.45 acp brass ?

[rjf]

After processing 500 + .45 acp brass, most of it once fired pick up. Reloaders don't leave brass. I found all the case lengths less than the min trim length of 0.893. They all fell between 0.888 and 0.893. Is newer factory brass shorter than spec? This includes Rem and Win once fired cases.

My reference is Hornadys 7th edition. Also the Hornady bell die doesn't bell the case mouth properly due to the short cases.

Anyone else notice this? I don't expect an ftf issue due to the short case.

The short cases add a more detailed inspection requirement for each round.

[J-cat]

nothing is ever to spec

[checkenbach]

I never trim handgun brass, have never had a problem. Overall length is more important, IMHO. If you're having belling issues, it's an adjustment issue, not a short case issue. Is this the through the powder drop belling die????

[Bug Splat]

I never trim handgun brass, have never had a problem. Overall length is more important, IMHO. If you're having belling issues, it's an adjustment issue, not a short case issue. Is this the through the powder drop belling die????

Me too. Never had to trim 45 brass. If you are not flaring enough then try adjusting your die a bit. I have not seen 45 brass grow enough to ever need trimming. As long as your OAL is correct you should be good. The pressure in 45ACP is so low that a little +/- in pressure is not going to hurt anything.

[Milsurp Collector]

After processing 500 + .45 acp brass, most of it once fired pick up. Reloaders don't leave brass. I found all the case lengths less than the min trim length of 0.893. They all fell between 0.888 and 0.893. Is newer factory brass shorter than spec? This includes Rem and Win once fired cases.

My reference is Hornadys 7th edition. Also the Hornady bell die doesn't bell the case mouth properly due to the short cases.

Anyone else notice this? I don't expect an ftf issue due to the short case.

The short cases add a more detailed inspection requirement for each round.

Length should be measured after resizing. The brass will be longer after it is resized.

[cortayack]

I believe speer gives a .888 trim length....Anyways in the pass I didn't trim my 45 brass either, but now if I receive brass I trim it so all my brass is the same length....After my first triming I ever had a problem or needed to trim again...Its not really needed....

[BlackICE]

I find that most cases are too short as well. Given that the 45 ACP headspaces on the case mouth, most guns are shooting rounds that have EXCESS headspace!

I have read that some bulleye shooters load to headspace with the bullets being seated out.

[rjf]

The dies have been used for years and not needed adjusting. Using a rockchucker press. Thought it odd all the brass is short. The 100 pieces of my brass was still at trim length.

The belling die is not adjustable other than with the lock ring and depth in the press. Bottom of the die now rests on the shell holder. It is not a powder drop die.

Case length is always checked after resizing. I have trimmed military brass years ago, but usually just a few. I always check Aguila brass due to uneven expansion requiring trimming high spots.

I don't shoot the 1911 often cause I hate chasing the brass. God forbid should I lose one. I just clean up other peoples mess and collected 400 or so .45 cases and figure I should use up my old powder. Can't have too much ready service ammo.

[smoothy8500]

When I first started reloading .45 acp I always checked length after resizing...and never found one that required being trimmed. They all were short like the OP said. It would seem that the cartridge is held by the extractor claw and not headspace on the case mouth. You would think they would eventually stretch from resizing, but I have not seen it happen yet.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

.45 ACP Brass doesn't stretch much. I've never trimmed a .45 ACP case in my entire life...

Nor do I think I would. I have too many cases that are within spec...