Originally Posted by
Larry Gibson
Use an RCBS X-die and you won't have to trim if the cases are once fired and have not yet been sized. Unless for a really tight match chamber the standard 223 X-die is what's needed, the small base and "AR" X-die are not needed. Yes, I know the directions for the die say to trim all cases to a uniform length but I've found after loading thousands of 223/5.56, 7..62, 30-06 and numerous other cartridges that the initial trimming is not needed with once fired cases. Make a simple chamber cast of your rifle (paraffin wax works fine for this) and measure the chamber neck length. You'll be surprised how much longer it is than the recommended "trim to" length is. I haven't trimmed a 223/5.56 case for use in my gas guns for so long I can't remember the last time......
The slight variation in case length you mention will not matter if a Lee FCD is used to crimp. Seat the bullets so the case covers 90% of the crimp groove and crimp with the Lee FCD. Make sure the rounds fit into the magazine freely....they should if seated to crimp groove. In a SHTF situation reliability is more important than any small increase in accuracy may be had by seating to " get real close to rifling" may afford. With the Wolf 55 FMJs I seriously doubt there will be any difference in accuracy anyway.