Federal NT .40 cal brass

[SingleStack]

Federal NT .40 cal brass -- reloadable?

Is Federal NT (non toxic) brass reloadable? I noticed that the flash hole is larger than standard brass. If it is reloadable, does the flash hole make a difference in accuracy?

I've been able to seat small pistol primers (CCI 500's) in Federal NT .40 S&W brass without swagging the primer pocket using a RCBS auto priming tool, but wonder if I'll run into a problem if I prime the brass in my Dillon XL 650?

 

[ReloaderFred]

The Non Toxic brass is fully reloadable. I've talked to both Federal and Winchester about the larger flash holes and they both say it doesn't make any difference. My experience with them has born this out. Even when benching for accuracy, they print to the same point of aim as the older, smaller flash hole cases do.

Load them and shoot them.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[RyanM]

The larger flash hole is because non-toxic primers go off with more force than standard ones. If they used the same sized hole, the primers would back out. It will only make much of a difference if you're hot-rodding, since the primers will probably flatten and/or flow sooner.

 

[Rico567]

These cases should be fully reloadable. Winchester has a post about this in the FAQs on their web site. It is related to the "clean" technology, but as far as I can tell (and I've reloaded quite a few of the Win) has NO effect on ballistics of a given load.

 

[SingleStack]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

One other question I have is regarding removing the primer pocket crimp. I've primed some of the cases using a RCBS Auto Prime tool, but there was some resistance, which makes me a little uncomfortable when seating primers. Is anyone reloading this brass 'as is' without removing primer pocket crimp? I can remove the crimp, but it would add a lot of work to the process and it would be a pain to sort already-swagged brass and future once-fired that I get regularly. Any thoughts?

 

[Fly320s]

Just some more info for ya since you're a single stack-er...

Federal NT cases (reloads) will not chamber in my Kimber .40SW 1911. I think that they run a little long; I measured them once, but I can't remember the results.

Anyway, the cases reload easy enough, but they just won't chamber in my gun, so they get thrown away if they make it home with me.

 

[Sniper1Moore]

I no longer reload Federal NT cases as they are tight when trying to seat a primer.I have had one go off while loading on my 650 (real loud).I reload mostly win,speer,and remington cases now.The funny thing is I reloaded alot of the NT cases on my SDB but the 650 doesn't seem to like them.Wish you luck,Ken

 

[wally]

A pox on Winchester for using small pistol primers for .45ACP NT ammo. Really jams up the progressive works when one slips in!

--wally.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I have always felt that inspection of my brass for deformations, irregularities, and manufacturer changes were part of the reloading hobby. Have had no problem identifying NT from other brass. Therefore have had no problem with mixing up of the different brass. I also sort by head stamp giving me the advantage of observing the case head for primer pocket irregularities. Such as misaligned flash holes and pocket size differences. Have loaded Winchester .45 ACP NT brass with no significant difference at the range or across my chronograph.

 

[SingleStack]

Sniper1: I once had this happen (primer detonate) in a 650, although not with NT brass. It is loud, and gets your attention!


Fly320: I'll be running these rounds through my Springfield XD 40 and not a single stack gun. Thanks though...