Automatic case annealer and trimmer

[Bassics]

What i saw, and it may be biased, was that over time the full length sizing of 454 caused lengthening.

For my purposes it was one wheelgun and I was sure at the time that perfect length was important for chamber sealing. I had empirical reasons to think so.

In general I simply ran every sized case through a trim process, and called it a day. I noticed that the shiny part (indicating some metal had been cut) was not always consistently around the rim. I chalked it up to swaging pressures during sizing.

I was biased because I was (and still am) sure that the SD and end MV was affected by the difference in the primer seating. But the hell with that these days.

[CJ]

What i saw, and it may be biased, was that over time the full length sizing of 454 caused lengthening.

For my purposes it was one wheelgun and I was sure at the time that perfect length was important for chamber sealing. I had empirical reasons to think so.

In general I simply ran every sized case through a trim process, and called it a day. I noticed that the shiny part (indicating some metal had been cut) was not always consistently around the rim. I chalked it up to swaging pressures during sizing.

I was biased because I was (and still am) sure that the SD and end MV was affected by the difference in the primer seating. But the hell with that these days.

I'm assuming you're using cannelure bullets?

[Bassics]

Lyman, i use a 255 and 325 hard cast with gas check. They both work fine. I have to go and look because I don't rememebr the size that i settled on, if it was 452 or 453. The caster had issues because i wanted them a certain size but can't rememebr the details.

FYI, i am a crappy ihmsa shooter, but it made me confident at 50 and sort of at 100, which is what i translate into being ethically confident in a hunting situation (not even 100).

[Bassics]

grabbed a few notes, some is buried.

Kieth WC 255gr, very similar to lyman 452490 but with gas check. 17gr more or less of 2400, target MV 1450. To 200 yds or m

Lyman 325gr #452651, often overlooked but awesome in it's awesomeness, RNFP with gas check, used these all the way down to 400fps at 50 and I think it was 1100 at 150 for the same sight settings. That includes the 255gr above at the same settings and a 100yd target with a 255gr @ I think 1100.

the idea was one setup and each run use a different load, holding the scope at zero for each.

It sort of worked.

[CJ]

Usually the only time I hear of case lengthening in pistol is using cannelure bullets as that causes it to grow from thinning the mouth. My 44 mag brass doesn't last long enough for me to even see any lengthening, but it might be because revolvers are smooth chambered.

[Bassics]

I think when you full length a straightwall you pull some metal from the web.

I saw it with 454 over time. I think I did with 10mm. anything else I don't have enough data.

But I also saw primer pocket enlargement. I wonder if it was because i always resized, and the cylinder filling worked the brass more than anything?

Now you have me wanting to see if i can reload without sizing

[CJ]

I think when you full length a straightwall you pull some metal from the web.

I saw it with 454 over time. I think I did with 10mm. anything else I don't have enough data.

But I also saw primer pocket enlargement. I wonder if it was because i always resized, and the cylinder filling worked the brass more than anything?

Now you have me wanting to see if i can reload without sizing

I've resized some starline 10mm over 15 times and it has shrank .08". As for pocket enlargement, I don't have that issue, and I load very hot. Do you prep your primer pockets?

[Bassics]

yes. My routine is,

First run throw away crap, everything else sort

decap and review a little closer. Crappy brass gets thrown out at each stage obviously.

tumble etc

primer pocket clean and initial inspection

Size (carbide)

Run through length process, drill and cut and one at a time..

drop into ziploc boxes for storage.

If I grab a batch out, i should have matched heads and everything ready to prime, fill, and crimp/set. Three quick operations and 100 is a good goal.

[CJ]

yes. My routine is,

First run throw away crap, everything else sort

decap and review a little closer. Crappy brass gets thrown out at each stage obviously.

tumble etc

primer pocket clean and initial inspection

Size (carbide)

Run through length process, drill and cut and one at a time..

drop into ziploc boxes for storage.

If I grab a batch out, i should have matched heads and everything ready to prime, fill, and crimp/set. Three quick operations and 100 is a good goal.

I have read about pocket cleaning as causing the problems you're describing. I intentionally do not clean my pockets because the pocket reamer causes them to wear each time you use them. I've read several tests showing that cleaning your primer pockets really has no benefits. You should try omitting that step.

[Bassics]

oh rly???!

Ok, I can see the justification. I always assumed that running a pocket tool lightly just broke the chunks of carbon off, but let's say I was overly dinging the cup..okay.

I'm still up for a pocket swage. Backorder on midway, I am probably going to go that route and just wait unless you have another suggestion.

When I get this it will be for small pockets, would you like to come up with a test and try it? I will never fire enough powder to be objective, but you maybe? Crap it is just an anvil and a swaging tool. I could mail it.

[CJ]

oh rly???!

Ok, I can see the justification. I always assumed that running a pocket tool lightly just broke the chunks of carbon off, but let's say I was overly dinging the cup..okay.

I'm still up for a pocket swage. Backorder on midway, I am probably going to go that route and just wait unless you have another suggestion.

When I get this it will be for small pockets, would you like to come up with a test and try it? I will never fire enough powder to be objective, but you maybe? Crap it is just an anvil and a swaging tool. I could mail it.

I assume you're talking about decrimping military brass?

[Bassics]

No LOL

In the course of loading a LOT of 454 over time, I noticed the primer pocket loosened up.

I think I am in for an anvil and hammer swage just because. It should be universal for small primers. midway will eventually ship I hope. since i brought it up you haven't really seen a need for it, different venues yada-yada. If I score one, and you think of a reason to try it, let me know. Sure, decapped is an application where it might be prime. My experience is straightwalls that lose pocket cohesiion, that is all.

[Bassics]

I just ordered both big and little. Backordered, we'll see. You may discount it for valkid reasons, but i alwys felt like the primer pocket was neglected.

For a damn poodleshooter then who cares? LOL! but I'll {hopefully} have one of each, let me know.