.223 case length....

[jcountry]

I am doing my first .223 loads and have a noob question:

Both before and after sizing, my case length is about 1.740 to 1.745. Very few are long enough to need trimming.

I have not been able to find anything about minimum case length for .223. I would guess it is not a problem-but thought it would be wise to ask.

Is it OK to load a 1.74 case to normal OAL. (Trim length is 1.75.)

thx

 

[Russell0331]

It's fine.

 

[Springfield 1911]

That is absolutely acceptable. The case will grow as you shoot it and then size it. That will be fine though. Sometimes you don't need to trim. Just try to separate by head stamp and times shot and have at it!

 

[jcountry]

Cool!

That's what I was guessing. But I figure it doesn't hurt to ask. I still new at rifle reloading.

thx!

 

[Chuckdog]

After resizing I uniform my length for any bottleneck @ .010" under max. Some may do .015" but I'm very pleased with 10 under for my apps.

 

[handloader]

I once again find myself in agreement with Chuckdog. I also use a Lee factory crimp die for .223 intended for an auto loader. This makes complete uniformity in trim lengths not a necessity to getting uniform crimps, within listed specs and within reason of course.

 

[jcountry]

I once again find myself in agreement with Chuckdog. I also use a Lee factory crimp die for .223 intended for an auto loader. This makes complete uniformity in trim lengths not a necessity to getting uniform crimps, within listed specs and within reason of course.

Do you all use a factory crimp on a non-cannelured 223? I am finding conflicting info on this. (I am gonna shoot these in a bolt action, so setback from operation shouldn't be an issue.)

 

[YOTESHOOTER]

As stated above for semi/auto, crimp it , bolt normally works great without.

These fellows are a great wealth of info...................................