Flash hole size

AKgunguy · February 12, 2008, 07:25 PM

I have been sorting thru 45ACP brass and noticed some of the flash holes are twice the diameter of others; does this effect reloading data or anything I should be watching out for. Thanks.

Sport45 · February 13, 2008, 01:35 AM

The large flash holes are probably on cases with NT (non toxic) on the headstamp. They are okay to reload same as any other.

Probably not likely to find in .45acp, but if the hole is greatly oversize they could have been drilled out to use with primer powered wax or rubber bullets for practice. Those should not be reloaded to normal pressures.

ShootingNut · February 13, 2008, 06:37 AM

I load many different head stamps, and see flash hole size variations all the time. My take is that it's a manufacturing decision as to size, and won't effect your reloading for handguns at all.
I'm no expert mind you, just my thought on it.

Regards,
SN

cdrt · February 13, 2008, 07:55 AM

Quote:

The large flash holes are probably on cases with NT (non toxic) on the headstamp. They are okay to reload same as any other.

You do need to know that the NT cases take a small pistol primer rather than the std large primer for regular .45 ACP cases. I have heard that some of the early NT cases would take a large primer, but I've never seen any like that. All I've ever seen take the small pistol primer.

jmorris · February 13, 2008, 09:28 AM

On cases that I have tested the larger flash hole (small or large primer) showed a slightly lower SD than cases with “standard” sized flash holes. It’s not likely you will ever notice any difference between the two.

caz223 · February 13, 2008, 10:56 AM

I've seen that with winclean.
I personally sort them out, but I don't see any reason they'd be unsafe or inacurate.

AKgunguy · February 13, 2008, 03:21 PM

The head stamp is W-W? Thanks for helping the Newbie reloader!

February 12, 2008, 07:25 PM	#1
AKgunguy Junior Member Join Date: February 11, 2008 Posts: 2	Flash hole size I have been sorting thru 45ACP brass and noticed some of the flash holes are twice the diameter of others; does this effect reloading data or anything I should be watching out for. Thanks. __________________ Benelli 20g, Beretta A21, Crickett .22, Enfield .303, Glock 21, 23, Marlin .22, Rem 870, 300wsm, Rock River M4, Ruger P22/45, bearcat, Redhawk .44mag, Springfield XD.45, 1911, Steyr M40 A1, Taser, Winchester 30.30, 1300

February 13, 2008, 01:35 AM	#2
Sport45 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 1999 Location: Too close to Houston Posts: 4,196	The large flash holes are probably on cases with NT (non toxic) on the headstamp. They are okay to reload same as any other. Probably not likely to find in .45acp, but if the hole is greatly oversize they could have been drilled out to use with primer powered wax or rubber bullets for practice. Those should not be reloaded to normal pressures. __________________ Proud member of the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association. Registered and active voter.

February 13, 2008, 10:56 AM	#6
caz223 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,429	I've seen that with winclean. I personally sort them out, but I don't see any reason they'd be unsafe or inacurate. __________________ I'm not just a gun. I'm YOUR gun. (Hold me.)

February 13, 2008, 03:21 PM	#7
AKgunguy Junior Member Join Date: February 11, 2008 Posts: 2	The head stamp is W-W? Thanks for helping the Newbie reloader! __________________ Benelli 20g, Beretta A21, Crickett .22, Enfield .303, Glock 21, 23, Marlin .22, Rem 870, 300wsm, Rock River M4, Ruger P22/45, bearcat, Redhawk .44mag, Springfield XD.45, 1911, Steyr M40 A1, Taser, Winchester 30.30, 1300

February 13, 2008, 06:37 AM	#3
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	I load many different head stamps, and see flash hole size variations all the time. My take is that it's a manufacturing decision as to size, and won't effect your reloading for handguns at all. I'm no expert mind you, just my thought on it. Regards, SN

February 13, 2008, 09:28 AM	#5
jmorris Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2006 Posts: 3,077	On cases that I have tested the larger flash hole (small or large primer) showed a slightly lower SD than cases with “standard” sized flash holes. It’s not likely you will ever notice any difference between the two.