Trimming is necessary IMO (but opinions do vary), consistent case length is the only way to get consistent crimps...which is a key component of accuracy.

I use an RCBS manual trimmer.

 

Lyman universal case trimmer work great. You don't have to install a shell holder for each cal. that you trim.

 

I went with the LE Wilson trimmer... I like it, once it's set I can knock out brass very quickly... But it does require shell holders...

 

Here is my observation.
I definitely agree with Ridgerunner about trimming to the same length being neccessary for consistent crimping.
bought some Hornady leverevolution 45/70 ammo and fired ten rounds just to see what it was like for recoil and point of impact.
The kicker is that the hornady brass is to short to be crimped using a fairly new (2004) RCBS seating die.
It is close to .100 short of listed trim to length in my Hodgdon manual.
I'm thinking of ordering a batch of Starline brass.

 

Did you full length resize that new brass before loading? Then check your length!

 

I bought 100 Remington brass and 100 Starline brass earlier this year. Both brands seem to be very consistent in length with their respected brand lot. Since I only have the Lee fixed length trimmer and I really wasn't able to trim much at all, I just let them go and my roll crimps seem to be very consistent. I don't mix the two different brands however when loading.

 

Although I full length resized the R-L their weren't many that had the same measurements.

I bought 100 Starline, so I suppose I'll open them up and see how many I can cull out with the same length. My reloading funds are getting slim, and I still haven't scoped my rifle (want a Redfield 2x7). Time to sell of the old 1974 Evinrude 6hp

 

Although I full length resized the R-L their weren't many that had the same measurements.

I bought 100 Starline, so I suppose I'll open them up and see how many I can cull out with the same length. My reloading funds are getting slim, and I still haven't scoped my rifle (want a Redfield 2x7). Time to sell of the old 1974 Evinrude 6hp

Oh man, you are gonna sell your kicker? Times are rough! You may need that little Erude someday.. ;D I do know how you feel, I had to sell a couple things this year to help finance my severe bout with Marlinitus, including a Mig welder and a utility trailer.. But still I would be hard pressed to sell anything for the boat! ;D ;D ;D

 

I've been using Starline nickel plated brass. I typically FL resize, then chamfer and deburr the case mouth, then bell the moth & reload. After the first firing I measure the cases and decide if trimming is necessary. If so, I trim to the recommended length (usually .010" shorter than the maximum length) and adjust my crimping die accordingly.

Periodically it "may" be necessary to trim again. Moderate loads don't seem to cause much case stretch. Never mix brass and keep a count on how many firings each box of brass has had.

 

I've been using the Lee trimmer system for some time, even though I have an RCBS adjustable trimmer, and I'm quite happy with it. I don't shoot LE's so I don't have to worry about having to crimp short brass.

 

Save up for a lee factory crimp die. It doesnt really care if the brass is all exact. But you'll still need a trimmer. I'm getting by with the cheap lee trimmer for now.

 

I'd keep going with that Lee case trimmer because it works! The darned things are so simple and dead nuts on with nothing to get out of whack that they do nothing but trim each piece of brass to exactly the same length as all their bretheran. There's no set screws to fiddle with, no collets that can accumulate junk in their recesses, no trial and error to get to the right length, etc. Just chuck 'em up in the drill (hand or press) and give 'em a spin. Voila!.....Instant success and consistancy every time! Many of my friends have gone to them even though they own more complicated and expensive trimmers. I think they're great!

 

I don't know about the more expensive trimmers as I use the cheap Lee myself. I have trimmed and measured and have found inconsistant lengths, but if using the Lee Factory crimp die it doesn't matter!

 

I'd keep going with that Lee case trimmer because it works! The darned things are so simple and dead nuts on with nothing to get out of whack that they do nothing but trim each piece of brass to exactly the same length as all their bretheran. There's no set screws to fiddle with, no collets that can accumulate junk in their recesses, no trial and error to get to the right length, etc. Just chuck 'em up in the drill (hand or press) and give 'em a spin. Voila!.....Instant success and consistancy every time! Many of my friends have gone to them even though they own more complicated and expensive trimmers. I think they're great!

I agree about the Lee trimmer set up. After full-length resizing I measure for length. If the cases need retrimming I do it at that time. If trimmed, I rechamfer and de-burr and bell the mouth. If they don't need trimming I'll also bell the brass if fired. I use Remington brass, both plain and nickle-plated, W/W brass and Starline brass. Also I use the Lee factory crimp die on all my lever ammunition.

 

I love Starline brass. All of the brass I've bought from them has been so consistent that they only vary by .002 at most. No need to trim with that consistency. Eventually all brass needs to be trimmed but using starline has eliminated that step for me initially.

 

When ever I get new Brass I always size them and then trim them. That way I know they are all the same. But hey that is just me.

 

I do the same with my first loading of every case I load, then I trim as necessary.

 

The Starline brass has been very consistent for me. WW is pretty good too.

 

First of all , I use the Lee trimming tools , but have never trimmed .45-70 . Get a Lee Factory Crimp Die & it will crimp , where ever the brass stops .

God bless
Wyr