TRIMMING 9MM BRASS???

[74man]

I have about 250 each 9mm range brass and the lengths are from .750 to .740. The Sammi say's .750 to -.010 so that is .750 to .740 right? I was wondering if I should even trim the cases of just load them as they are, just for target practice? I know that is would be better is they were all the same length as far as pressures go but these are only going to be loaded for target practice, should I trim them to keep the pressure in them all the same? I can't find anything in my books about trimming pistol cartridges except for the pressures so I need some help and what length should I trim them to? Should I trim them to .742 to keep them all the same? Need help??? Thanks

 

[AJC1]

Nooooooo

 

[Rule3]

Negative! I never trim handgun brass especially 9mm

 

[CQB45ACP]

No don’t trim 9mm (nor 45acp for that matter.)

But, since you started this thread—-I’ll get the popcorn ready…

 

[CZguy75]

I dont worry about my 9mm brass length. I MIGHT if I were loading dedicated SD ammo that I was going to run hot. For plinking....no way.

 

[goon]

Nope. Most 9mm is shorter than the trim-to length anyway. I only trim something like 357, 45 Colt, or 44 Mag - anything too expensive to toss and uses a roll crimp.

 

[DesertFox]

Are you a masochist? If yes, trim away. If no, crack another cold brew...

You'll go blind staring at your calipers over a couple thousands of an inch.

 

[Walkalong]

Nooooooo

Negative! I never trim handgun brass especially 9mm

Me either

 

[Soonerpesek]

No don’t trim 9mm (nor 45acp for that matter.)

But, since you started this thread—-I’ll get the popcorn ready…

I kinda thought this would be your next project…!!

 

[Captain*kirk]

I have never seen the need to trim my .380 cases...which is basically 9mm 1 can short of a six pack. Unless you are shooting match ammo or have feed issues I'd leave it be. At most maybe do a quick chamfer and deburr but don't waste time trimming. Just my .02 and worth every penny.

 

[74man]

Thank you!!! That is what I thought. I have never trimmed any of my handgun brass cause I only shoot paper targets, I have 12ga. for home defense. All the brass I have measures under the trim to length anyway. Just wanted to make sure so I can explain to my son when he shows to reload.!!

 

[CQB45ACP]

I kinda thought this would be your next project…!!

It was and even bought a trimmer and started a thread but was persuaded not too.

But still had the itch (and trimmer) and thus I cut down and trimmed Win Mags

 

[Starter52]

I thought April Fools Day was next Monday ...

 

[James Petti]

I have both a S&W M29, and a Ruger .44 Spl. flattop. After a few loadings with the mag brass, I sometimes trim it to special length and use it up in the Blackhawk. But it ain't fun.

 

[DMW1116]

I run my 9mm brass through my calipers set at the maximum length. If they don't pass through, I set them aside. When I get enough to be worth it, I will trim them and use them. I've loaded about 3,500 9mm since I started 3 years ago. I have about 15 cases that need to be trimmed. I did trim a couple to be sure it worked (my trimmer and guide rod). Works great. They'll likely never need trimming again. Do I trim them? Yes. Do I trim them often? No. Would I like to try to squeeze a little more accuracy out of my Canik by trimming a batch of new 9mm brass to the same length? YES!! Does my Canik already cut playing cards in half from 30 feet? Also, yes. It's not a waste to argue it's already accurate enough.

 

[W.E.G.]

I don't trim 9mm brass.
I just TRUE it.

Sometimes the mouths aren't cut square, so if you don't true the mouths it will play hob with accuracy.

Sometimes the cases aren't DRAWN true either. So I run a dial-indicator around each case. If I detect more than 0.001" variation in case thickness around the circumference of the case. I put that case aside.

 

[Jim Watson]

I trimmed my supply of .357 Magnum brass for uniform crimps with heavy loads, but no other handgun case.

 

[Steve in PA]

Never in over 30+ years of reloading.

 

[Walkalong]

case. If I detect more than 0.001" variation in case thickness around the circumference of the case. I put that case aside.

You must toss a lot of 9MM cases

 

[9mmepiphany]

I trim all my .38Spl and anything else that requires a roll crimp....just to get a uniform crimp.

I've never trimmed 9mm, or .45ACP,

 

[LV Gun]

Anything that requires a roll crimp I trim but 9mm , 38 super , 40 S&W and 45 no way

 

[AJC1]

Thank you!!! That is what I thought. I have never trimmed any of my handgun brass cause I only shoot paper targets, I have 12ga. for home defense. All the brass I have measures under the trim to length anyway. Just wanted to make sure so I can explain to my son when he shows to reload.!!

Now you went and put a blanket statement out there. One does not trim semi-auto pistol brass correct. One does trim all nature of revolver brass...

 

[Lo-Profile]

I don't trim any pistol brass.

 

[74man]

Hi AJC1 the only revolvers I have are a Ruger Blackhawk in 30 Carbine and a Charter Arms 38 detective special, (snub nose) those I keep trimmed if they need it, otherwise I just shoot them.

 

[entropy]

I only trim 2 calibers; .30-06, and .223. I haven't loaded a .30-06 in about 20 years, still have the RCBS trim die for it.