.45 ACP Case Length

Matchshot

September 30, 2006 10:08

I am reloading once and twice fired brass and it dawned on me I might need to be concerned about case length. I am loading SWC, 200 gr. with an OAL of 1.248" (4.5 gr. Bullseye). In doing a random check of brass, most came out to .900 to .920 in length. I do not yet have a trimmer, do I need to be concerned? A longer case is is going to increase my seating depth... I think I am answering my own question, I need to check cases and use a standard length for the best consistancy.

Any other thought would be helpful. Best trimmer setup?

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  Tailgunner1954

  September 30, 2006 10:26

  There is no need to trim 45ACP brass, but your numbers seem a little funny. That stuff usualy gets shorter (and fatter) when you fire it. Normaly you will lose your 45 brass before you ever need to trim it or wear it out.
  
  SAMMI Min 0.888
  Trim to 0.893
  SAMMI Max 0.898
  Min OAL 1.190
  Max OAL 1.275

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  Matchshot

  September 30, 2006 10:33

  I am sitting here measuring brass and most are shorter. That .900 that I quoted was for less than a third of the brass. Most are .870 or less.
  
  My question is, if the brass is of different lengths and you have a standard OAL, aren't you seating your bullet at different depths and changing your pressure?
  
  Am I over thinking this?

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  temblor

  September 30, 2006 10:51

  If your dumping your powder charges for a measure and not hand trickling each charge (which most people don't do with pistol ammo) the variances in the powder dump will most likely change the cartridge to cartridge pressure more than the slight difference in case length your talking about -- But yes you are correct technically on the seating depth and yes you are overthinking it [:D].
  Good Luck...........[^]

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  Matchshot

  September 30, 2006 10:56

  Okay, okay, your right, I am being a little obsessive about this. I am relatively new to reloading and don't want to screw up....
  
  Fixed the dryer, played ball with the kids and the wife is walking the dog. I think I am going to get back to making bullets.
  
  Thank goodness for these forums and experienced reloaders. Thanks
  Chris

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  Tailgunner1954

  September 30, 2006 13:33

  Actualy you arn't changing the seating depth, as measured from the case base to the bullet base. Think about it, the length of the case dosn't effect the volume below the bullet (where the powder is), as long as the OAL is (fairly) consistant.
  You "might" get a change in the amount of neck tension, but at 45ACP prssures that will be trivial (different brands/lots of brass will effect it more)

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  Matchshot

  September 30, 2006 14:26

  I understand your point about the volume under the bullet. I guess I was thinking about the neck tension in that with the longer case more of the bullet will be in contact with the sides of the case. I also see that at the relatively low pressures we are dealing with this doesn't mean much.

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  perry shooter

  September 30, 2006 14:59

  Hello If you use a taper crimp die and crimp to.469 you don't have to worry about case lenght. I have been loading match grade 45 ACP on a STAR reloading press for over 35 years and 5000 to 7500 rounds a year . "PRAISE THE HARDBALL GUN"

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  Matchshot

  September 30, 2006 16:14

  quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
  Hello If you use a taper crimp die and crimp to.469 you don't have to worry about case lenght.
  
  I am going to make another batch of rounds, I will cut the crimp down to .469.
  
  Thanks

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