45 Auto Case Length

[Flash Gordon]

I have found that my .45 Auto case lengths vary from the maximum of .898 to as short as .882. Most are between .888 and .892. How important is it to trim these cases to make them all the same length? I used to think that it didn't matter because I could get the COAL to be the same for all of them anyway, but now I think I was wrong.

I don't relish trimming cases, but maybe I should. Any comments would be appreciated. Is the difference between
.888 and .892 enough to worry about? Should I trim them so they are all exactly the same? Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

I have never trimmed a straight-wall auto-pistol case in over 45 years of reloading.

It's not that big a deal with the taper-crimp used on auto pistol rounds.

More recently, I have been using the Lee FCD on all my auto-pistol calibers, and it's even less of a deal then when it wasn't much of a deal!

Max .45ACP case length is .898".
As long as they are not longer then that and chamber freely in your gun, you are good to go.


rcmodel

 

[ReloaderFred]

Ditto. I've been reloading since 1963, and have never trimmed a straight wall pistol case, and don't intend to. As long as you taper crimp them, they'll be fine, unless you're a hard core, totally dedicated bullseye shooter....... If that's the case, then you'll want to take the extra steps to eliminate anything that might affect your 50 yard shooting.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[The Bushmaster]

I have yet to find a .45 ACP case the exceeded case length...I have never trimmed one. Usually I either wear them out or lose them first...The length is not that important...However I do know that my Colt series 80 prefers .890 or better for accuracy...

 

[Flash Gordon]

Thanks, guys

Thanks to you who have responded. I glad to hear it because I don't want to have to start trimming straight wall cases.

The problem I'm trying to eliminate if feeding without malfunctions, or with fewer malfunctions. I think my problem is related to COAL rather than case length. I was having trouble getting all of my loaded cartridges to be the same length and was told by someone that I would have to start with cases of equal length in order to get loaded cartridges of equal length.

 

[Ol` Joe]

I was having trouble getting all of my loaded cartridges to be the same length and was told by someone that I would have to start with cases of equal length in order to get loaded cartridges of equal length.

False, case lenght has no bearing on the final lenght of a loaded round. The amount of exposed bullet over the case lenght is what makes up the final COL.
If you are getting variation in COL it is likely a bullet seating problem. Are you useing the proper seater? SWC seaters don`t work well with RN bullets and vis versa. Lube and dirt in the seater can also be a cause. Is the sie locked in place well?

 

[Flash Gordon]

Thanks, Ol' Joe. I'm going to check all those things. I continue to be impressed by how careful one has to set everything up every time. Perhaps that is why re-loading is such a challenging but ultimately very satisfying hobby.

 

[Walkalong]

Dang, everybody is right on this one.