Newbie reloading question

[kwaynem]

I measured the OAL of the casings on .243 max length is 2.045 on average the OAL of the ones I have measured at 2.035 can a case be too short?

 

[kwaynem]

I just seen this so don’t trim past 2.035 correct?

 

[magna19]

Correct

 

[magna19]

All trimmed the same length helps with accuracy.

 

[kwaynem]

Thanks guys this stuff is marking me nervous I don’t want to miss something. I have the hornady delux lock and load kit it came with everything but a case trimmer I guess

 

[magna19]

Do you have a book. Before reloading I would suggest to get a Hornady, Speer, Nosler, or Sierra reloading book and read it front to back. Everyone was new at reloading sometime. Go slow and understand each step before proceeding.

 

[Dumpstick]

I agree. Go slow, and make certain you understand why you are doing each step.

Reloading is not difficult, but it is detail intensive. If you are not detail oriented, don't reload.

Get a book, read it, and read it again. Pay attention to what you are doing.

And, have fun !

 

[kwaynem]

Do you have a book. Before reloading I would suggest to get a Hornady, Speer, Nosler, or Sierra reloading book and read it front to back. Everyone was new at reloading sometime. Go slow and understand each step before proceeding.

Yes I have a book I have been reading it and watched every video on every step several times I just like double checking on something if I have even a stupid question better to ask than end up with a damaged firearm or worse

 

[swampratt]

I have ran many cases .020" short of what trim length was and there was no issue in doing so.
Accuracy may have suffered but until you prep the snot out of the cases and sort and weigh and set powder charges to the exact granual you probably will not notice the shorter trim length.
Unless you crimp of course.
I intentionally cut some .308 way short so i did not have to trim for 20+ reloads. they still shot sub moa.
That is a different story though..
After you reload for some time you will discover what makes the most differences for you and your rifles.

 

[Pokinfun]

Make sure you size the case before you trim a case. If you neck size your case instead of full length sizing you will not have to trim as much and your cases last longer, from what lots of re-loaders say. If you are reloading for a semiauto rifle small base reloading is better, but harder on the case.

Here is good deal on case trimmer

https://www.okshooters.com/threads/fs-hornady-reloading-accessories.253379/#post-3068526