Best way to trim down cases ( .455 - .450) without a guage??

[diesel_weasel666]

Hello,
I'm looking to trim Bertram Mk.I .455 Webley brass to .450 Adams and .44 RU/SPL to 10mm Italian. I have not been able to find case length guages.
What is the simplest method?
Is there a good universal trimmer (for straight wall brass) that doesn't require guages or holders?
Much appreciated!

 

[jakester]

Just measure the case length with a dial, or digital caliper.

 

[Butcherbill]

Lyman universal trimmer

 

[kamlooky]

Lee Case Length gauge.
If your caliber doesn't exist, find one close and get it turned on a lathe to fit your case.

 

[saskgunowner101]

Kid you not, I've trimmed brass on the side of a grinder wheel, following up with a few passes with a hand file. Seems primitive, but if you're in a pinch and not looking to create "match" ammo, it works.

 

[ted_dent]

Lyman universal trimmer

Before I was able to find factory .455 brass I made mine from 45 Colt cases in a Lyman Universal trimmer with the power drill attachment. Worked fine and was easy to adjust case length.

 

[jethunter]

Hello,
I'm looking to trim Bertram Mk.I .455 Webley brass to .450 Adams and .44 RU/SPL to 10mm Italian. I have not been able to find case length guages.
What is the simplest method?
Is there a good universal trimmer (for straight wall brass) that doesn't require guages or holders?
Much appreciated!

That's a lot of cutting for a Lyman trimmer. I did this: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/20-power-trimmer.845440/

 

[Canuck65]

Hello,
I'm looking to trim Bertram Mk.I .455 Webley brass to .450 Adams and .44 RU/SPL to 10mm Italian. I have not been able to find case length guages.
What is the simplest method?
Is there a good universal trimmer (for straight wall brass) that doesn't require guages or holders?
Much appreciated!

Calipers?

 

[diesel_weasel666]

Thanks for your replies. I got a great deal on a Lyman UniversaI on the way. I discovered that .45 GAP guage works perfectly for .455 and I ground down a .44 Spl for the Russian

 

[ted_dent]

That's a lot of cutting for a Lyman trimmer. I did this: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/20-power-trimmer.845440/

Sorry, I misspoke (it was several years ago that I did it). 455 Webley cases CAN be made from 45 Colt but it is a LOT of trimming. I used 45 Auto Rim as my source cases. They didn't require too much trimming. The only issue was that the rims had be be thinned a bit so the Webley cylinder would close. There are various ways to do this but luckily I have a small Emco bench lathe which was perfectly suited for that sort of light work. Again it was a while ago but I seem to recall that the 45 Colt cases would also have required that the rims be thinned a bit.

 

[jethunter]

Sorry, I misspoke (it was several years ago that I did it). 455 Webley cases CAN be made from 45 Colt but it is a LOT of trimming. I used 45 Auto Rim as my source cases. They didn't require too much trimming. The only issue was that the rims had be be thinned a bit so the Webley cylinder would close. There are various ways to do this but luckily I have a small Emco bench lathe which was perfectly suited for that sort of light work. Again it was a while ago but I seem to recall that the 45 Colt cases would also have required that the rims be thinned a bit.

Thinning rims is a pia. 45 colt brass does need the rims thinned, but less than 45 auto rim.

Starline makes 45 Cowboy Special brass, roughly 45acp length with a 45 colt rim thickness, most Webleys will accept the case without trimming, as it is about the same length as original 455 MKI ammo. .