker or thinner, contributing to different internal pressures.  Brass consistency seriously affects accuracy.   :tup:

Offline jasnt

  • ELR junkie
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2010
  • Posts: 6542
  • Location: deer park
  • Out shooting
  • Groups: WSTA
Re: Case length inquiry
« Reply #2 on: April 26, 2016, 05:31:03 AM »
I also trim to size them all the same. If it's a few thousandths short it won't hurt. I'd rather have consistant neck tension and square mouths.    Reload 5 times then toss :yikes:
That's spendy. I would suggest looking into anealing. It will save you a bunch of $ in brass and if done often enough will keep your neck tension more consistent.
https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action  It takes 10 seconds and it’s free. To easy to make an excuse not to make your voice heard!!!!!!

The commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juvenile, disabled, and senior citizens.
https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.04.012

Offline BULLBLASTER

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+15)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 8106
Re: Case length inquiry
« Reply #3 on: April 26, 2016, 12:51:25 PM »
If your brass is growing excessively when you fire I would look into your sizing. Bump the shoulder too much and your brass will grow due to the added headspace. Too much growth and you could see some case head separation. When the brass gets longer it isn't the neck that is stretching. It is the case body and then try size it it pushes shoulder back and that makes the neck lengthen. I try to size just enough that it will chamber.
Also you are fine to trim them all .008 shorter than spec as the trim to length in most books is .01 shorter than spec.
This is to make sure that the brass doesn't get longer than the chamber allows. Your chamber may allow longer brass than the spec says also.

Offline Caretaker

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 480
  • Location: Sumner
  • Age 51
Re: Case length inquiry
« Reply #4 on: April 26, 2016, 10:48:31 PM »
Thank you everyone, I trimmed them all to the same length of 2.092, loaded a few rounds with Magpro, 130gr Barnes TTSX, starting at 70.5 grains and working up to 73.5 gr, WLRM primer.  I'll see how each of them shoot and work more on the ones that do better.  I think I'm going to like this trimmer, it adds a layer of consistency that I'm looking for.  I'll trim all my other brass with different calibers the same as I am with my 270wsm.  Now I need some range time :)

Offline BULLBLASTER

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+15)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 8106
Re: Case length inquiry
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2016, 06:45:39 AM »
 :tup:

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

My first blacktail! by jason stevens
[Today at 05:13:58 PM]


CB Radio Hints and Tips, Installing guidance. by ghosthunter
[Today at 05:10:24 PM]


North Idaho 2025 Rifle Bull by JakeLand
[Today at 04:27:14 PM]


Multi season elk by teanawayslayer
[Today at 03:42:08 PM]


Rifle Hunting Elk Western WA by Bullkllr
[Today at 03:39:56 PM]


HUNTNNW 2025 trail cam thread and photos by teanawayslayer
[Today at 03:32:31 PM]


Getting the hang of hanging on to mallards! by hdshot
[Today at 03:22:35 PM]


3 pintails by hdshot
[Today at 03:21:07 PM]


2025 blacktail rut thread by highside74
[Today at 01:12:42 PM]


Pathfinder's Opening Day Deer by Pathfinder101
[Today at 12:32:32 PM]


Anti-fog for glass by MonstroMuley
[Today at 12:20:25 PM]


Hoyt Satori Recurve RH by Sammyboiburtis
[Today at 12:08:36 PM]


Shadypass road / fs5900 closed by NOCK NOCK
[Today at 12:03:44 PM]


Whats your play by Billy74
[Today at 12:00:20 PM]


The 33 year quest by wafisherman
[Today at 11:14:35 AM]


First Bull! by wafisherman
[Today at 11:11:28 AM]


How I Cape for a Shoulder Mount by Pathfinder101
[Today at 10:47:44 AM]


Trapline Taxidermy - wholehearted endorsement by redi
[Today at 10:12:41 AM]


Bear Paw Outfitters Idaho Elk and Deer Hunt Units 77,78,79 by Woodchuck
[Today at 09:37:01 AM]


F150 Ecoboost Guys by Pnwrider
[Today at 09:26:57 AM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal