+p head stamp for less than max loads

Kirkpatrick · December 31, 2012, 07:14 PM

I'm reloading .40 s&w and .45 acp. I've been buying once fired brass, when loading for regular rounds, below max load, does it make a difference if the head stamp is +p?

Marco Califo · December 31, 2012, 08:46 PM

No. +P on brass only indicates that the initial loading was likely +P. Once it has been fired, they are all the same.

Misssissippi Dave · December 31, 2012, 08:59 PM

No.
No. +P on brass only indicates that the initial loading was likely +P. Once it has been fired, they are all the same.
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Sport45 · December 31, 2012, 10:36 PM

I didn't know there was a .40s&w +P. I certainly wouldn't put anything labeled as such in one of my guns. Where did you get the brass?

It's probably just standard brass stamped +P for marketing. Weigh a few and see how they compare to the rest of your .40 brass. If they are much heavier (thicker web) I wouldn't use them for anything over mid-range loads.

I just re-read and caught the .45acp part. If it's .45acp brass that's +P then those probably do have thicker webs. But that cartridge runs at such a low pressure anyway I don't segregate them. It would probably make a difference to bullseye shooters.

Adamantium · December 31, 2012, 11:41 PM

There is no SAAMI standard for 40 S&W +P but that hasn't stopped ammo from being sold under that term. There is however 45acp +P brass, ammo and an official SAAMI pressure ceiling for it.

I always found it ironic when people are reluctant to use +P brass for anything but reduced power load, given that it is either the exact same as normal brass or reinforced to handle extra pressure. You would have to contact the manufacturer of the brass to know which it is as SAAMI only specifies external dimensions.

m&p45acp10+1 · January 1, 2013, 09:09 AM

I did a water weight test with some +p brass, and regular brass from the same maker. They were so close to the same I could care less if it says +++++++++ a global thermo nuclear mega uber ICBM warhead.

They load and shoot just the same.

Sport45 · January 1, 2013, 10:32 AM

Starline makes their 9mm and .38spl +P brass the same as normal with only the headstamp changing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starline Web Page

38+P
1.140 - 1.150 O.A.L.
38 SPL+P has no difference from the standard 38 SPL, other than headstamp designation for load segregation. This is due to the fact that our standard case design will handle +P pressures with no problems.

They say their .45acp brass is made with a thicker web at the base.

Quote:

45 ACP+P, 45 Automatic+P
0.892 - 0.897 O.A.L.
The 45 Auto+P is a strengthened version of the 45 Auto with the same external dimensions. A thicker web and heavier sidewall at base strengthens the case in potentially unsupported areas. This case has approximately 2 grains less internal water capacity than the standard 45 Auto.

Starline Order Page

YMMV

December 31, 2012, 07:14 PM	#1
Kirkpatrick Member Join Date: October 15, 2011 Location: Alabama Posts: 95	+p head stamp for less than max loads I'm reloading .40 s&w and .45 acp. I've been buying once fired brass, when loading for regular rounds, below max load, does it make a difference if the head stamp is +p?

December 31, 2012, 08:46 PM	#2
Marco Califo Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: LA (Greater Los Angeles Area) Posts: 2,598	No. No. +P on brass only indicates that the initial loading was likely +P. Once it has been fired, they are all the same. __________________ ............

December 31, 2012, 10:36 PM	#4
Sport45 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 1999 Location: Too close to Houston Posts: 4,196	I didn't know there was a .40s&w +P. I certainly wouldn't put anything labeled as such in one of my guns. Where did you get the brass? It's probably just standard brass stamped +P for marketing. Weigh a few and see how they compare to the rest of your .40 brass. If they are much heavier (thicker web) I wouldn't use them for anything over mid-range loads. I just re-read and caught the .45acp part. If it's .45acp brass that's +P then those probably do have thicker webs. But that cartridge runs at such a low pressure anyway I don't segregate them. It would probably make a difference to bullseye shooters. __________________ Proud member of the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association. Registered and active voter.

December 31, 2012, 11:41 PM	#5
Adamantium Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 1999 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 1,021	There is no SAAMI standard for 40 S&W +P but that hasn't stopped ammo from being sold under that term. There is however 45acp +P brass, ammo and an official SAAMI pressure ceiling for it. I always found it ironic when people are reluctant to use +P brass for anything but reduced power load, given that it is either the exact same as normal brass or reinforced to handle extra pressure. You would have to contact the manufacturer of the brass to know which it is as SAAMI only specifies external dimensions. __________________ New gun, same ol' shot.

January 1, 2013, 09:09 AM	#6
m&p45acp10+1 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,930	I did a water weight test with some +p brass, and regular brass from the same maker. They were so close to the same I could care less if it says +++++++++ a global thermo nuclear mega uber ICBM warhead. They load and shoot just the same. __________________ No matter how many times you do it and nothing happens it only takes something going wrong one time to kill you.

December 31, 2012, 08:59 PM	#3
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	No. No. +P on brass only indicates that the initial loading was likely +P. Once it has been fired, they are all the same. __________________ ........................................................ 1+