Empty Case - Not seating

spl01t77

spl01t77

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Hey Guys, I'm new to reloading and have been saving up my empty cases from each and every visit to the range, I picked up a dillon case gauge and ran 40-50 empty cases through the gauge to get an idea and found that none of the empty cases fit in the gauge, more specifically they would not seat into the gauge as if the cases expanded considerably since they've been put into empty folgers containers. I've run loaded cases through the gauge and they fit like a glove.
Does this mean the 1600+ rounds of .45 acp I have can't be reloaded now?

Looking for any advice on if i'm sol or is there something that can be done to bring these back into spec?
thanks in advance.
 
spl01t77 said:
Hey Guys, I'm new to reloading and have been saving up my empty cases from each and every visit to the range, I picked up a dillon case gauge and ran 40-50 empty cases through the gauge to get an idea and found that none of the empty cases fit in the gauge, more specifically they would not seat into the gauge as if the cases expanded considerably since they've been put into empty folgers containers. I've run loaded cases through the gauge and they fit like a glove.
Does this mean the 1600+ rounds of .45 acp I have can't be reloaded now?

Looking for any advice on if i'm sol or is there something that can be done to bring these back into spec?
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

And all the other people who pick up 45 ACP brass and don't have such a gauge, just load them and shoot away.
 
I don't care what anyone says, I always read instructions before I start using a tool, lest I become a tool myself. Sorry, not trying to be a jerk, but really... read the instructions.

http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/25548/catid/3/Dillon_Handgun_Case_Gages said:
Dillon handgun case gages allow you to check your handgun ammunition to ensure it will fit a minimum sized chamber. Made of stainless steel for long life.
Click to expand...

So basically the case gauge is for MINIMUM chamber dimensions, so if the case fits into the gauge, it can be loaded and shot from pretty much any .45 ACP chambered gun. Your cases have already been shot, have expanded and not resized yet (correct?). It makes perfect sense that they won't fit into something that is of minimum dimensions.

The cases did not expand considerably since you put them into a coffee can, they expanded considerably when they were exposed to internal pressures of 21,000 psi (max) while inside the chamber of a gun (which apparently was on the generous side).

The only thing you can do to bring the brass "back to spec" is to run it through a resizing die, which is a common operation when reloading brass casings.

I highly suggest you watch some reloading videos on youtube; username Iraqveteran8888 has some good ones. I assure you it will make the whole reloading process much clearer to you.

Good luck, and happy learning. :)
 
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I assume you are trying to make a once fired case that has not been resized to fit in the case gauge. The first step in the reloading process is to deprime and full length resize your brass. Get yourself a good reloading manual or two and read them carefully. If there is a reloading class in your area you will find it money well spent before you start to reload.
 
"...as if the cases expanded considerably since..." They did. Nothing to worry about the first die you'll be using is the sizer die. Read the manual again.
"...the 1600+ rounds of .45 acp I have..." Now for the bad news. Sort of and only maybe. There are .45 cases that have small primer pockets and supposedly are not reloadable. Mind you, some shooters have reloaded 'em with no fuss, but you can't have both together. The standard is a large pistol primer. You'll have to go through the 1600 + cases and take out any that have the small primer pocket. Suggest you rent a movie and go through 'em while watching it.
Oh and the best cartridge guage for the .45 is the barrel. Take it out and drop the loaded cartridges into the chamber. If it fits with the case head flush, it's good.
 
A pistol case gauge is made to ensure that a "resized" and "reloaded" cartridge will chamber in your pistol.

Below is a fired case that has "NOT" been resized resting in the case gauge, it is too "fat" to drop into the gauge.



Below is a resized case resting in the gauge and it has dropped "into" the gauge and is resting on the case mouth.



Many people just use the barrel from their pistol as the case gauge. Read the link below and how the poster CZ85Combat describes fitting a cartridge for OAL and crimp. (the case has already been resized)

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=175879&hl=%2Bcase+%2Blength+%2Band+%2Bcrimp#entry1944054

And for grins and giggles below is a fired .223/5.56 case in a Wilson case gauge, this case has not been resized and is also too fat to drop into the gauge. Bottom line, case gauges are made for checking resized cases only.

 
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I haven't resized yet as I'm having a hard time sourcing dies 9mm/.45 and .223. Press arrived 2 weeks ago but still a bunch of things needed. I knew I'd catch flak but I sure got some great answers too appreciate the support. I'm sure ill have a few more wtf moments.
 
well of course if they are not resized don't expect them to fit... get lee reloading manual, and hornady, and read a bit.
 
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