223 trim length?

chris in va · May 27, 2011, 08:56 PM

I bought a Lee 223 trimmer and it really only runs it down to 1.76". Any problems with this? My AR doesn't seem to mind.

Red_Eagle · May 27, 2011, 09:08 PM

I use the 223 remington Lee trimmer. I load for an AR-15, a CZ-527, and a Remington 700. Never a problem.

Edward429451 · May 27, 2011, 09:19 PM

The consistency is more important than the actual length as long as they're short enough to run. You could touch the end of your pin to the grinder and tweak it slightly shorter also if you desire.

wncchester · May 27, 2011, 09:27 PM

"My AR doesn't seem to mind. "

There's your answer; you're not loading a book.

TXGunNut · May 27, 2011, 10:08 PM

"trim to minimum length" isn't engraved in stone, AFAIK, just a convenient practice. A light touch on a grinder or a stroke or two with a file will cut down on the frequency of your trimming sessions, tho. I used a grinder to make a "custom" trimmer for my LeveRevolution project and my cases came out shorter than Hornady's, lol.

spleify · May 27, 2011, 10:09 PM

1.760" is maximum SAAMI overall length.

I always recommend trimming .010 under maximum

I trim all my .223/5.56 to 1.750"

Miata Mike · May 27, 2011, 11:57 PM

My Lee trimmer is very close to 1.75" give or take a few thousandths. Very consistent for such a simple tool.

PA-Joe · May 28, 2011, 05:55 AM

Make certain that the gauge is screwed in all of the way.

10Ringmagic · May 28, 2011, 06:09 AM

I concur with the trim to 1.750 crowd, works well for me.

TXGunNut · May 28, 2011, 08:32 AM

Good point, Joe. Ran into that a time or two. Just a tiny piece of media can cause the issue Chris encountered.
Wait a minute on that grinder, Chris!

chris in va · May 28, 2011, 05:56 PM

I think my trimmer is getting dull. I can chuck it in my drill, grab the other end with pliers and most of the time it won't trim past 1.760. It's like the cutting head just kinda skates across the case mouth.

On a side note, anyone else have cases fly out of the holder? I don't have this problem with my 30-06, probably because it has a much larger case head.

May 27, 2011, 08:56 PM	#1
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	223 trim length? I bought a Lee 223 trimmer and it really only runs it down to 1.76". Any problems with this? My AR doesn't seem to mind.

May 27, 2011, 09:08 PM	#2
Red_Eagle Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2007 Location: Western NY Posts: 598	I use the 223 remington Lee trimmer. I load for an AR-15, a CZ-527, and a Remington 700. Never a problem. __________________ My Calibers: 22 Hornet, 223 Rem, 22-250, 243 Win, 270 Win, 280 Remington Ackley Improved, 30-30, 308 Win, 30-06, 300 Winchester magnum, 7.62x39mm, 380 Auto, 9mm Parabellum, 38 Special, 357 magnum, 40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 45 GAP, 45 Auto, 12 & 20 Guage

May 27, 2011, 10:08 PM	#5
TXGunNut Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: If you have to ask... Posts: 2,860	"trim to minimum length" isn't engraved in stone, AFAIK, just a convenient practice. A light touch on a grinder or a stroke or two with a file will cut down on the frequency of your trimming sessions, tho. I used a grinder to make a "custom" trimmer for my LeveRevolution project and my cases came out shorter than Hornady's, lol. __________________ Life Member NRA, TSRA Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call Lonesome Dove My favorite recipes start out with a handful of used wheelweights.

May 27, 2011, 10:09 PM	#6
spleify Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 2009 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 151	1.760" is maximum SAAMI overall length. I always recommend trimming .010 under maximum I trim all my .223/5.56 to 1.750" __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ NRA Member Survival Paracord Wraps & Bracelets Like us on Facebook

May 28, 2011, 08:32 AM	#10
TXGunNut Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: If you have to ask... Posts: 2,860	Good point, Joe. Ran into that a time or two. Just a tiny piece of media can cause the issue Chris encountered. Wait a minute on that grinder, Chris! __________________ Life Member NRA, TSRA Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call Lonesome Dove My favorite recipes start out with a handful of used wheelweights.

May 27, 2011, 09:19 PM	#3
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	The consistency is more important than the actual length as long as they're short enough to run. You could touch the end of your pin to the grinder and tweak it slightly shorter also if you desire.

May 27, 2011, 09:27 PM	#4
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	"My AR doesn't seem to mind. " There's your answer; you're not loading a book.

May 27, 2011, 11:57 PM	#7
Miata Mike Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2010 Location: North East WI Posts: 418	My Lee trimmer is very close to 1.75" give or take a few thousandths. Very consistent for such a simple tool.

May 28, 2011, 05:55 AM	#8
PA-Joe Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: NEPA Posts: 909	Make certain that the gauge is screwed in all of the way.

May 28, 2011, 06:09 AM	#9
10Ringmagic Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2010 Location: MI Posts: 315	I concur with the trim to 1.750 crowd, works well for me.

May 28, 2011, 05:56 PM	#11
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	I think my trimmer is getting dull. I can chuck it in my drill, grab the other end with pliers and most of the time it won't trim past 1.760. It's like the cutting head just kinda skates across the case mouth. On a side note, anyone else have cases fly out of the holder? I don't have this problem with my 30-06, probably because it has a much larger case head.