Armory Sponsor
Posted: 2/7/2009 8:35:53 PM EDT
|
I have started loading for 6.5x55. I have been loading for .45acp for 30 years but never needed to load for a rifle before now.
I resized and deprimed after lubing with Dillon case Lube. No problems. I then tumbled the cases again to remove the lube. Then I assembled my Lee hand priming tool and primed about 60 cases. THEN I thought about measuring case length. I found that the cases a friend gave me are too long. The max case length is 2.150 with a trim to length of 2.150. My cases are around 2.180.Do I need to deprime to trim? I also noticed that I do not have the correct pilot for my Lyman Universal trimmer. It calls for a #26. I do have a #27. Will this work? I will order the correct pilot from Midway but I want to be sure I don't need to order anything else first. Thanks, Jim |
|
Do I need to deprime to trim?
That will depend on the trimmer. That is........with the LEE method, you will need you to de-prime first. As the stud goes through the flash hole to touch the base of the shell holder, in order to regulate the trim length. But, you're using a Lyman Universal. So, I doubt it. YES, it's better to trim before you prime. As some slivers of brass may find it's way to the primer or might be deposited onto the inner case walls. How much of a problem is it? Well ordinarily........the brass slivers ain't there. So, if it gets deposited on your barrel or gets vaporized.........hummm........... Anyway, there's always a "next time." I also noticed that I do not have the correct pilot for my Lyman Universal trimmer. It calls for a #26. I do have a #27. Will this work? Not familiar with the numbers but........ Smaller would be better, than larger. I use to use the Lyman with motor but, I noticed that the pilot would actually make the necks larger. Yup, the spinning was NOT always exactly on center. So, the pilot would or case would wobble and I'd end up with larger necks. Sometimes, the bullet would fall through. After that...........I gave up on that sort of lathe style trimmer and went to the Gracey (at that time there was no such animal as the Giraud or Possum Hollow). As always.........YMWV. Aloha, Mark |
|
The trimmer has me place the case into a holder that uses a spring loaded ball to locate the flashhole. Then I push a lever that cams to hold the case.
The pilot number is just the caliber size- #30 for .308 caliber, etc. The 6.5x55 is a .264 caliber so it uses a #26 pilot. The pilot just slides into the trimmer cutter and the other end into the case mouth. I just found that I have misplaced my inside/outside chamfering tool, so there is no rush. Jim |
|
Well......OK.
So, IF the ball needs to go into the primer pocket.........then maybe there is a problem. Can it be over-ridden? It's 60 cases.........maybe still be worth a try? And, I forgot to mention that you could try compressed air, to at least blow out the slivers. Or, just turn it upside down and give it a few taps. I guess it'll depend on how "anal" you are? Me, I like to clean (in liquid cleaning bath), lube, re-size/de-cap, gauge and trim (if needed). Next, another cleaning (bath). Then, they get primed. Followed by, dropping powder and bullet seating. Aloha, Mark |
|
I tried a few that were primed. They seemed to work OK. The ball is just to help locate the case head, but isn't strictly necessary. I think it just help go a little faster.
This is the first time I have tried to load for a rifle. I have loaded many thousands of .45acp, but this is very different from using a Dillon Square Deal. Jim |
Armory Sponsor