.45ACP head query

[geo1231]

I just acquired a bit of range brass in .45ACP which I decapped, tumbled, and the ultrasonically cleaned. Most looks really great, but when I insert many in a .45ACP cartridge gage (Midway brand) -- the head won't go down to flush as they should. If I run said brass through a Lee bulge-buster die, I need a REAL lot of force to get them through -- often needing to resort to removing the Lee die from press and hammering it through. After said operation, the brass fits.

A thought I had was to, instead, chuck said brass in my Unimat lathe and turn the rims of affected brass down a bit... Or, keep doing what I'm doing with the Lee die... Or, should I scrap the brass in question?

I look forward to your expert and sage opinions. Thanks. george

 

[Reefinmike]

is it midway headstamped brass or is the cartridge gauge midway brand?

what type of bullets are you using? plated, fmj, brand, lead cast, home cast? diameter of these bullets? Do these loads pass the "plunk" test in your barrel?

and my opinion on sage?- I dont believe in the stuff

 

[Notoast]

Make sure your sizing die is adjusted correctly. You may not have it set close enough to the shell holder. If you have a small burr on the case rim preventing it from seating flush in the case gage, try tumbling longer. These burrs are usually caused by the handgun's ejector and you can feel them by spinning the rim under your thumb.

 

[noylj]

Rims get banged up.
Use some case lube on the cases and they'll go through the "bulge buster" easier.
Personally, I would eliminate the "case gage" and use the barrel--just like I have for 40 years. Don't own a case gage and feel no need for one.

 

[geo1231]

Thanks

In no particular order... I LOVE the idea of using Imperial wax on cases -- YES it surely does make them easier. For kicks & giggles I checked "roundness" of a few really challenged cases -- and no doubt the ejector of the firearm used was/is the culprit -- thanks for that advise. I made a gentle swipe or two with a file on each offensive rim -- and they now drop in the case gage perfectly! Lastly -- re the "sage" -- albeit the responses were without parsley, rosemary, or thyme -- your wisdom surely exceeded mine (and you needn't reply with a, "don't call me Shirley")

Seriously -- VERY seriously -- THANKS!!!
george