Trimming Cases

[pdh]

I am in load development on the 30-06AI. I have 40 cases newly fire-formed and want to trim the cases to make them all uniform. These cases has only been fired once.The max length in the sierra manual is 2.494". I like to trim all of them at 2.484". I measured the length of several newly fire-formed cases and the length of them....before trimming are 2.472" in max length.
Is it in ok the trim all the cases back this far...that is back .022" from the max length? Kinda hate to trim back this far...

Thanks

[wncchester]

There is no rule of thumb for how far is too far, personal choice thing.

I always measure the actual length of my rifle chambers with Sinclair type case plugs that stop at the end of the chamber. From that ACTUAL chamber length, always quite a bit more than the SAMMI case length, I decide what length I will trim too. Any cases that are shorter simply stay untrimmed, it has no effect on accuracy.

[crowbeaner]

Most improved cases will shorten themselves somewhat the first time they are fired. This is due to the increasing of the shoulder angle. Just trim to the length of the shortest one so they are all the same length, and back your sizer die out about 1/8 turn to just bump the shoulder a little to make sure they fit the chamber and the bolt will close with just a bit of effort. Then load away with your choice of components. I'd take the time to cut the primer pockets to a uniform depth, and uniform the flash holes also. This will help wring the most in accuracy from your cases. Hope this helps. Enjoy. CB.

[pdh]

Thank you so much guys.........I went ahead and trimmed to 2.472" and did uniformed and flash holes....read your mind Cornbeaner :)
Thanks again......