undersized .223 cases

[wjwlawz]

I finally sorted out my many .223 cases and found that I have many which are slightly below the trim to length of 1.750". By slightly below, I mean anywhere from 1.738 to 1.745". I plan on loading them anyway, as I've read factory ammo often has cases slightly below the trim to length. I will likely load them just for plinking out of a S & W MP 15. I thought I'd double check with some more experienced reloaders. Any concerns here or suggestions?? f/y/i...I usually stay well below max charges here and the M&P barrel is 5.56/.223 in any event.

 

[243winxb]

1.740" is the SAAMI minimum. Load & shoot. They will grow. Trim to is 1.750"

 

[W.E.G.]

Use a case gage to set up your sizing die.

Measure overall case length after sizing.

Trim the cases if they are over maximum recommended length after sizing.

 

[chris in va]

I've fired quite a few of those 1.735's through my Sport and bolt gun with no problems. I don't know why these turn up, maybe someone is getting overzealous with their trimming. It's almost always a short neck as the rest of the case is usually within spec.

I even found a 1.78" case once. The neck was absurdly long.

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

As long as you have enough neck tension to hold the bullet it really doesn't matter what the neck length is, it can be too long though.

 

[matrem]

Agree with all of the above.
Have even purposely trimmed under 1.750" to minimize trimming frequency.

 

[rcmodel]

I finally sorted out my many .223 cases and found that I have many which are slightly below the trim to length of 1.750".

Did you resize them before you measured them??

Can't measure fired and unsized brass and tell anything at all.

rc

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

As long as you are not crimping them the neck length being slightly short will not be a problem.

 

[wjwlawz]

Thanks for all the replys

Some of you asked if the length was after sizing...the answer is yes.

I really don't know why the cases were a little short, I suspect they were simply that way new....most show only one "notch" from being ejected.

Anyway, thanks for all the help

WJWLAWZ

 

[Walkalong]

Not uncommon. Enjoy and shoot.