Seperating pistol cases

[mikld]

When I'm working up a load I sort by headstamp, for consistency. For some "special" handloads I sort, like my 44 Magnum "T-Rex Killer" loads (265 gr RNFP over a max load of WC820). My other semi-autos get a glance at the headstamp and if I see an undesirable mfg. I can toss it, other wise no sorting. I haven't run across any revolver brass unsuitable for my uses so I rarely sort, but I do look at the case head and primer pocket during inspection, the first step after cleaning...

 

[mtgianni]

I separate and just take one brand to the range. It is then easy to keep them separated. I found as many as 5 gr difference in weight sorting between 9mm brands. Out of a pcc that can make a difference in bullet impacts.

 

[gwpercle]

I don't sort by headstamp ... but I do clean primer pockets ...

... that gives me my... "Edge" !
A man needs to have an edge
Gary

 

[zeke]

Have older lots of mixed 45 acp range brass used for low pressure lead loads that only has the rem sorted out. Not real concerned if i lose many of them, and usually shoot them till they split. Rem brass is shorter, thinner and less elastic than others. This can affect how brass gets belled and crimped. I use the rem, but having them separated makes the final product more consistent by adjusting dies/reloading steps specifically for rem 45 acp brass.

This discussion frequently comes up on forums, but people rarely clarify what their reloading purpose is (target/full power jacketed etc.) Am reloading a fair amount of close to max jacketed loads, and keep the cases segregated for that purpose.

 

[boatbum101]

I quit sorting cases when I got volunteered to accompany a renowned Bullseye Pistolsmith to the range for Ransom Rest testing on his new builds , reworks etc . All shot with same load 3.8grs Bullseye , H&G 68 SWC , WLP primers & mixed cases . Granted all were 45acp 1911's with light loads . Don't know how it'd work with smaller case/higher pressure cartridge . For jacketed & stiffer loads I'd segregate as it does make a difference . 9mm accuracy buffs will only shoot jacketed with new or 1X fired cases only . Seems smaller case & higher pressure it pays to be painstakingly exact as it does make a difference in groups , especially @ 50yds .

 

[gjgalligan]

Just for fun I just weighed 10 WIN 9mm cleaned cases, spent primers still intact.
I got 9 different weights.

I also just weighed 10 Berry's 115gr RN bullets. 8 different weights.

My theory is that sorting is a waste of time.
Weighing them probably is too. Head stamps or bullets.

 

[rockquarry]

I quit sorting cases when I got volunteered to accompany a renowned Bullseye Pistolsmith to the range for Ransom Rest testing on his new builds , reworks etc . All shot with same load 3.8grs Bullseye , H&G 68 SWC , WLP primers & mixed cases . Granted all were 45acp 1911's with light loads . Don't know how it'd work with smaller case/higher pressure cartridge . For jacketed & stiffer loads I'd segregate as it does make a difference . 9mm accuracy buffs will only shoot jacketed with new or 1X fired cases only . Seems smaller case & higher pressure it pays to be painstakingly exact as it does make a difference in groups , especially @ 50yds .

I haven't tried the 50 yard accuracy comparsion with mixed brass vs. all same headstamp or same lot brass, but I have no doubt you're right.

 

[AJ]

I have a large ammo can that is filled with WW Match brass. Picked it up when I was assigned to a base in Calif. We were given 50K of match ammo to qualify with since we were a security unit and had a higher priority than other units. All TZZ ammo was being destroyed. Took a can of empty brass home cleaned, sized, deprimed and belled the cases. Back into the ammo can. Only use them when I do some match type shooting.

All other brass is lumped together and processed for reloading.

 

[Greyman50]

99% of my 45 ACP brass is GI so no issue, most 38 Spl. is down loaded. Only really sort 38 Spl. brass is for Colt Mid Range as its trimmed,357 Mag. brass may get sorted if there is enough.

 

[AJ]

99% of my 45 ACP brass is GI so no issue, most 38 Spl. is down loaded. Only really sort 38 Spl. brass is for Colt Mid Range as its trimmed,357 Mag. brass may get sorted if there is enough.

Do you really think cases are the trick for the Colt Mid Range and S&W 52? I have had both guns and the only difference seems to be when I use HBWC's.

AJ

These are my fall back if needed. A gentleman gave these boxes of .38 Special Match to a range officer. I got them from him. Saving for a rainy day! As you can see it is a mix of Match and Mid Range Match.

 

[Greyman50]

Just commenting that I sort the Mid Range brass, pick up at range and not thrown in with " regular" 38 Spl. brass. Use a case length gauge to double check length as that makes a difference in the Mid Range. Have several boxes of match ammo set aside. Yea, only use HBWC for Mid Range with nice rounded crimp.