New Unprimed Brass ?
 

I just finished going thru SSA 6.8 new unprimed brass. I ordered 200. Out of the 200, 91 cases were minimum trim length to at what I found which was 1.676". The rest were 1.674-1.668". The longer ones I trimmed to desired length. Now I know I can use them but it upsets me that the length varied that much. The longest one measured 1.800". I have ordered Weatherby brass and the length was short from my trim length, but it didn't vary as much and only a few were not the same size. Is this the case and expected nature going forward with buying brass. It doesn't seem like there is a standard length from factory. I know it can't be perfect but I guess I'm trying to see if the variation like I received is normal? Also most of the cases we're great, some had some dents and blemishes nothing big but still expected more as I heard nothing but good things about SSA brass.

do you size your brass ? i always trim after sizing especially handgun cases as they will always be different if you trim then size.

SSA is supposed to be known for quality control in consistency, sizing, etc. and I imagine that's why Nosler bought them in 2013 to increase their production of brass, as well as ammo in todays marketplace. I hate to think that what you found in that 200 count batch is what they are now putting out because it certainly varies a lot more than what I would be happy with as a buyer. IMHO I would be contacting the company to find out what their stance is on the issues you found.

on new brass, trim them to the length of the shortest case or the trim length,which ever is shortest they will work fine. never heard of SSA but if its not premium brass (which is at a premium price) expect a little extra prep work, lapua and norma brass costs more for a reason
RR

Unless you are crimping bullets a slightly short case will not have much effect unless you are a benchrest competitor. Long cases can be a big problem, but slightly short ones are not a big deal.

I will be crimping bullets. My rule is. 001. I just like my bullets the same size. Easier to find something that works and doesn't At least my view. Even when it is. 001 off I do not enjoy it, but it works out. SSA is premium brass if I had to guess. It was $54 for 100. I did email the company and we will see what happens.

Don't be concerned about them being a little short. As you fire and resize, they will stretch.

For non-precision benchrest shooting, I basically follow the same philosophy that Ridge Runner mentioned - trim all cases to the shortest length.

To avoid letting one odd-ball, or a handful of odd-balls throw the whole batch too short, I measure all the cases and line them up across the bench from shortest to longest. If there are 1-5 really short ones, I might discard those 1-5, but then I set up to trim all of the cases to the shortest length.

It seems to be pretty common that cases are too short, be it new unprimed brass or even factory ammo. Also like Ridge Runner mentioned, the higher end stuff tends to NOT have that problem, let alone being more consistent for case weight and sidewall thickness.

Like Muzzlestuffer mentioned, I size my brass before trimming also.

:fighting0007:

The email I got back is they use Sammi specs and the minimum is like 1.664. Nothing was said about the dents or blemishes and the brass is advertised to be prepared even though I have never seen that advertised.

don't worry about small dents too much as soon as you fire the dents will come out. are you planning on only using this brass in one rifle ? that's fire forming to that specific rifle which is how i do it.if your not crimping just go ahead and resize for the first time don't trim and load it up and shoot them in the rifle and your brass will be ready to trim it will be formed to your chamber that is the most exacting way i know of ?

Yes the brass will be just for one rifle and I will be crimping. I'm not worried about the dents much but just for new brass I expected better. But anyway, has anyone used the trim dies that are available compared to hand trimming? Hand trimming is a pain, I can never seem to get the same out come with the settings and have to just trim little by little and check after each time.

i never hand trim i use a cts trimmer or my bench mounted le wilson.i hear ya on the quality issue i think they are cranking out so fast now a days the quality has tanked! i usually get lapua brass or nosler custom and don't have those issues at least not yet ??

How is the le Wilson? A power trimmer would be great but don't think it's needed for my type of shooting (times I go). I have used the RCBS hand trimmer and it is getting to be a great pain as it never sets right anymore. I never heard of the brand you suggested.

I use a Foster case trimmer. Very accrete and easy to use.



:D Al

personally i really like the cts you just chuck it in a drill or drill press and its super fast super accurate but if you want to use the bench mount wilson it's super and i don't even waste my time with all the others i have !

Gunsmith said it is short stroking the lighter bullets. I'll just stick to the heavier types.

What does that comment have to do with what your thread is about regarding trimming cases?

I put this in wrong thread