What's the NT???

[aridan]

I started reloading for the .40S&W last week, and realized that the primer holes on the Federal NT brass are smaller than others. Does anyone reload the NTs, or should I just toss them?

 

[acrashb]

They (meaning the primer pockets, vs the flash holes) can't really be smaller, but they can be crimped which would make them seem that way if you want to stuff a primer back in.

NT means "non toxic", which often/always come with crimped primer pockets.

 

[daBear]

You will find smaller "primer holes" or flash holes on brands like Ruag and some Seller & Belloit but in the case of the NT from Federal, they are indeed crimped primer pockets. They are reloadable if you remove the crimp before attempting to seat a primer. Failure to do so will result in frustration, crushed primers while attempting to seat and risk of detonation. Another reason to inspect your brass before loading.
dB

 

[aridan]

Thanks, good to know. I won't be uncrimping this stuff, there's plenty of brass around that's easier to deal with. Glad I used Lee autoprime - with the LnL AP I probably would have crashed it.

 

[hitch.bd]

I did find the flash hole to be smaller than other brands. my pin kept getting jambed in the hole. I just toss the stuff into the scrap brass bucket.

 

[onthefly555]

I have the same problem reloading 9mm with headstamp FC NT and RG.
Anyone knows what tool to use to remove the primer crimp?
I have about 300 of those brass and I don't want to just throw them out.
thanx

 

[bear.23]

I have the same problem reloading 9mm with headstamp FC NT and RG.
Anyone knows what tool to use to remove the primer crimp?
I have about 300 of those brass and I don't want to just throw them out.
thanx

There are a couple tools that will do it... I know the 1050 (the Dillon press does it as part on the process and there is also something called the super swage.. and I'm sure there are others..

 

[Ganderite]

I keep a dozen or so NT cases in each caliber I load and seat bullets in them to make dummy rounds.

 

[daBear]

I have the same problem reloading 9mm with headstamp FC NT and RG.
Anyone knows what tool to use to remove the primer crimp?
I have about 300 of those brass and I don't want to just throw them out.
thanx

Yup, you have crimped primer pockets in both those cases(Federal NonTox and Radway Green, milsurp). Crimp easily removed using any of the major brands of tools. Cheap and simple is the Lee chamfer tool mounted in a cordless drill and spun a few rotations into the primer pocket. Works like a charm. Again, another reason to inspect your brass prior to reloading.
Cheers
dB