Reloading 40 s&w! I need help

[Colt562]

That's fine. I'm telling him not to listen to you and to trim if he wants. Trimming makes the round more consistent. A more consistent round is more likely to be accurate.

I appreciate the OP trying to minimize variables and attempting to understand the geometry involved in handloading.

FWIW, I don't trim my auto cases either. But I also don't crimp.

So if you dont trim your cases, why are you telling the OP to?

Doesnt make sense.

[CalTeacher]

Your cases aren't buckling because there isn't enough length variance in your batch of cases. Your batch of cases is not the same as mine or his. He may have some case that are too short. If he set his die using that case and he loads a case that is too long it may buckle enough to cause a case gauge fail.

Again, trimming is not the issue here. If he wants to trim, let him cuz it can't hurt.

I'm been using mixed headstamp brass for years. Tens of thousands of rounds in .40 alone in USPSA matches per year and never a buckled case. I'd say my sample size is sufficient.

There's no point to trimming straight walled pistol brass. Period. End of story.

[John Browning]

The best pistol shooters, guys who shoot 20,000 plus rounds a year, don't trim their straight wall pistol brass. I've got .45 ACP cases that have been loaded 10 plus times and have never seen a trimmer. They work great.

You don't need to trim straight wall brass. It offers no advantage. You can do it if you want, but you won't see a difference.

[Bumslie]

The best pistol shooters, guys who shoot 20,000 plus rounds a year, don't trim their straight wall pistol brass. I've got .45 ACP cases that have been loaded 10 plus times and have never seen a trimmer. They work great.

You don't need to trim straight wall brass. It offers no advantage. You can do it if you want, but you won't see a difference.

Low pressure rounds like .45 actually shrink too

[Flyin Brian]

Don't listen to the trimmer. Trimming is a waste of time.

[J-cat]

So if you dont trim your cases, why are you telling the OP to?

Doesnt make sense.

I don't crimp, therefore I don't trim. I never told the OP to trim. He chooses to trim. Everyone is telling him not to. I think he should trim if he wants.

[J-cat]

Don't listen to the trimmer. Trimming is a waste of time.

I'm offended that you call me a trimmer when I am not.

[Bumslie]

I'm offended that you call me a trimmer when I am not.

So next you're gonna tell him to clean the primer pockets on the brass too?

[J-cat]

I did not tell him to do anything. I only supported his trimming effort. But to answer your question, yes. Not only should he clean the primer pockets, he should clean the entire case.

[Bumslie]

I did not tell him to do anything. I only supported his trimming effort. But to answer your question, yes. Not only should he clean the primer pockets, he should clean the entire case.

And debur the flash holes?!

[J-cat]

Only if he wants to. That would make for a mighty nice case.

[Bumslie]

Only if he wants to. That would make for a mighty nice case.

You're crazy j cat. You're crazy.

[webcruzzer]

I trimmed some pistol brass............once.

[onewheelwes]

Trimming!%#$ That's why I can't cant shoot an inch at 25 yd.

PS. OP Glad you fixed your problem. Enjoy

[bruceflinch]

Trimming!%#$ That's why I can't cant shoot an inch at 25 yd.

PS. OP Glad you fixed your problem. Enjoy

You couldn't shoot an inch at 25 yds using Factory ammo out of a Ransom Rested Thompson Contender!


Don't you even Trim, Bro?