collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Case length inquiry  (Read 2316 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

Who knows Stihl Chainsaws? messed up and cooked my 044 hoping to save/rebuild by HUNTINCOUPLE
[Today at 06:49:08 PM]


2025 blacktail rut thread by westside bull
[Today at 06:39:00 PM]


3 pintails by metlhead
[Today at 05:59:58 PM]


Bogachiel boat accident by GWP
[Today at 05:52:00 PM]


NAVY BEAN SOUP by Alchase
[Today at 05:27:01 PM]


CB Radio Hints and Tips, Installing guidance. by Boss .300 winmag
[Today at 05:22:41 PM]


BNSF Land Access by Goshawk
[Today at 04:39:34 PM]


GL Late Tag holders by waoutdoorsman
[Today at 03:48:26 PM]


Hunting with a suppressor - dumb idea? by addicted
[Today at 03:46:22 PM]


Youth cow tag success by hunter399
[Today at 03:45:55 PM]


2024 Ford Edge Opinion by Happy Gilmore
[Today at 03:31:28 PM]


GROUSE 2025...the Season is looming! by ghosthunter
[Today at 02:51:04 PM]


Now licensed in WA OR ID and GA by pianoman9701
[Today at 02:20:32 PM]


2025 opener by hdshot
[Today at 12:57:52 PM]


Duck Hunting Land Trust by JBG
[Today at 11:48:56 AM]


"Border Lands Conservation Act" courtesy of Mike Lee (R-UT) by kentrek
[Today at 11:09:06 AM]


Cerakote by duramax
[Today at 10:54:05 AM]


New hunter looking for some help by GWP
[Today at 08:06:31 AM]


328/329 reports by Gentrys
[Today at 07:34:05 AM]


Restraining Order to Prevent Sherman Wolf Removal by hunter399
[Today at 07:20:48 AM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal