Reloading Newb question

I've case prepped about 50 rounds of .30-06 once fired brass out of my Rem 700, and I'm measuring case length minus the bullet and my Lee manual says Maximun trim length of 2.494 inches. So I grabbed the franford arsenal digital calipers and measured. Well I've got a few cases over that number which I will trim to 2.494, but the others are at or under the 2.494 inches. What do I do with them? Can someone explain what MTL means? Is there are glossary for reloading terms?

My Speer manual was close so I looked for the dimensions in it, it says:

Max case length 2.494"

Trim to length 2.484"

If you trimmed before sizing the cases you'll have to trim again.

The MTL is the maximum length cases can be before they need to be trimmed back. Usually, trim-to lengths are 0.010" shorter than the 'mtl'. Some of us trim back 0.015 to give ourselves an additional couple of loadings before needing to resize again. Firing full-length resized cases stretches them the most, but if you neck-size only (and only full-length resize when a case gets tough to chamber) you can reduce your trim frequency on a bolt gun. Semi-auto guns should never use neck-sized cases, only full-len resized cases.

Most manuals use the term "Max case Length" and "Case Trim Length" or "Trim to Length". Not Max Trim to Length. Trim to length is usually the shortest your brass case should be and "Max case length" is the longest is should be. Anything in between is fine.

In the 30-06, "Max Case Length" is 2.494 inches. "Trim to Length" is that minus .010 or 2.484 inches.

Always measure and trim after sizing as sizing cause the case to grow.

I

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. I'll trim all the cases to that 2.484 length.

G

Got here late, I see your question was answered.

I'm in Redmond near Grass Lawn park. I'm planning on reloading .308, .338 Win, 30-30, .270, .243,.223, 9mm and 45ACP.

Wet.

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