Length question for .223/5.56 brass

[cook4army]

I've got a quick question about the Length on .223/5.56 brass. The books I've read state max length of 1.760 inches, but is there an absolute minimum Length that can be used? After depriming and resizing some spent .223/5.56 brass, I'm finding some of it varies in Length from 1.739-1.759. Is the stuff lower than 1.750 still good to go, or will it cause issues in the chamber when fired?

 

[NKBJ]

The shorties will mess with how you crimp. Other than that it doesn't matter.
I've run upon a lot of them from Federal (FC) lately. Guess I will segregate them out visually when they don't get touched by the setting that I trim to. And use them for whatevers.

 

[turnerdye1]

I trim down to 1.750...

Never had any issues in any of my 3 AR's.

 

[billybob44]

Save the Shorties....

As said upthread, trim all to 1.750"-those that do not hit the trimmer set aside..
As also said Federal are the most short that I come across. I usually trim those all to 1.740", and load as usual.

It will play heck trying to seat to the cannulure if you do not separate...Bill.

 

[OHOIAN]

SAAMI min is 1.730

 

[cook4army]

Ok, great info guys, thanks!!!!!

 

[tnek13]

They are within SAAMI specs for 223 Winchester (1.760-.030) if you are concerned about accuracy separate and shoot as a group. Will not hurt gun

 

[papa6x]

If they are to short, use them to make 300BO brass with.

 

[Robert Richardson]

If you trim to 1.750 and seat the bullet at or near the top of the cannelure the case mouth will still be in the crimp groove on the short cases