460 S&W trimmer problem (cases stuck on pilot)

[Franco]

I've been reloading for a couple years and never stumbled upon this issue. I tumbled and resized some 460 S&W Mag Hornady brass, shot and reloaded 3 times previously. I went to trim them and the pilot on my RCBS trimmer (.45) was so snug into the case that when I pull the case off, it pulls the pilot out of it's trimmer holder and requires pliers to get it out of the case -- thus ruining the case. I haven't reloaded since mid winter so maybe humidity in my reload shop (it's indoors but it's been very rainy and humid in PA) somehow expands the steel pilot bit? I can't imagine that's it.... Maybe the 460 causes carbon or other build-up on the inside of the case that doesn't tumble/vibrate out in cleaning media? I grabbed some new Hornady brass and it slid over the pilot much better but still seems tighter than usual -- that could be my imagination. Anyone ever experience this? I even resized a couple cases again but it didn't help. Thanks in advance for your help.
:banghead:

 

[Randy1911]

Unlike rifle brass, pistol brass is not expanded when resized. You might try running the cases thur your expasnder first, but readjust it so it doesn't bell the case. When I was trimming my 44 mag brass I had to use some 600 grit black sandpaper and take a few thousandths off the pilot to finally fix my problem. I chucked it in a drill to spin it, Usually straigh walled pistol brass does not need trimming. They shrink instead of growing like rifle brass.

 

[fourdollarbill]

I always trim for revolver brass just because I like the perfect roll crimp. SO - same as said above... Expand without the bell and the will run through my Trim Pro with ease.
NOTE: RP brass is so thin you don't have to expand first.
WW, Win, Horn, SW, IK, CBC,*I*, etc. that make heavy wall brass will stick on the pilot if not expanded first.

 

[Franco]

Thanks. That makes sense. I have to trim my 460 brass, it definitely grows 3 - 5 thous. What's unusual is that that I've reloaded this Hornady brass at least 3 times without ever having to expand the mouth before trimming. Thanks again, glad to hear that others have dealt with this.

 

[Franco]

Just another note of thanks. I used the expander as recommended and the trimming pilot now fits perfectly. Not sure why this wasn't an issue during the first 3 reloads but the expander is certainly the solution. Tx.

 

[Grumulkin]

Another bit of advice; since the cases are lengthening they're also becoming thinner above the web and at some point you'll have a head separation. Run a wire (I use a paperclip) with the tip bent to 90 degrees and if you feel a groove forming, discard the case unless you wish to have first hand experience in head separations.

 

[buck460XVR]

I have the same problem trimming .460 brass with my Lyman Universal. I initially flared the mouth first, but this added another step as I had to bell the case mouth again before seating bullets. I found using the .44 cal pilot works well without expanding first and cases still come out trimmed squarely.

 

[Franco]

Brumulkin, I've experienced case separation already and it scared the sh*t out of me when I pushed out the cartridge to find two pieces -- so thanks for the tip.

Buck460, I'll try the 44 pilot instead. The expansion worked but, like you, the last thing I want is another step.