Shrinking Pistol Cases

[orfeo]

I've noticed that my 45 ACP handgun brass keeps shrinking in length as I fire it and reload it. My 5x reloaded brass is already below the S.A.A.M.I. specifications minimum length of .888 (its about .881 or .882 before resizing). . .

I'm wondering. . . after say, 10 or 15 reloadings, is there an issue with minimum case length?

 

[Car Knocker]

I'm wondering. . . after say, 10 or 15 reloadings, is there an issue with minimum case length?

Not that I've noticed (straight-wall pistol cartridges). The taper crimp might be just a tad less than that on a longer case, but that's about it.

 

[Walkalong]

They will quit. Don't sweat it. Like Kar Knocker said, the crimp will vary a bit on cases of different length but few people trim .45 cases. I don't.

 

[HSMITH]

Your sizing die is pushing the brass down toward the base each time your size the case. It is normal, won't hurt anything either. I have 45 acp brass that has been loaded so many times you can't read the headstamp on it anymore, it still shoots fine.

A roll sizer will actually make them longer by a tiny amount each time you run them through.

 

[The Bushmaster]

My Lee .45 ACP die seems not have too much sway either way. I have some Speer cases that started at .890 and after 6 reloadings are running from .888 to .892. I really haven't seen much "shrinkage" in any of my straight wall cases. I don't trim 9mm, .45 ACP or .38 Spec. I do, however, have to trim .357 magnum cases on a regular basis.