How short is too short?

[rus55ros]

I know that cases such as 40 S & W seem to shrink in length the more times they are shot and re-loaded. I can find max. length for cases, but how short can I use and still be safe?

 

[nwb01]

0.850in is the case max length

I have loaded thousands of 40's for IDPA/USPSA competitions. I have never measured the case length, only concerned with OAL.

Also, I have not experienced cases getting shorter over time, they usually grow not shrink.

 

[Steve C]

Never had a case go bad from getting too short. They get thrown away once they crack or the primer pocket gets too loose.

I quit trimming pistol cases years mostly .45 acp ago after finding out they didn't grow in length.

 

[Walkalong]

Never trimmed an auto pistol case, never had a problem.

 

[The Bushmaster]

How short is too short?

When the firing pin can't reach the primer...

They will stop shrinking long before that or you will loose the first.