Trim Length 308

[jbltwin1]

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.

[BK7saum]

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.

[BK7saum]

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.

[country gent]

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

[dale2242]

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

[jbltwin1]

Ahh. Makes sense.

[bimus]

Years ago I went round and round on this and found that nothing was wrong with 2.000

[challenger_i]

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.

[K43]

Sometimes we get too much information and need some clarification.

[Larry Gibson]

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.

[ACC]

Look at the SAMMI specs.

ACC

[jbltwin1]

The only reason I even mention it was because I was checking some once fired military cases that I had sized and got ready and they were ALL 2.020 and up. I trimmed a couple to 2.015 and then checked the specs again and it said 2.005. Just being safe, rather than sorry.

[oldleadhead]

SAAMI spec for cartridge is: 2.015" - .020"

[beemer]

I sometimes take my bore scope and take a look, with a empty case chambered you can see how much room you have. Just curious though, never got in trouble using the published max and trim length as a guide.