Dented .45ACP cases..OK to re-load???

Skinny 1950

Skinny 1950

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I have two 1911's and both of them put a dent on the open end of the .45ACP cases after they are fired (probably hitting the slide on the way out). My question is: Will I be able to re-load these cases using Lee carbide dies (which are on order) or are they toast???
 
No problem, just make sure the dent is not so severe that the expander cannot enter.

Dents in the case mouth are fairly common.
 
Lodi said:
No problem, just make sure the dent is not so severe that the expander cannot enter.

Dents in the case mouth are fairly common.
Click to expand...

+1. If the case mouth is dented enough to prevent the expander from entering without tearing the brass, take a screwdriver or needlenose pliers and use it to lever the dent back out. It doesn't have to be perfect, just round enough for the expander ball to enter, then it will do the rest.


Mark
 
Hey Skinny,

Yup, as long as the dented case enters the re-size/de-prime die mouth, the case is GTG.

But IMO, it is better to correct the problem that is causing the dented case in the first place. The case hits the lower edge of the ejection port on its way out. So this port is ground and beveled to prevent denting cases.

I don't know if you would want to do this to your WWI 1911, though.
 
I can't find anyway to correct the problem on my 1911, except loading lighter. My cases are actually "backflipping" out of the ejection port and slamming into the slide. Pretty significant dents with factory ammo.

I can almost eliminate the dents with light reloads.
 
travellerw said:
I can't find anyway to correct the problem on my 1911, except loading lighter. My cases are actually "backflipping" out of the ejection port and slamming into the slide. Pretty significant dents with factory ammo.

I can almost eliminate the dents with light reloads.
Click to expand...

Just wondering what model of 1911 you own.

Original 1911 and 1911A1 Government pattern pistols need to have their ejection ports lowered and beveled, and a bevel/notch cut on the rear edge of the ejection port just outside the extractor. Most clones come from the factory with these mods.
 
Its a SAM commander.

I don't know a ton about 1911, but I think the commander version ejects a little different. Casings are supposed to be ejected up and over the head. I can actually see a small mark on the top of the slide (about 1 inch back from ejection port) where the casing mouth is contacting it.

Since the casings reload fine, I haven't worried too much about it.
 
travellerw said:
Its a SAM commander.

I don't know a ton about 1911, but I think the commander version ejects a little different. Casings are supposed to be ejected up and over the head. I can actually see a small mark on the top of the slide (about 1 inch back from ejection port) where the casing mouth is contacting it.

Since the casings reload fine, I haven't worried too much about it.
Click to expand...

Assuming you want to keep shooting full power loads, try a 20lb recoil spring and see what that does to the ejection pattern.


Mark
 
Oddly enough my newest 1911 is a SAM Commander and it dents the cases almost the same as my old timer (1917). Here is a picture of the SAM:

SAMandColt1911008.jpg

SAM2.jpg
 
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