The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Lee Case Trimmer Problems and how to set crimp

ColdBore · January 2, 2010, 02:21 PM

Sport 45 is mostly correct. Straight walled pistol cases (especially low yield pressure ie 45 ACP) don't stretch when fired. However, resizing cases tends to stretch the case a bit. Either way, with ALL cases... measure their lengths after resizing. Always best to be thorough and play it safe. Simultaneous depriming is ok and saves time. If you find a case over the maximum after sizing, then it is time for trimming. The last step for 'shaping' your cases is expanding. Be sure to use a slight bell, for overly-expanding the mouth does weaken the metallurgy and shortens the case life.

As far as how many times you can use a case, that depends on how you load and care for the cases. If you fire low pressure loads, don't over stress the case, of course it will last longer. One of the main concerns regarding worn cases is head separation. If you take a paper clip, straighten it then put a 90 degree ...1/8th" bend on one of the ends, you can use that as a 'feeler' gauge to feel for wear inside the case head.

Use your 1979 Speer manual for reloading information, troubleshooting, etc. But, DO NOT use it for making loads. Powders are constantly being improved and thier burn rates change accordingly. To use load data that is 30 years old is practically suicidal. Go to your Hornady manual for the load data. I promise you, your 7th Ed isn't garbage.

January 2, 2010, 02:21 PM	#12
ColdBore Member Join Date: December 9, 2009 Location: Inland Empire, Ca. Posts: 25	Sport 45 is mostly correct. Straight walled pistol cases (especially low yield pressure ie 45 ACP) don't stretch when fired. However, resizing cases tends to stretch the case a bit. Either way, with ALL cases... measure their lengths after resizing. Always best to be thorough and play it safe. Simultaneous depriming is ok and saves time. If you find a case over the maximum after sizing, then it is time for trimming. The last step for 'shaping' your cases is expanding. Be sure to use a slight bell, for overly-expanding the mouth does weaken the metallurgy and shortens the case life. As far as how many times you can use a case, that depends on how you load and care for the cases. If you fire low pressure loads, don't over stress the case, of course it will last longer. One of the main concerns regarding worn cases is head separation. If you take a paper clip, straighten it then put a 90 degree ...1/8th" bend on one of the ends, you can use that as a 'feeler' gauge to feel for wear inside the case head. Use your 1979 Speer manual for reloading information, troubleshooting, etc. But, DO NOT use it for making loads. Powders are constantly being improved and thier burn rates change accordingly. To use load data that is 30 years old is practically suicidal. Go to your Hornady manual for the load data. I promise you, your 7th Ed isn't garbage. __________________ And on the 7th day God said, "LET THERE BE MARINES"...and the Gates of Hell opened.