Read somewhere that to use Hornady FTX .357 projectiles, one should trim the case. Is this true and if so, what tools do you all use to trim straight wall cases. I have a Giraud trimmer, which measures off the shoulder, and won't work for straight walled cases.
357Mag Reloads using Hornady FTX projectiles ...
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If this is for a revolver, it depends on the length of your cylinder. My Ruger GP100 fits the pointy Hornady bullet just fine without trimming the case. Many revolvers with shorter cylinders, however, will need to have the brass trimmed in order to crimp in the cannelure. As for rifles, I can't comment because I'm not fortunate enough to own one in .357 mag.
Trimming the cases short will require a benchtop case trimmer. Nearly all the major reloading tool manufacturers make one. I own a Lyman. It works fine for what I need.
Kevin
Trimming the cases short will require a benchtop case trimmer. Nearly all the major reloading tool manufacturers make one. I own a Lyman. It works fine for what I need.
Kevin
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Cheapest and easisest way to go is a Lee Case Trimmer for you specific need (.357 mag). You will need the .357 mag guide length/guide (comes with the shell holder), a cutter, and an adapter for using you electric hand drill.
.357 Gage/holder ($5.50), Cutter & Lock stud ($9.98) for a total of $15.48 plus shipping from Lee. Consider getting the Large Ball Crip/cutter as well for an additonal $7.98. It is worth it if you do a lot of shells because it saves wear and tear on you fingers and is easier to grip against the drill torque.
http://leeprecision.com/xcart/Case-Trimming-Tools/
I use these in all the calibers I reload (30-30, 308, 357/38, 35Rem, 8mm etc) and have had no problem. Only have to buy the cutter and adapter once. Just order new gages as you get new calibers to load.
CJ
.357 Gage/holder ($5.50), Cutter & Lock stud ($9.98) for a total of $15.48 plus shipping from Lee. Consider getting the Large Ball Crip/cutter as well for an additonal $7.98. It is worth it if you do a lot of shells because it saves wear and tear on you fingers and is easier to grip against the drill torque.
http://leeprecision.com/xcart/Case-Trimming-Tools/
I use these in all the calibers I reload (30-30, 308, 357/38, 35Rem, 8mm etc) and have had no problem.
Only have to buy the cutter and adapter once. Just order new gages as you get new calibers to load.CJ
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If you go to the Hornady website they list the trim lengths for use with FTX bullets. Another option is to modify your rifle's carrier to handle the longer OAL. Complete instructions are found in the "Gunsmithing" sticky, and having done it myself, I can say it's and easy, effective mod. The advantages are you won't have to worry about having to trim all of your brass, nor will you have to trim any new brass you purchase. Not to mention you won't need to buy a case trimmer. Modify the carier once and that's it, you're done.
GH1
GH1
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