Rifle case trimming

[Capt. Augustus]

Are rifle cases such as .30-30 supposed to be trimmed before or after sizing? The reason I ask, is that trimmers such as Lee are too big to enter the case after sizing. It would seem that the length of the case would be affected by the sizing. or is it built into the trim length obtained by the trimming?

[Hemlock Mike]

Capt --

Good point you have.  I never had a real problem either way BUT --

If you trim prior to sizing, the cutter may chatter.  I always trim after.  Needs a little "push" to get
the pilot in. 
I use the LEE trimmers mostly except for 50 CAL BMG 

Mike

[Throckmorton]

Since some expander balls will actually pull the necks out if too tightly fitted,I size after sizing.
Just my way of doing it. I do polish the expander and lube the case necks now and it seems to help,but I still size after sizing.Jut seems right somehow.

[moab mark]

The way I do it:

1.  Clean brass.............I use chemicals
2.  Run it through a sizer
3.  Trim if needed, also debur mouth, clean primer pocket if needed
4.  load as usual.........prime, powder, bullet seat

Aloha, Mark

[Mustang Gregg]

For bottleneck rifle brass we use RCBS file trim dies.  I really like these! 
These dies also squeeze the brass down to FL sizer dimensions when you push the brass in.

Don't reckon it would matter too much whether you trim before or after sizing.

[Jubel]

I shoot 38 special, 357 mag,38 colt, 38 S&W, 45 S&W, 45 colt these are all straight wall cases. I use Lee factory crip dies so trimming is cut down to a minimum. the only time I've trimmed is before resizing with the spent primer still in the hull. I hope this helps,normally the 5th to the 10th reload depending on the brass mfgr.