Resizing consistency

[Pat20]

Hi all,

I recently decided to reload 44 magnum.

I clean my used case yesterday and try resizing some of them.

I use a single Hornady classic press with the custom 3 dies set 44spl/44mag.

The resizing die was set per the instruction, but the case vary greatly betwen 1.275 to 1.279.

Since this is my first try, i was wondering how i can achieve uniform result for every case resized.

Thank you.

 

[Potashminer]

I am assuming that you are referring to case length?? In my Hornady #9 loading manual, page 832, calls for 1.285" as maximum length and 1.275" as "trim length", so all your dimensions are below maximum. So should chamber and fire fine.

However, if you want to roll crimp the case mouth into a groove or cannelure on the bullet, will need all the cases to be the same length, or you will have to re-set the seating/crimp die for each individual case. I have used the Lee Factory Crimp die, which is not a roll crimp, but it appears to be much less caring about actual case length - it may or may not be suitable for the bullets that you intend to use.

Uniform results - most likely nothing to do with you - there is at least a .010" tolerance between trim and max length for the cases, so could have been different from each other before you started. For many cases, if they are unusually "fatter" (fired in a larger chamber), the act of re-sizing down to smaller diameter also displaces metal and makes the case "grow" longer. Too long cases become a problem, especially if the case mouth run into a "step" in the chamber - not all chambers or cylinders have that.

 

[maynard]

The difference between 1.275" and 1.279" is only .004". About the thickness of a piece of paper or a redheads pubic hair. Open your caliper to .004" and hold them up to the light.

 

[Pat20]

Yes, i am refering to the case length. It vary from 1.275 to 1.279.

I forgot to mention i resized Wolf ammo. I also use Starline brass with Campro 44 240gr bullets.

My ammo are use in my 629 6" barrel and my Henry big boy 44 magnum.

Thank you for the information.

 

[Scotty454]

...Case length is almost completely irrelevant with revolver rounds. Also, sizing does not control case length at all. You have to trim the cases separately to control case length.

 

[Pat20]

Thank you very much to you all.

By reading your answers, i now have a better understanding of the resizing and trimming process.