Minimum case length for .223

M1ke10191 · May 30, 2013, 09:33 AM

What is the minimum case length for .223. I have a few cases in the 1.735 range and I'm not sure if I can keep them or not. Would headspacing be an issue?

243winxb · May 30, 2013, 09:43 AM

Measure after full length sizing. SAAMI is 1.730" minimum But trim to length is 1.750" Short necks may reduce neck tension, resulting in bullet movement on chambering the round into an auto rifle. Trim length has nothing to do with headspace, thats measured from head to the datum on the shoulder.

M1ke10191 · May 30, 2013, 10:39 AM

Awesome, thanks for the help.

603Country · May 30, 2013, 02:11 PM

Once upon a time I way over trimmed some 220 brass. It was all the brass I had, so I just loaded me and shot em. Norma brass, with short necks, gave me some of the best groups I ever shot with that rifle. Of course they were all trimmed to the same length.

May 30, 2013, 09:33 AM	#1
M1ke10191 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2012 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 122	Minimum case length for .223 What is the minimum case length for .223. I have a few cases in the 1.735 range and I'm not sure if I can keep them or not. Would headspacing be an issue?

May 30, 2013, 09:43 AM	#2
243winxb Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2011 Location: USA Posts: 1,730	Measure after full length sizing. SAAMI is 1.730" minimum But trim to length is 1.750" Short necks may reduce neck tension, resulting in bullet movement on chambering the round into an auto rifle. Trim length has nothing to do with headspace, thats measured from head to the datum on the shoulder.

May 30, 2013, 10:39 AM	#3
M1ke10191 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2012 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 122	Awesome, thanks for the help.

May 30, 2013, 02:11 PM	#4
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	Once upon a time I way over trimmed some 220 brass. It was all the brass I had, so I just loaded me and shot em. Norma brass, with short necks, gave me some of the best groups I ever shot with that rifle. Of course they were all trimmed to the same length.