38SPL HV
Member
Purchased some brand new Starline brass 38 Spl +P cases. Would you trim/chamfer them before loading?
-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
Trimming new brass before reloading?
- Thread starter 38SPL HV
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
jimbo728
Member
Should be just fine without trimming/chamfering.
Jim
Jim
StakeOut
US Veteran
If you plan on shooting your reloaded ammunition in competition then it's another step in your reloading that should be considered along with weighing each of the cases,bullets and powder drops.
Special competition dies may be in order also.
If you're just going to shoot for your personal joy and satisfaction I'd skip the pistol case trimming.
Cases for semi autos that head space off the front of the case may require trimming if chambering issues arise.
Special competition dies may be in order also.
If you're just going to shoot for your personal joy and satisfaction I'd skip the pistol case trimming.
Cases for semi autos that head space off the front of the case may require trimming if chambering issues arise.
Last edited:
OP
38SPL HV
Member
Thanks all!
StakeOut
US Veteran
I've never bought new virgin 38spl or 45acp since there's an overabundance of once fired,range pick ups and bulk used but have bought lots of 45 Auto Rim,44 Special,44 Magnum and 45 Colt since these are seldom found once fired or range pick ups.
I never trimmed any of them.
I always checked and trimmed rifle brass
I never trimmed any of them.
I always checked and trimmed rifle brass
Not pistol brass, but I do size, de-burr all rifle brass before the first loading.
hdwhit
Member
I would measure the cases to verify they were within specification and if so, just chamfer and debur them and proceed.
Straight-wall pistol cases don't stretch very much on each firing so if the brass starts out all at about the same length and all within specification you will probably not have to worry about trimming them before their necks start to split (which is the time to retire them, if not before).
Straight-wall pistol cases don't stretch very much on each firing so if the brass starts out all at about the same length and all within specification you will probably not have to worry about trimming them before their necks start to split (which is the time to retire them, if not before).
forestswin
Member
Simply put...
You need to trim all brass that is TOO LONG.
Brass too short.....well then.... trimming is a moot point.
Run your brass through locked calipers set at max case length, and see if any don't fit.
Nobody out here on the interweb can tell you the length of the brass you purchased.
You need to trim all brass that is TOO LONG.
Brass too short.....well then.... trimming is a moot point.
Run your brass through locked calipers set at max case length, and see if any don't fit.
Nobody out here on the interweb can tell you the length of the brass you purchased.
at_liberty
Member
Chamfering should be routine on new brass. I am thinking of trimming as a separate question, probably less important on 38 Special than 357 magnum, where quality of the crimp really matters.
What forestswim said x 2. If the brass is too long then it should be trimmed. If the lengths are all over the place then you can trim so they are all the same length.
If the brass is in spec and consistent then trimming is a waste of time.
If the brass is in spec and consistent then trimming is a waste of time.
DWalt
Member
For handgun ammunition, very few trim new or fired brass. Many, if not all, precision rifle shooters religiously keep all their brass trimmed to the same length. The other thing most of them do is to determine by testing the optimum COAL for every bullet type and weight they use. And it does make a difference in grouping performance.
However far you want to take it.......
...just do it once. I seriously doubt that you would see any improvement at all. IF you seat and roll crimp in one operation, having consistent lengths keeps the crimp uniform.
...just do it once. I seriously doubt that you would see any improvement at all. IF you seat and roll crimp in one operation, having consistent lengths keeps the crimp uniform.
S&WIowegan
US Veteran
My experience with brand-new Starline brass is extensive. Don't bother with trimming BUT, a light inside/outside chamfer to clean up manufacturing burrs is worthwhile. It only needs to be done once before loading new Starline.
OP
38SPL HV
Member
Thank you everyone
Spokes
Member
I do rifle, never on regular pistol brass. I will carefully check 357 Sig brass before I load it. Never had to chamfer or trim them yet..
MJFlores
Member
Absolutely, All new brass I resize, and trim / prep. Why wouldn't you? We're supposed to enjoy reloading aren't we? Truth be told, I size and trim all brass until they stop growing...pistol brass usually slows down after 3 firings but I still check it and will trim if it's over .002 in length. Cmon, it's fun....it's why we reload. OP, I'm not saying this is you at all but...some people try to skip so many stages of reloading that you wonder if they even like reloading at all. Time at the reloading bench is never wasted time, it should be enjoyed and looked forward to.
Spokes
Member
I do enjoy reloading. Very relaxing. Not saying this about you at all but some people do have a life after reloading..
