Andrew for what it's worth.
I use the rcbs precision mic. Case gauge.
I did the finish ream on my M1 build and used the foster go gauge so I use the foster gauge to
"Calibrate" my rcbs mic..
The go gauge measure -.002 past 0 on the rcbs gauge.
I measured 20 random HXP with dates 68,71,77,79 none where more than .002 +/- from 0 on the mic and more than half where -.002 so pretty spot on.
Now I checked fired cases same random brass. I,have been using all season 68,71,77,79 same load etc., all measured .001-.003 (this tells me my chamber is a little larger than the gauge and the brass doesn't spring back 100%....now I grabbed a,hand full of sized brass. They all came in at .-003-004"
With the Mic.
So my die is,set up to push the brass back .003-.005" 0n average.
On my most worn out M1. Which almost closes on the no go it's more like +.014 over unfired dimensions...I have a lee die set up to push the brass I load for my other garands to mic out to zero on the gauge. It might be excessive working of the brass but I use brass that has been shot many times and tend not to worry about recovery. I been shooting HXP vs reloading for plinking more though.
I have 2 cans left of loose HXP and once that's gone I will reload more or even start shooting cast.
Now stop thinking so much.
If you have the hornady comparator take a unfired PPU or HXP. Place it in the gauge and zero it out. Now put a fired case in the gauge measure it....back of your die .
Readjust your die until brass comes out -.005" from the fired dimension you should be fine. Or if it makes you feel good resize until it is back to zero.
I use the rcbs case tool part that hits the shoulder to get readings from other cals like 8mm and 303.
It's a bit crude but works good enough to get a idea of whats going on with the sizing die.
Hope that helps.... I use the Wilson gauge for 223....
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RuJYpm-qplQ
I hope this helps and gets you on track. As for trimming. Set the tool up to trim to "trim to" or minimum case OAL and trim away.
As you can see I have also bought several items to do the jobs.
My lee trimmer I found to suck...it doesn't cut! Plus my arthritic hands don't like it. The zip trim was a POS. I use rcbs trimmer and when I know I will trim more than a few hundred cases I use the cordless drill attachment.... my shooting has come to a stand still and don't see it picking up anytime soon. Before long I will be to old to waste time reloading and just shoot!
I have the Lyman case prep center, it works well but if I did not get it on the introductory deal when it came out for 79$ I wouldn't buy it now.
