Case Trimming Question

[jlhog]

I know trimming 45 ACP (straight wall pistol cases is not really needed), but I tend to overwork everything I do and that brings my first question. I purchased the Lee case trimming tool for 45 ACP and was able to trim to length a few cases I had. It started getting hard to insert into some cases and it came to the point where I needed a hammer and punch to remove the case guide pin. I wrecked the guide pin using the punch and hammer and ordered another. All the cases were already ran thru the carbide resizing die prior to trimming. So what did I do wrong? I am new to reloading and not exactly sure what the process is. Help teach an old dog some new tricks LOL

[mr surveyor]

Just my opinion (as well as at least 90% of other reloaders I've heard from), there's little to no need to trim any straight wall pistol cases. For what I use - 9mm, .45 auto, .38 spl, .357 mag and .44 mag) - I just use them till the case mouth splits. Never, ever, had a need to trim one.

The only bottle neck brass I use, .30-30 win, I have trimmed.

jd

[Ranch Dog]

I'm a guy that trims everything. I actually do my handgun cases; 25 Auto, 32 Auto, 380 Auto, 38 Spl, 9mm Luger, 9mm Makarov, and 45 Auto, before sizing. For a reasons, It is not uncommon for me to find cases that are a bit out of diameter because I step on them at the range or from the tumbling action, or maybe from an ejection issue. Second, I find the mandrel of the Lee length gauge to be more forgiving than the die in reforming the case. If the mandrel is tight on a sized case, chuck the shank in a drill and spin it against some very fine sandpaper until it fits. All my cases, handgun or long gun, have a Lee Lube lightly sprayed (mixed with a 70% rubbing alcohol solution) inside the case mouth.

I'm trimming/correcting the case mouth on handgun cases beforehand because these cases are going into a collator to feed my Load-masters where the actual sizing occurs.

[jlhog]

I will try this suggestion, "If the mandrel is tight on a sized case, chuck the shank in a drill and spin it against some very fine sandpaper until it fits". Thanks Ranch Dog. Probably my main reason for trimming the cases is to use up free time so I am not getting board.

[jlhog]

Well that suggestion did work. Took a bit more sanding than I anticipated. I did notice differences between case manufactures that led to sanding the mandrel more. Got one more bag to trim tomorrow. My fingers are sore for today.

[orerancher]

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