Pistol Case Trimming

[RTLOF18918B]

Should you size your cases and trim to length or size and flare and then trim to length? What or is there a difference?

 

[who me]

Size and trim then flare is what I do

 

[Bigdog2]

I don't trim. Straight walled cases don't stretch. Sort by brand and adjust your dies if necessary

 

[bthomasb1]

when I get new pistol cases I size and then trim to the same case length as my others so I don't have to adjust my dies ,but I always trim before I flare

 

[liliysdad]

I never trim pistol cases. I have 38 Special brass with 20+ firings, and have yet to trim them.

 

[who me]

I trim the 44 mag and 357 that I use roll crimps.

9mm and 45acp I don't trim, and I taper crimp them
just enough to remove the flare

 

[Stu Farish]

I also never trim pistol cases. All of mine are straight walled, maybe necked case would need it?

 

[Steve_in_PA]

Never trimmed a pistol case in 23 years of reloading.

 

[Yukon21]

usually they will crack before they stretch that much and then you'll need to aneal them, the .357/44 mag cases that is. True enough the taper crimps in pistol I've never done.

 

[Terry N.]

I trim revolver cases to a uniform length to insure an even roll crimp. I never trim auto pistol cases.

 

[DAB]

If you are using a roll crimp and want consistent loads you will need to trim all cases to one length (if cases very in length at all) so you get a consistent crimp every time.

Just simple logic.

 

[76_michael]

I only trim 44mag brass 9mms I just a sort by c.o.l

 

[Widow maker 223]

Anyone ever have any problems with Lee dies crimping .357 mag? Every once in a while i will get one that crimps but im able to spin the bullet with my fingers. I wondered if the brass was a little long.

 

[Keifus]

I agree on not bothering to trim straight wall cases. Bottle neck need trimming before flaring