Question after noobie first test batch .45acp

[jayp1978]

Hello. I am writing to ask a question after loading my first test batch of ammo. First, I am shooting a Springfield range officer in .45acp. I am loading accurate #5 powder and a hornady 200gr swc. I ran 2 mags(14rds) thru my gun with no issues, I'm proud to say. The question is with the casings after I fired. First one I noticed had a few burrs on the case mouth. Is it normal to have burrs in the spent brass after firing? Didn't know if I was seating too deep or crimping too much. Also most of the cases had a tiny mm size scratch and slight dent. Any ideas of what this is from and how to prevent it? Any suggestions or comments would be great. I'm glad they all shot correctly and just want to get the most out of each case. Thanks in advance.

[RBHarter]

I'm betting that the scratch/ding is from a slide strike or similar ejection hit. I don't think the crimp is the burr issue. A chamfer tool will clean up the burrs before you have them .

[62chevy]

The dent is probably caused by extraction, just as the case leaves it might be hitting the slide. The burs I have no idea. If caused by the crimp die then just back it out some. Are you using the Factory crimp die or the crimp in the seating die.

[akuser47]

The officer is the wwIIrepeo correct it can and will at times upon ejection mark n ding cases from what I have seen. Break her in first 500 rounds or so see if she gets better then if still ruff on brass you can tweak recoil spring an such to better save your brass. The newer style 1911's have larger ejection ports to be more reliable and to me less offending to my brass.

[jayp1978]

Thanks for all the info. I am using the lee fcd and not seating and crimping in same station.

[jayp1978]

The gun is new with only 100 rds fired

[akuser47]

The fcd should not cause this unless you are really crimping it beyond whats is needed. Try dialing back the die a little bit and compare to see if it helps. I truely think break in is your best bet though. Keep us posted.

[jayp1978]

This may be a stupid question but how do I ensure that my seating die isn't crimping the case at all? From what I understand by the lee instructions for the seating die you move ram to top and screw in until it touches then 3 full turns out and tighten. The seating depth is changed by adjustment screw on top of die. Could it be possible I need more than 3 turns out before tightening the lock ring? I don't think it's applying a crimp because when I check case thickness before and after seating it's roughly the same. When I run thru FCD I get the slight crimp I've been told to look for. Again I want to thank you all for your feedback. I am gonna load some tonight and try slight variations to see what I come up with. I just got a bullet puller today so I can pull one and see if I have any signs of over crimp and will let you know. Like I said I was well pleased with the rds thru the gun without a hiccup just a bit concerned about the brass afterwards. I have read some horror stories of people trying to get these swc's to run properly thru their guns so I was stoked to get it right the first try. But then again it's probably beginners luck but I will say I did put in a lot of reading and work before I jumped in. Over 3 months of research before I got my lee classic press and gave it a go..I will keep you all informed with my outcomes and sure there's many questions to come..Jason

[62chevy]

The only thing I can suggest is to remove the burr and see if it happens again. Check them as you reload and if thats not it check after firing. You should be able to narrow it down that way.

[larryw]

Just remember, "Most" Semi-Auto firearms will be a lot
harder on brass than a wheel gun or Bolt gun.
It's just part of the deal?? In auto's there are a "bunch"
of very violent thing's going on pretty much at once & most of those
things are hard on brass. Unless there is a hole in
the case or it's dented real bad (sharp crease), just process
& reuse. For semi's that damage brass severely, there are
a few thing that can be done to minimize it, but unless you
are VERY familiar with the 45 ACP , smithing & metal work techniques,
would strongly recommend you see a smith about fixing you up.
I get a ton of pistols for work that damage brass to the point of completely
trashing the brass. Your pictures don't look bad at all.
Inside & outside neck de-burring, stuff & shoot.
Hope this helps, Good luck & keep us posted.
& remember>>> Safety, Safety, Safety.