Trimming Cases

[jglenn]

I can't remember the last time I trimmed a straight wall case


I do keep up with the number of reloads for a group of cases on bottle neck cases. usually discard them after 6-7 reloads. never had a case spearation

there are methods to inspect the case for potential separation

pistol cases seem to last forever ( 45 acp for sure due to it low pressures)

 

[Chuckdog]

Not so much with either on straight walled pistol cases. Many times an autoloader cartridge will beat the case shorter making them fail to headspace correctly. Some trim revolver cases, but I don't recall ever having the urge to trim mine.

I keep records on most of my stuff, but admit to having some .45 ACP brass that I've lost count on. I usually toss them when the primers start seating too easily. You'll know by the feel when a primer pocket is too loose. I make that firing its last loading.

Many times with a straight walled autoloading pistol cartridge you'll lose it before you wear it out.

How hot you load them will of course affect case life. Watch for the lose easy seating primers, cracks around the case mouth, and signs of stress around the base.

 

[Robnotfromga]

I trim with a Lee hand trimmer,looks like a pencil sharpener, it mounts and holds the case, with a hand cutter. The cutter is "supposed" to trim to the correct length, but with all Lee stuff it requires some adjustment.

It will only take a few minutes to trim them. Remember to debur after you cut.

 

[RamRoddoc]

Not so much with either on straight walled pistol cases. Many times an autoloader cartridge will beat the case shorter making them fail to headspace correctly. Some trim revolver cases, but I don't recall ever having the urge to trim mine.

I keep records on most of my stuff, but admit to having some .45 ACP brass that I've lost count on. I usually toss them when the primers start seating too easily. You'll know by the feel when a primer pocket is too loose. I make that firing its last loading.

Many times with a straight walled autoloading pistol cartridge you'll lose it before you wear it out.

How hot you load them will of course affect case life. Watch for the lose easy seating primers, cracks around the case mouth, and signs of stress around the base.

I hate trimming cases..... It's the likely chore I just have to force myself to do. That said I never have seen need to trim straight wall handgun brass. I'm somewhat complacent with round count on that brass and as Chuckdog states when a primer goes in too easy I set it aside to be broken down and all but the brass re-cycled. I crush then toss the case into the trash. Splits, cracks, visible "Glock" bulge at the base or the case mouth just looks way too thin (some .45 ACP with a ? round count and hard to ID the head stamp-worn nearly off) all get crushed and tossed as well.

Brass has a finite number of reloadings and the pressures correlate directly to the number of reloadings. Other things do as well such as just how much you work the brass like full length resizing verses neck resizing.

High Power necked rifle brass is a different animal and warrants extreme caution and care. Accurate round count and trim records are important safety measures.

 

[Springfield 1911]

I'm new to reloading and I'm starting with pistol cartridges in 9mm and 45acp. The advice I got from the guy who helped me set it up is that pistol cartridges generally don't need to be trimmed. Has that been your experience as well?

Also, do you get anal about tracking info about the cases, number of reloads, etc that let you know when it's time to retire the case?

Pesonally I trim all of my cases. Maybe Im being anal but it is very difficult to have a consistent crimp without all cases being the same length. Probably not an issue of safety but we handload for consistent ammo and because we enjoy having the bullet go where the sights are held. Although you should know how to set up a trimmer you can't beat the lee pilots for easy. Hope thia helps you.

 

[Wlmouret]

I use RCBS bench mounted trimmer works good for me.

 

[stihl73]

i have always been fond of the wilson set up..... never seen it needed to trim 9mm and 45 acp and such, but i will do most revolver rounds.... 38 special, 357, 44 mag..... ... http://www.lewilson.com/products.html