What problems with using brass trimmed too short? What is "too short"?

Status
Not open for further replies.

wombat13

Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2010
Messages
1,849
I told my nephew I would load for his .32 Winchester Special because he can't find any factory ammo. He gave me two types of brass. The brass from recently purchased Hornady FTX ammo measures just under 2.040 (which is the spec max length). Brass that had been loaded with flat point bullets measure just under 2.000". I believe these were handloads prepared by my FIL's brother. The sources I can find state trim length is 2.030". He has much more of the short brass than the newer hornady brass.

What problems might I have using the shorter brass?
 
Your cartridge OAL can affect some accuracy - less case mouth available to retain the bullet...at least this is how I have read it mostly. I've gotten away with my 308 brass being a fair bit less than 2.005 (the trim to length). Shortest I've ever gone was 1.990 but wasn't able to get a crimp on the case mouth so only used them for bench shooting.

Since that 32 WS is likely in a lever action, you will want the case length to be to spec since you will need a good crimp if feeding from the magazine.

Always think about the application of what you are loading for when prepping everything.

Hope this helps!
D
 
My suggestion is not to load ammo for other people, including family. Everyone should pack their own parachute so to speak.
 
I do not use cases shorter than sammi minimum length but shorter than trim length is ok. A lot of brass is minimum now a days to conserve material. You will get carbon deposits further up than with full length brass which is no different than shooting 38 in a 357. Just clean it out and keep moving ahead.
 
The standard for minimum neck length to give you good neck tension is one caliber of bullet to neck contact minimum. There are other factors like ability to crimp and where the round headspaces from. These could be a problem with some rounds. Also 30-30 and 32 SPL have thin necks and need all the contact they can get for added accuracy. I agree about reloading for others and be aware of all the dangers if something goes wrong.
 
One obvious potential for danger using short brass is if you load book loads and crimp to the cannelure you’ll be increasing pressure the shorter the brass is.
 
Depending on how much brass we are talking here, I'd say trim them all to the same length, even if it's .030" shorter than SAMMI minimum. In this manner, you will get consistent neck tension, and a consistent crimp.

I had occasion to trim some of my .348WCF brass back because of my short chambered Browning 71. Trim to length for the .348 is 2.245", I actually took a small set of cases and took them to 2.200". I'm not running max loads, and with that brass I started low and worked my way back up... it worked very well for what I needed it to.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top