minimum case length of .223

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18 February 2010, 02:24

Bravo5

minimum case length of .223

I'm new to reloading. I understand the OAL of a loaded cartridge and I understand the trim-to-lenght (1.75) BUT, is there a minimum case length? I have a lot of .223 brass that measures around 1.74, 1.73, etc....

Is it safe to reload to shorter brass?

Please help!
Thanks

Evil prevails when good people don't step up. God grant me strength and courage.

18 February 2010, 02:53

mgoodrich

Yes, it is safe to reload shorter brass.

"New" brass is tpyically shorter than the specs given in your hand book, since it will stretch out after firing, depending on how hot a load you put in.

Most people like to keep the same length for a given reloading session, since neck tension is a small function of length of the case.

18 February 2010, 03:21

vapodog

quote:
I have a lot of .223 brass that measures around 1.74, 1.73, etc....

Load them and shoot them...

When I load the .223 I trim the cases .030 under max length to avoid having to trim them again....

Mostly because I don't like to be hassled by trimming. I've never encountered any trouble because of this!

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21 February 2010, 05:09

Bravo5

Thanks guys!

Evil prevails when good people don't step up. God grant me strength and courage.