Pistol cases...to trim or not to trim?

B

Boudiepitbull

Well-known member
Joined
May 13, 2016
Messages
476
Reaction score
722
Location
Vermont
Since I last popped up on the Reloading forum a few months ago with a question about roll crimps and taper crimps I've been slowly and systematically ordering everything I need for my loading bench. I won't put it together until after I move out of New York City, but I wanted to have everything I'd need bought and paid for (so I could run barefoot through the boxes in my apartment) so that all I have to do is build myself a sturdy workbench once I get settled. I saved a long time for this and I think I treated myself pretty well with my purchases, mostly with green stuff that I expect will outlast me and end up going to my son. Anyway...

I'm primarily setting up for 9mm, .38/.357, and .44 in moderate loads. The .38/.357 and .44 will be roll crimp revolver rounds, and the 9mm a taper. With an emphasis on safety, the Lyman book suggests always checking and trimming case length, but also suggests you can expect not to have to trim straight wall brass cases in those sizes for most of the usable life of the case.

I'd like to hear the experience from those far more experienced than I... how often, if ever, do you find yourself trimming your pistol brass in 9mm, .38/.57, and .44 sizes? If that is the scope of my work, do I really need to invest in a case trimmer? If all it means is I might have to toss a few cases after 4 reloads instead of 6, is it really worth it in everyday practice?
 
Generally speaking, pistol brass does not need to be trimmed.

If you're loading for accuracy and you want to trim revolver brass so you get a uniform crimp, is about the only time you might consider trimming pistol brass.

I tried it once, it didn't make any difference in my loads and was a complete waste of time.
 
I might trim a box of revolver brass just to get consistent roll crimps, auto pistol cases with taper crimps don't seem to benifit much.
Very seldom do you see a case that's too long to chamber.
Get a trimmer just in case you want to even up a box but don't feel like it's a must have/must do thing....in reality it's not a biggie.
Gary
 
The brass just needs to be equal to, or shorter than the SAAMI maximum length. Once pistol brass has been trimmed once, under max, its rare for it to grow out to max again. So, if you shoot brass that you have processed before, you probably don't need to check it. However, if you pick up other people's brass, or you have new, once-shot factory brass, you should check it.
 
I have never, ever trimmed a straight-wall handgun case of any type. Never had a problem with any of them and neither has the target. Trim every one if you feel like you need to.
 
I've been reloading multiple calibers since 1962. The next straightwall handgun cartridge I trim will be my first. Bottleneck rifle cartridges are a different story.
 
I trimmed some .38 Special cases once in order to make what I would consider "Match" ammo. Honestly, I couldn't tell the difference. I have some .38 Special cases from the late 80's I've reloaded I don't know how many times. I've worn the nickel plate off some. Never trimmed a one.

Waste of time and effort.
 
Do as you see fit with YOUR time...for me it is a total waste of MY time with no increase in performance.

Randy
 
I guess that's the difference between real life experience and the book. There are probably some things a loading manual has to say even if they later suggest it isn't always so....
 
I load (and shoot) between 800 and 1000 9mm rounds per week during the competition season. Never trimmed a case.
 
The only straight wall pistol cases I trim are the 38/357's and 44Mags. For the Mag calibers I use a pretty heavy roll crimp. Everything works fine until you hit that case that's on the upper end in length and you mess up a case. I've found that by trimming all once fired brass in these calibers you get a very consistent crimp without damaging cases. Besides, this is a hobby for me and gives me something to do in the evenings so time is not an issue. If you're loading them moderate or less with very little roll crimp it probably won't make any difference. I also load 223/5.56 so I've already got the trimmer for those.

With that in mind, I've never trimmed 380, 9mm, 40S&W, or 45ACP and have had no problems with any of those.
 
I've been reloading for 5 years, and I trim all of my brass that is too long.

9mm, 40 cal, 45 acp cases shorten in length each firing.
So why is this a topic?

So what do you all do with cases that are too short?
Anyone ever find one? Anyone ever look?:rolleyes::D
 
Last edited:
I only trim revolver cases like 357 and 44 magnum as Ballistic147 and many others do but no pistol brass.
 
I have some brand new 44 mag Starline brass that is kind of hit and miss on the length and probably should be trimmed. But I'm too lazy to do it and too cheap to buy the tools. The result? Some of the roll crimps are better looking than others but they all shoot the same.
 
Last edited:
Well, based on the responses above, I took the liberty of applying the data along with several algorithms and analytical formulations to conclude that the best answer is no,use the money to buy a lot of beer or your preference. If there is any left over then load books,brass,bullets,primers & powder would be in order :D

I have never trimmed pistol fired straight wall brass nor do I know anyone who does. You sound like your on track to a well thought out and capable setup, go have fun and enjoy it, you can keep track of your brass lengths if you like but will probably find no need to trim. If trimming is preferred, they can be found everywhere for every price. Good luck.
 
Most people will say.....

Most people will say that they never trim pistol brass. I find that there is one good reason to trim brass ONCE before you start reloading. This is for consistency of crimp. Even then, some will say it's not worth the bother, but especially if you seat and crimp in one step it may be worthwhile. After that, further trimming is a complete waste of time.
 
I have never trimmed any pistol brass. I have noticed with revolver cartridges (roll crimp) that different brands / headstamps of brass will have variations in length that can affect the consistency of your crimps. An argument could be made that if you trim all your revolver brass to the same length once, then you won't have to mess with adjusting your crimp die. I just keep my headstamps sorted into like batches and adjust the crimp die for each batch (it only takes a few seconds).

Mike
 
Only 2 rounds I trim is 41 and 44 mag. I used a file trim die before the first loading and have never had to do them again..except for the kinda rare case that just grows for some odd reason. Those usually only last one or two loadings after the 2nd trim..They usually seem to get a crack in the end.. Pistol brass I never trim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

W
Trimming 45acp?
2
Replies
24
Views
800
H Richard
H Richard
jdlii
The not to distant past.
2
Replies
21
Views
1K
AJ
AJ
AJ
S&B 10MM Cases
2
Replies
21
Views
920
stansdds
S
AJ
Crinkled Cases
2
Replies
34
Views
1K
AJ
AJ
G
Pacific (Hornady) Case Trimmer Pilots
Replies
2
Views
483
Ivan the Butcher
I

Latest posts

Back
Top