[ed dixon]

I just finished loading some .45 ACP and about ten percent of the cases dented at the base of the bullet. This was mixed brass that I picked up cheap from a range. All of it was resized and expanded at the same time in the same way. When I pulled the ram handle I could tell which ones were going to come out duds because there was some sticking and then the sudden release -- no doubt at the point the case gave. The good ones went into the die as smooth as butter, requiring no extra force and exhibiting no crunchy jerk. (Bullets were 230 gr. FMJ, seated at 1.250" and crimped at about .470".) This was the first time I loaded for this caliber and haven't had similar problems since I was overlubing .45-70 prior to resizing. What might I have been doing wrong? Besides buying somebody else's trash.

Thanks. Ed

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

My loaded 45 cases that had a significant dent were all Remington nickel plated casings that are the thinnest 45 brass in my old timers reloading experience. I am sorting through my lifetime ammo and brass collection to sell off and ran across a dozen of them which applies to your question. If they will chamber I will shoot them then let the brass lay.

The best , strongest and longest lived 45 brass is GI. I always since shoot from my stash of WCC77 so I can always identify my personal brass at the range.

John Paul Jones

[BigG]

The Winchester brass that comes with the white box is the most uniform trouble free reloadable 45 ACP I've found. I stick with it, REM/UMC is 2nd best, I chuck Federal and all other. Not worth it when you have about 5 gallons of Win already. :D

[ed dixon]

Thanks for the input. And, yes, Federal was over-represented in the bad ones and under-represented in the good ones. Noticed that before I posted, but figured the numbers were too low to be "statistically significant." Now, I'll unabashedly damn it to hell (and count the minutes till someone posts and says he's never had trouble with Federal over the course of thousands of reloads. Then I'll switch and wave Federal's banner high. It's Friday. I'm tired. Can you tell?) Ed

[BigG]

Ffederal goes straight into the trash unless there is someone who wants it. It is just plain no good in 45 ACP flavor. Best of luck, Ed!

[ed dixon]

Thanks again, fellas. One check in the I'm-not-crazy column. Fitz, where does one come by that GI brass? Is it still available?

[Pumpkinheaver]

Starline brass is pretty good too.

[tomr8368]

What problems you all having with Federal?
I've been reloading it along with the other mixed stuff without any problem that I can see, except that rte flash hole in some of them gets too big after a few reloads, and I pitch those. I understand Federal punches their flash holes and the others drill them.
Tom