Cases stuck on trim pilot

I had the same problem with my Lyman Universal trimmer when it was new. I ground a notch on the shaft of each pilot for the set screw to fit into so that the screw prevents the pilot from pulling out. End of problem.
 
I have a "Cartridge Headspace Gauge" from Stoney Point that has 5 bushings labeled A through E with diameters 0.330" to 0.420" used for calibers specified in the directions. For example, Bushing "C" (0.375") is used for 6mm Rem, 257 Robts, 25-06, .270 Rem and 7 others I need not list here. The bushings are affixed to your caliper.

And before that I made datums, I also collected datums, I do not have cartridge head space gages because cases do not have head space; however:) I do have case gages. One of the most accurate case gages is a datum based gage. That would be the Wilson case gage. My oldest case gage goes back to 1953. Wilson suggested using a straight edge with their case gage, because of the precision of the Wilson case gage I added the feeler gage when using a straight edge.

I also use a flat surface instead of the straight edge.

F. Guffey
 
When case sizing it's best to know your chamber length . My fired cases expand the don't stretch , I ordered a Go Gauge , for a 308 its 1.630 it chambered fine , what I did with a stripped bolt was to add the right shim to get the exact length . By adding a .002 piece of shim to the bolt face , gave me my chamber length . My fired cases measure 1.634 , I size to 1.632 . I F/L size every time using the expander ball , I don't neck turn my brass , the ball trues the inside diameter with the sized outside diameter in my way of thinking.

I trim every firing , trims very little if any each time , takes time , yes a little but trimming goes fast & easy. I don't lube the necks in trimming , its with clean sized cases , just chamfer , seat primers , load and seat . I like doing every step.
 
I ground a notch on the shaft of each pilot for the set screw to fit into so that the screw prevents the pilot from pulling out. End of problem.

There is a problem reloaders insist on ignoring. Before the Internet there was no rule for trimming, that would be after firing or after sizing. It seems some chose to ignore the fact I have trimmers that were sold before the Internet, the pilots will not fit a case with a sized neck but work great if the reloader trims the case before sizing. The advise in the old days by new reloaders was to use an Arkansas mill to reduce the diameter of the pilots.

It all started when reloaders started going into mortal combat with the case after trimming or trying to cram the case onto the pilot. One more time, this stuff does not drive me to the curb. My favorite trim system is the trim/form die system. Trimming is not a matter of when, the case is trimmed with the man tool, the hack saw, when the case is formed; and there is no pilot.

F. Guffey
 
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