I've been resizing some .45 acp brass and noticed that some cases have little or no drag when I expand them, obviously due to slightly thinner case walls. The cases in question are R-P and CBC cases.

What I'm wondering is what are the potential problems from the cartridge hitting the feed ramp and driving the slug in deeper? The bullet seems to have enough tension when seating it but I still think about it.

This ammo is used for plinking only. Still, I'm a bit concerned about some of these cases. Any comments are appreciated.

Very high! I have the same issue w/ RP cases & reserve them for lead bullets only. Jacketed will often fail the thumb pressure test, not good if you are using an uberfast powder like TG or Clays & running near the top end.

The answer to the problem is either use different brass, or use a Lee factory crimp die. I'm not a big fan of Lee dies, but they have really done well with their Factory crimp dies and all of my pistol loads get run through one.

I like Lee's taper crimp die for the 45 ACP, and others.

quote:

Originally posted by txhunter77:
The answer to the problem is either use different brass, or use a Lee factory crimp die. I'm not a big fan of Lee dies, but they have really done well with their Factory crimp dies and all of my pistol loads get run through one.

THE LFCD will NOT help much w/ brass that is thin. You can't crimp enough to overcome poor neck tension. Separate the brass & either shoot lead bullets @ 0.452" or trade it off.

I second the motion for the Lee Factory crimp die. I use it on all my .45acp, including RP brass and do not have any issues. If the bullet is pushed back unnoticed into the brass then fired you could build unsafe pressures.

Let's just mention to the uninitiated that Lee uses the term "factory crimp die" for all their crimping dies in an obvious marketing ploy to attempt to convince prospective purchasers that their pistol crimp dies are as innovative as their rifle crimpers, working in the same manner. This is not so.

quote:

Originally posted by amamnn:
Let's just mention to the uninitiated that Lee uses the term "factory crimp die" for all their crimping dies in an obvious marketing ploy to attempt to convince prospective purchasers that their pistol crimp dies are as innovative as their rifle crimpers, working in the same manner. This is not so.

Very true!

Lee Factory Crimp Dies for pistols are either Taper or Roll Crimp dies. Where as their FCD for rifles use a collet to squeeze the case neck into the bullet, and is capable of actually forming a cannelure during crimping. The taper crimp dies lee makes can form a very tight crimp, enough to deform the bullet, but if that's not enough I'd suggest that you reduce the diameter of your case neck expanders mandrel by .001" or so until you get sufficient neck tension.

I use all types of brass and the tapper crimp on the die works just fine.
dave

Thanks for all the comments.