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Thread: Trim Length 308

  1. #1
    Boolit Man jbltwin1's Avatar
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    Trim Length 308

    As title says, what is SUPPOSED to be the case trim length for win 308? All my data shows 2.015 but when I go to Hodgdon site, it says 2.005. Big difference. Every book I have says 2.015 and the other sources on the web show the same but Hodgdon is kind of the bible these days. Any opinions? Mike. PS- I emailed Hodgdon to see what THEY say, as it's their data and if it's a woops, they should know.
    Last edited by jbltwin1; Today at 06:34 PM.

  2. #2
    Boolit Master

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    Are the books you are referencing giving the max case length or the trim length?

    Online references seem to show a 2.015" max case length. Suggested trim length is usually 0.010" less than case length or max case length.

    Just depends on what terminology they are using and what length they are referencing.

    Both numbers can be correct if they reference the correct description.
    Last edited by BK7saum; Today at 07:01 PM.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master

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    Hodgdon shows trim length as 2.005"

    Nosler shows a loaded cartridge with case length as 2.015", so assume max case length.

    Sierra gives a trim length of 2.005" and shows a loaded cartridge with case length of 2.015" (case length)

    I think you may be overthinking this one.

  4. #4
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Max case length is 2.015. Trim is 2.005, but a lot of high power shooters would trim to 1.990 and when it needed next trim it was done and replaced

  5. #5
    Boolit Master

    dale2242's Avatar
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    Trim length is typically listed at .010 below max length.
    Max length 2.015 minus .010 equals 2.005.
    Simple as that.

  6. #6
    Boolit Man jbltwin1's Avatar
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    Ahh. Makes sense.

  7. #7
    Boolit Buddy
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    Years ago I went round and round on this and found that nothing was wrong with 2.000

  8. #8
    Boolit Master challenger_i's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BK7saum View Post
    Hodgdon shows trim length as 2.005"

    Nosler shows a loaded cartridge with case length as 2.015", so assume max case length.

    Sierra gives a trim length of 2.005" and shows a loaded cartridge with case length of 2.015" (case length)

    I think you may be overthinking this one.
    Not "overthinking" the matter, just erring on the side of caution and seeking Guidance and Knowlege. Is what the Forum is all about.
    Rights, and Privileges, are not synonymous. We have the Right to Bear Arms. As soon as the Government mandates firearm registration, and permiting, then that Right becomes a Privilege, and may be taken away at our Master's discretion.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master


    K43's Avatar
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    Sometimes we get too much information and need some clarification.

  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master


    Larry Gibson's Avatar
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    I don't pay any attention to "book" case lengths. I make a chamber cast [paraffin works very well for this] and measure the chamber neck length then trim the cases, if they really need it, so the trimmed case neck length is just .010" less than the chamber neck length. If I have multiple rifles chambered for the same cartridge and will load the cartridges to fit all, I trim the cases to fit the chamber with the shortest neck.

    Sounds more complicated to do than it is.
    Larry Gibson

    “Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing.”
    ― Nikola Tesla

  11. #11
    Boolit Master ACC's Avatar
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    Look at the SAMMI specs.

    ACC

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