Reloading with Hornady - Trimming the cases

We are now going to look at the next step in the case prep process. Which is trimming the cases to the correct size and preparing them for the final stage of the process. Ok fairly simple process, only two tools actually needed. The case you've just full length sized could have had it's physical dimensions alter by putting it through the die. We need to make sure it's trimmed to the minimum length that appears in your reloading manual. Now you'll always see a maximum case length which you must not let it go beyond and a minimum trim length too with which to trim it to. So we tighten up the case head in the appropriate case holder The other end of the tool has a pilot, caliber specific again. And a crank handle with a cutter so we are trimming off the relevant amount of brass according to the specifications in the manual. Very simple. Do it in batches against all the brasses you've re-sized. - And then your measuring in in the calibers. - Yes I've taken a measurement just to double check we are within the specifications within the book. Don't worry if you trim it a little bit too short. It's not that critical. And then you move on to the final stage. Which is? Cleaning up the rough edges. The actual cutting process with the tool will always leave a few burrs. We want that cartridge to slide into the chamber easily. We want the bullet to slide easily into the cartridge. This tool has an inside de-burrer and an outside de-burrer, we use them in that order. It's a case of introducing the mouth of the case turning it on. A very, very small process this. De-burring first the inside, and then the outside. Don't need to a nice edge just clean the burrs away. That case now has been re-sized, it's been cleaned, it's been de-burred, it is ready for priming. Tune in for the next instalment in Team Wild's Academy series on reloading your own ammunition. In two weeks time we will be looking at how to put primer in your case. Visit www.hornady.com for all of the equipment you need to begin reloading your own ammunition.