Separating 9's from 380's. Tricks?
- Thread starter CANNONMAN
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I never shoot .380 and 9MM at the same time, so all my .380 brass sorting is range brass. If I miss a .380 ro two and it gets in the bucket with the 9MM brass it is not a big deal, it can be caught if I ever sort through that for some 9MM brass, or if I give it away that person can sort it. I found a .40 case in some .38 Spl range brass I had previously sorted and then tumbled the other day. Not sure how I managed to get it in with the .38 Spl, but there it was, all nice and shiny with a .38 case sticking out of it.
As long as it gets caught before getting to the press it's no big deal. I have never had a .380 case get all the way to loading. Once in a blue moon one using some 9MM range brass for a test or something one gets tumbled, then sized before priming (Can't miss it when the sizing feels like nothing), so it gets put aside and never gets primed and ready for loading with the 9MM.
For those who shoot a bunch of .380, and many here do, and who also shot 9MM at the same time, it's a much bigger issue. The old plastic 9MM tray method looks like a great way to sort them, even for old blind folks like some of us.
As long as it gets caught before getting to the press it's no big deal. I have never had a .380 case get all the way to loading. Once in a blue moon one using some 9MM range brass for a test or something one gets tumbled, then sized before priming (Can't miss it when the sizing feels like nothing), so it gets put aside and never gets primed and ready for loading with the 9MM.
For those who shoot a bunch of .380, and many here do, and who also shot 9MM at the same time, it's a much bigger issue. The old plastic 9MM tray method looks like a great way to sort them, even for old blind folks like some of us.
lordpaxman
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I use the colored sorting trays and the .380 plate, and catch some escapees on the press, but inevitably some make it through that part of the process. I added a step post press time which helps me verify rounds should chamber and detects those pesky short nines.
Strat Rider
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I do this too but I use a pair of tweezers and just poke them inside of the 380's and let it expand. Lifts them right out of the ammo trays.
I also built a nice jig that works better than what the guy in the video is doing. It holds 6 trays at a time - guess I'll have to make my own video and show it off.
OK, OK thanks !!! Dear AR Bossman, that's just funny as... well yeah that will and does happen to me. Dear Jmorris - totally awesome!!! Points for you! Just not quite complex enough! Wish I had the time. I was considering the creation of a specific gravity separator. Similar to what's used in gold separation. Yup to all of you who think .380's? It's like drinking white wine when 12y/p scotch is sitting there. What's the point? BUT! I otta put up a pic of my Wife's .380. Its the Browning Something er other that set me back about $800 last Christmas. I'd definitely end up with a Rules Goldberg if I followed JM. I used to curse seeing them in my 9's. Oh well. next week I'll probably be asking how to load .22's. Funny stuff and good info. Thanks guys!
Dudedog
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If I remember correctly they make a separate .380 tray.
After you do enough it gets easy to spot them.
Standing them up works well but takes time.
Spotting the 9mm MAK 9X18,( .380 is 9X17, normal 9mm is 9X19) brass is a bit trickier.
and if you have a MAK you want to spot it.
Looking for MAK brass makes spotting .380s easy!!
BC17A
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kmw1954
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I have an aluminum tray that the take-out food comes in from one of the restaurants, It has a flat bottom and straight wall sides. I just dump my brass into this pan, give it a shake with one corner pointing down and they eventually all stand up. It's then easy to pick out the shorts!
splattergun
Member
I inspect every shell as a matter of practice. Looking at the headstamp to ID the shell is part of that. There is no use getting in a rush to sort them when I look at each one for faults, anyway. Besides, After you've been through so many, I can usually just feel the difference in length. It's almost automatic.
1976B.L.Johns.
Member
My experience a few weeks ago...........
First time it happened to me.
Live and learn! (especially here.........and experience* does not hurt either!)
* experience: Definition - something one acquires just after one needs it .
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You need the shell sorter brass sorter 380 ACP adapter plate that will fit inside the color coded shell bowl set, which I believe you use.
https://www.amazon.com/Shell-Sorter-380-plate/dp/B01C66560O
https://www.amazon.com/Shell-Sorter-380-plate/dp/B01C66560O
In general, I've evolved to keeping cases of different cartridges separate through the cleaning and resizing process. A bit less efficient until you figure in the time it takes to separate cases and miss separating a few.
Every once in a while when I have a small quantity of cases from different cartridges I'll mix them in the tumbler. I get reminded why I don't want to do that every time.
plumberroy
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I sweep up at the club anytime I go shoot. I am getting pretty good at separating 380 from 9mm by eye . I want 380 and 10mm but never find 10 mm I also grab 45 acp for my brother in law. I have 9mms but I have a gallon bag full and only reload hunting/varmint loads since I don't have a hipoint carbine anymore I don't use many
George P
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As long as one size won't get stuck inside another, I'll mix two distinct cases, as in 9mm and 38, but .45acp goes alone as does my 32SWLIn general, I've evolved to keeping cases of different cartridges separate through the cleaning and resizing process. A bit less efficient until you figure in the time it takes to separate cases and miss separating a few.
Every once in a while when I have a small quantity of cases from different cartridges I'll mix them in the tumbler. I get reminded why I don't want to do that every time.
ReloaderFred
Member
I have the set, including the .380 plate, which was a waste of money. I no longer use them, since it's faster to just dump the brass in a wire basket I made for the purpose that fits in a 9"x11"x2" cake pan. I have an aluminum ice scoop that I got at a restaurant supply store, and put three scoops of brass in the basket at a time. I just pick out the different sizes and shake out the debris into the cake pan. I'm midway through 7 buckets of range brass right now, and none of the methods mentioned, other than jmorris's machine, works any better than just picking the brass out by caliber.
Hope this helps.
Fred
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