.45 Colt Brass Question

[MikeM.]

I'm about to start loading some cowboy loads for my .45 Colt SAA. I bought a bag of new Starline brass and was wondering a couple of things . First, do I need to run these through my sizing die even though they are brand new ? These are the first new pieces of brass I have ever used as most of mine come from ranges . Second, how many loadings can I expect to get out of these ? Planning on using 250 gr lead bullet and 6.5 gr of Tite Group to start

[Abilene]

I always resize all new brass.  I know some people don't.  I've loaded .45 into new brass without sizing and even though the roll crimp looked good, you could rotate the bullet in the case with fingers.  You are going to get better neck tension if you size first.

My smokeless .45's are all cowboy loads, and they almost never split.  I'm using the same brass for over 20 years.  Maybe not a ton of reloads in them since I shoot a variety of calibers.

[MikeM.]

Great ! Thanks !

[Crow Choker]

I'm about to start loading some cowboy loads for my .45 Colt SAA. I bought a bag of new Starline brass and was wondering a couple of things . First, do I need to run these through my sizing die even though they are brand new ?

YES!!!! Back in the mid 70's when I first started reloading I wondered the same thing, didn't pursue enough info at the time. Loaded up some new .357 brass, can't recall the brand, but figured they were new, never been under any firing stress, should be good to go. Checked them first to see if they chambered in my Colt Trooper cylinders, no problem, but after loading some Speer or Sierra 125 grain HP's, some of the bullets appeared to be ill fitting. They all fired with out any problems but did some further research at the time of what the experts were saying and they all advised to run new brass through a sizer for uniform brass in reloading. I've never noticed any new Starline brass with deformities, but have seen some of the other major brands of brass come new out of the bag with some minor dents and out of round mouths. Always resize new before I load. 

[Froogal]

I have always sized the new brass, no matter the caliber. Only occasionally have I encountered brass that offered SOME resistance, but that would have been enough to cause problems later.

[Coffinmaker]

  MikeM

PLUS ONE for the Guys posting above.  ALWAYS ALWAYS run new brass thru your resizing die.  You will get proper neck tension which is VERY important to a good burn, as is the Crimp.  Always use a good solid roll crimp into the crimp groove.  Also VERY important for a good complete burn.

A question > > > Are you planning to shoot 45 Colt in a Lever Action Rifle??

[MikeM.]

Thanks guys , no just a revolver. I'm a 44-40 rifle guy