.45 ACP Brass Primer Sorter

[foxmeadow]

Hi All,
I've been a quiet lurker for a while and thought I'd make a post just to contribute. Anyone who shoots and reloads .45 ACP is very well aware of the cursed small pistol primer cases that seem to pop up regularly in range brass, and even in the stuff we buy. In addition to eyeballing them, there are many methods to sort LPP and SPP brass, some of which are a little more tedious than others. I designed and printed a sorting tray that is easy to load with 100 cases (put it in a tight fitting box, drop in the decapped cases and shake.) The SPP brass stands proud about 1/16", while the LPP brass lays flush to the grid. Then, I just use a pair of tweezers to pull one size or the other, depending on which has less. I don't pinch the case wall, rather insert the tweezer and let it expand to grip the case and extract. I'll be happy to share the .STL and .scad files for anyone wanting to print one...just PM me. I recommend using a resolution of .16mm or better since the tolerances are kind of tight (it does take a long time to print, but it's worth it.) I don't want to publish this on Thingiverse as there are too many people who would just steal the design and sell it on Ebay. Hope you find it as useful as I did.
Ed

View attachment 1207277

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Do the shells have to be deprimed to use it?

 

[Ed Dwan]

Do the shells have to be deprimed to use it?

Hi,
Yes sir. It works by allowing a pin to go into the LPP pocket so the case sits flush with the grid. A case with a SPP pocket rides on top of the pin, so it stands proud of the grid. Hope this helps.
Ed

 

[alfsauve]

Thank you, Ed. Decided to go ahead. .16mm with 10% infill. Inland PLA+ It's blue cause that's my least used color and I had plenty on hand. Only have 7 empty brass on hand and one was SPP. What are the odds?



Then I thunk. Why not make a spindle to hold my empty moon clips?



Heck if one is good how about a whole tray to hold the "mooned" clips so they don't rattle around?



And why not a 1/3 and 2/3 size ones for the second plastic case so there's room for tools?



Dear Lord, save me from this 3D printer addiction and forgive me for my thread drift

 

[Ed Dwan]

How absolutely cool! You have unleashed the 3D monster inside you and are now reaping the benefits. No worries about thread drift as it's germane to the discussion and absolutely appropriate. BTW, thanks for the idea as I also have moon clipped .45ACP.
Ed

 

[jmorris]

BTW, thanks for the idea as I also have moon clipped .45ACP.

Try 45 GAP brass, SPP require less force for 100% ignition and no tools needed to moon/demoon.

 

[Ed Dwan]

Try 45 GAP brass, SPP require less force for 100% ignition and no tools needed to moon/demoon.

Hi,
Interesting. Why would it not need a tool to moon/demoon? Also, with the case being shorter, would it not leave a carbon ring in the cylinder somewhat like shooting .38 SP in a .357 Mag?
Ed

 

[alfsauve]

Interesting. Why would it not need a tool to moon/demoon?…

When I had some 625 revolvers discovered I could put my index finger through the center hole of the clip and press the round in place with my thumb, using the other hand to “feed” the rounds. This proved easier and quicker then even using a BMT Mooner. De-mooning could be done with a knife blade or small screwdriver as easily as with the traditional tool.

YFMV (your finger may vary)

[Update]

Duh, while I don't currently have a 625, I do have one order and just recently got in some TK moon clips for it. Okay, it was a little harder than I remember, loading them with my fingers, but they are brand new, first time used clips. Helps if you give them just a little rotations as you press them in.



And again, another duh. I've got a plastic box ready for my .45 moon clips, so yes my moon clip spindles work on the .45ACP (for 625) just fine.

 

[jmorris]

Hi,
Interesting. Why would it not need a tool to moon/demoon? Also, with the case being shorter, would it not leave a carbon ring in the cylinder somewhat like shooting .38 SP in a .357 Mag?
Ed

Smaller minor OD in extractor groove and yes just like spl in mags.

Mooner

www.youtube.com

 

[2002ford]

Ed's tray also works on 10 mm. I tried it tonight with great results. For the price I may get another.

 

[GW Staar]

Ed's tray also works on 10 mm. I tried it tonight with great results. For the price I may get another.

So Ed, .......... bet you didn't realize it'd be that easy to start a new business.