Trim Die Questions
I just took delivery on a used RCBS 223 trim die and set it up in a press and tried it out. I turned the die in until it touched the shell holder.
Am I correct that the cases need to be lubed?
What should I use to protect the die while the cutting? A file works and is relatively quick but seems to scratch the top of the die.
Does a trim die also full length size the cases? First, I used an already full length sized 5.56 case and it seemed like there was a considerable amount of pressure needed. When using a 223 coml case, also already full length sized, not as much pressure was needed but it did take some pressure.
I plan on neck sizing the cases with a Lee collet die. Should this be done before trimming?
Can the die be used on 5.56 cases?
Am I correct that the cases need to be lubed?
What should I use to protect the die while the cutting? A file works and is relatively quick but seems to scratch the top of the die.
Does a trim die also full length size the cases? First, I used an already full length sized 5.56 case and it seemed like there was a considerable amount of pressure needed. When using a 223 coml case, also already full length sized, not as much pressure was needed but it did take some pressure.
I plan on neck sizing the cases with a Lee collet die. Should this be done before trimming?
Can the die be used on 5.56 cases?
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The die is hardened so that a file won't cut it - or is supposed to be. They do not size, and cases should be sized before being run into the trim die, I believe. If the die didn't come with instructions, you can probably download them from RCBS or call them and they will send the sheet to you. 0 -
A correctly made and heat treated trim die should not be scratched by a steel file . Don't use diamond grit file the marks you see most likely brass smears .
edit LOL beat you by 2 seconds you need to take a speed typing course[:I]0 -
Yes, lube the case.
Nothing. It's hardened steel that your file won't really hurt. Just don't use a diamond file or anything like that.
Depends. There are trim dies and form and trim dies. It will surely do some sizing, but I'd full length size before hand to make sure all resizing is done, then finish with a deburring.
After that you can just neck size and shouldn't need to trim for a few firings, check with a caliper.
Yes, since they are so similar and the OAL is the same.
edit: Perryshooter- Ha, I have. I can type between 80 and 100 words per minute. You just beat me! [:D]0 -
LOL! Perry, I beat YOU - and I typed more!
Hey, as a real writer, I am obligated to use only two fingers and stare out the window a lot -- and I do both!0 -
Thank you for the advice. I thought of another thing. Since the die is used and cases are lube, I'll clean the die.
All the other used dies I've purchased needed disasembly and a good cleaning.0 -
Can't speak as to new stuff out-of-the-box today, but at least up to the 80s, plain ol' Trim dies differed by maker as to whether they sized the BODY (NOT the neck) of the case. RCBS Trim dies (have owned a bunch of them) DID. Others, such as Pacific, Bair, others DID NOT. 0
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