Is this acceptable trimmer performance?

[DaddyFlip]

I'm trimming virgin Hornady 375 brass after sizing with a new Forster Original trimmer. About every other piece, it would cut too short. I thought I could get out of it by going slightly long which is why I've got a string of 2.841's. Should I not expect to hit 2.840 +/-0.001 with a hand trimmer? What is acceptable tolerance for hunting ammo?

 

[Javaman]

Within a thou or two is usually fine.

If my target was 2.840, I’d use the .837-.841 for hunting no prob and keep the others for practice loads.

One tip - after chamfering and deburring, I use a green scotch pad on a sponge (stolen from under the kitchen sink) to smooth out any blemishes. Seems to help clean things up and never have any bullet seating hangups.

Good luck.

 

[shootist~]

Are you sure your trimmer was responsible for the too short ones? I'll hazard an educated guess some were below the 2.840 trim-to length before you started. Not too unusual for new unfired brass. Some manufacturers being worse than others.

 

[DaddyFlip]

Are you sure your trimmer was responsible for the too short ones? I'll hazard an educated guess some were below the 2.840 trim-to length before you started. Not too unusual for new unfired brass. Some manufacturers being worse than others.

I setup the trimmer on a couple of pieces that were 6 thou long. Once it's dialed in and locked down, I wouldn't think the cutter could reach a piece that was too short. However, now that I think about it, I'm wondering if the rims weren't perfectly flat on some of these so maybe some were proud in the collet? I'm sure they'll shoot, it was double frustrating because I don't like trimming brass anyway- worst part of reloading.

 

[shootist~]

Agreed on trimming being the worst part. Its why I finally went electric. And later upgraded to a really good electric trimmer (Giraud).

I just checked a bag of Norma once fired, sized/trimmed 338 WM and they run +/- .001", or very close.

 

[Javaman]

FWIW, switching to an electric trimmer is one of the best equipment changes I’ve made.

The Frankford Arsenal case prep/trimmer was an investment, but one well made.

Good Luck.