When I'm done depriming/resizing - The Firearms Forum

WildcatFan · 02-07-2010, 03:08 PM

...do I need to measure the top of the brass to make sure its ok? My electronic calipers measure in milimeters and inches. What measurement am I looking for at the top of the brass?

Alpo · 02-07-2010, 08:59 PM

The measurement at the top of your brass (I presume you mean the case mouth) would depend on what cartridge you are loading. 30 caliber should be about 305 or 306. 22 caliber should be about 221 or 222.

But I see no need in measuring the case mouths. If your dies are made correctly, it is the right size. If they aren't, then you will have trouble with your loads, and the only fix is a good die.

LDBennett · 02-08-2010, 05:48 AM

But...... you need to measure the overall length of the case. It must not exceed the dimension in the manuals. If it does then the brass case has to be trimmed to the trim-to length, typically 0.010 inches shorter than the maximum case over all length (max OAL). Trimming MUST be done after the cases are sized as the sizing dies push the brass all over the case and effect the OAL of the case.

If you did not understand this then it is time to reread your reloading manual.

LDBennett

1911Man · 02-08-2010, 06:43 AM

Alpo - I'm loading .45ACP. Gotta range of measurement on what the case mouth should be?

LDBennett - Yes, already aware of OAL.

1911Man · 02-08-2010, 06:58 AM

Looking at the manual now......please hold.

1911Man · 02-08-2010, 07:02 AM

Ah, found it. .4732" for the .45ACP. Movin' right along.......

JLA · 02-08-2010, 06:30 PM

you are measuring casemouth diameter. Thats about right for a sized, belled and otherwise ready to load case. After loading, you should measure them right out of the crimp die. they should measure .470" at the casemouth with a .451" bullet. This measurement determines the proper amount of taper crimp...

02-07-2010, 03:08 PM	#1
WildcatFan V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St. Louis Posts: 68	When I'm done depriming/resizing ...do I need to measure the top of the brass to make sure its ok? My electronic calipers measure in milimeters and inches. What measurement am I looking for at the top of the brass? __________________ These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. -Thomas Payne- -->

02-07-2010, 08:59 PM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,772	Re: When I'm done depriming/resizing The measurement at the top of your brass (I presume you mean the case mouth) would depend on what cartridge you are loading. 30 caliber should be about 305 or 306. 22 caliber should be about 221 or 222. But I see no need in measuring the case mouths. If your dies are made correctly, it is the right size. If they aren't, then you will have trouble with your loads, and the only fix is a good die. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

02-08-2010, 05:48 AM	#3
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: When I'm done depriming/resizing But...... you need to measure the overall length of the case. It must not exceed the dimension in the manuals. If it does then the brass case has to be trimmed to the trim-to length, typically 0.010 inches shorter than the maximum case over all length (max OAL). Trimming MUST be done after the cases are sized as the sizing dies push the brass all over the case and effect the OAL of the case. If you did not understand this then it is time to reread your reloading manual. LDBennett

02-08-2010, 06:43 AM	#4
1911Man Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: St. Louis Posts: 39	Re: When I'm done depriming/resizing Alpo - I'm loading .45ACP. Gotta range of measurement on what the case mouth should be? LDBennett - Yes, already aware of OAL. __________________ Liberals suck.

02-08-2010, 06:58 AM	#5
1911Man Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: St. Louis Posts: 39	Re: When I'm done depriming/resizing Looking at the manual now......please hold. __________________ Liberals suck. Last edited by 1911Man; 02-08-2010 at 07:04 AM.. Reason: Incorrect message

02-08-2010, 07:02 AM	#6
1911Man Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: St. Louis Posts: 39	Re: When I'm done depriming/resizing Ah, found it. .4732" for the .45ACP. Movin' right along....... __________________ Liberals suck.

02-08-2010, 06:30 PM	#7
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,412	Re: When I'm done depriming/resizing you are measuring casemouth diameter. Thats about right for a sized, belled and otherwise ready to load case. After loading, you should measure them right out of the crimp die. they should measure .470" at the casemouth with a .451" bullet. This measurement determines the proper amount of taper crimp... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!