I`m wanting to reload for my 1911 A-1 and was wondering about trimming casings. When I reload for my 45 colt I don`t do any trimming since it`s a straight wall. With the auto pistol things may be a little different so any info will help and thanks.
Burch :confused:

Treat it just like your 45 colt cases. The only difference between revolver and auto cases is auto cases use a taper crimp instead of a roll crimp as the cases headspace on the end of the case instead of on a rim.

I`m wanting to reload for my 1911 A-1 and was wondering about trimming casings. When I reload for my 45 colt I don`t do any trimming since it`s a straight wall. With the auto pistol things may be a little different so any info will help and thanks.
Burch :confused:


I've never run into a too long .45acp case...even after many reloadings. I'll accpet the idea that there may be some out there...I've just not found them.

Now that .45colt might need the cases trimmed just to get them even...can't get a uniform crimp without even cases. But the .45acp isn't roll crimped, it's usually taper crimped, and as the cases are nearly never too long, trimming of the .45acp is darned rare.

[BURCH] I`m wanting to reload for my 1911 A-1 and was wondering about trimming casings.

Burch, I rarely trim cases for my GI 1911. Few .45 ACP cases are made too long and they don't stretch much. At least mine don't. Since that cartridge headspaces on the case mouth it is best to trim them to the max length if you trim at all.

And don't roll crimp the loaded ammo, that turns the case mouth in and has the effect of making it too short. And that means having too much headspace, which may cause misfires if the firing pin can't reach the primer properly.

(You got those 700 scope rings set up right yet?)

PS - Boy, we were all typing away for the last few minutes!

Yea, I got the 700 set up I think. I haven`t got to shoot it yet, i`m planning on next weekend and can`t wait. I was shooting my 1911 this weekend with some Winchester 230 ball ammo and that gun loves `em. I`d know which components to use if I could only find out what powder Win. uses. I`ve got a lot of great info from the people here and I just wanted to say thanks.

Burch

Have been reloading .45 ACP cases since '63 and have yet to run across one that exceeded the maximum length. Even with extensive reloading, this case rarely requires trimming. Would recommend taper crimping and be sure to crimp enough so that the bullet will not shift on chambering or recoil. A .45 ACP taper crimped bullet should not shift when firmly pressed nose first against a flat surface. Hope this helps.

I agree, no trimming necessary. I reload around 1000 rounds of .45ACP per month during the winter season and have never had a problem with cases exceeding maximum length. I use a Lee Factory Crimp Die in my Dillon 550 and have great results.

I actually had some that were to long and needed trimming! Also had some old WWII brass the was to short! But the majority has not need to be trimed.