How to tell the difference

[Dan in MI]

This past weekend I mentored my Friend on reloading a gaggle of spent .45 ACP brass, I had sorted through the brass and pulled the small pistol pocket 45's... yet we did run into some issues when we encountered military 45 brass, those would not accept large pistol primers.

He got through just under 400 rounds before he ran out of bullets; he still has 400+ cases to reload; I sorted through the remaining 400+ and pulled another 5 military cases so when he comes back he'll be able to reload without resistance

One last observation, not all brass has standardized flash holes; Norma 9mm brass has smaller than normal flash holes which would require thinner sized pin to punch out spent primers, I don't think their 45 ACP has that as I've reloaded those cases in the past though it was a smaller number of Norma brass.

You need to remove the crimp from military brass.

 

[Richard76]

This past weekend I mentored my Friend on reloading a gaggle of spent .45 ACP brass, I had sorted through the brass and pulled the small pistol pocket 45's... yet we did run into some issues when we encountered military 45 brass, those would not accept large pistol primers.

He got through just under 400 rounds before he ran out of bullets; he still has 400+ cases to reload; I sorted through the remaining 400+ and pulled another 5 military cases so when he comes back he'll be able to reload without resistance

One last observation, not all brass has standardized flash holes; Norma 9mm brass has smaller than normal flash holes which would require thinner sized pin to punch out spent primers, I don't think their 45 ACP has that as I've reloaded those cases in the past though it was a smaller number of Norma brass.

I believe those are called Beldan? primers. most reloading companies make a tool to ream those out. I have had similar experience with 556

 

[Toxophilus]

You need to remove the crimp from military brass.

Agreed, just didn't have time and there were so few, I didn't want to overwhelm him

 

[NikA]

I believe those are called Beldan? primers. most reloading companies make a tool to ream those out. I have had similar experience with 556

Berdan (as opposed to Boxer) primers are a different animal altogether were the primer anvil is incorporated into the case. You'll know them when you go to decap a case and break the decapping pin instead as there is no central flash hole.

Crimped primers are common on military contract ammo. Two prominent styles: ring crimp (pictured above) and stab crimp (3-4 indents around primer). The can be reamed (chamfered, really) away or swaged out.

 

[Fox Mike]

Yes, they are. Both small and large primers are the same diameter between rifle and pistol, large rifle primers are taller (deeper primer pockets) than large pistol primers.

Thanks, that will be a BIG help

 

[Sam Summey]

How can one tell the difference between a large and a small pistol primer in .45 ACP brass? I have numerous different brands of brass. Is there some way to physically measure to make a determination?

Federal started that crap, which they spread to Speer/CCI, if it hasn't happened yet, Remington/UMC will be next along with Fiocci. They are all now owned by the Czech company that has bought up 85% of all US ammunition manufacturing companies.

 

[s4s4u]

How can one tell the difference between a large and a small pistol primer in .45 ACP brass? I have numerous different brands of brass. Is there some way to physically measure to make a determination?

I am able to sort small and large primer 45 ACP brass by eye, and my eyesight is not the greatest

 

[Fox Mike]

I am able to sort small and large primer 45 ACP brass by eye, and my eyesight is not the greatest

Good for you!!! I didn't know the difference which is why I asked the question. If someone has only seen one particular size it is difficult to determine what size it is. Some, such as you, are blessed while other, such as myself, need to be informed.

 

[s4s4u]

Good for you!!! I didn't know the difference which is why I asked the question. If someone has only seen one particular size it is difficult to determine what size it is. Some, such as you, are blessed while other, such as myself, need to be informed.

Try picking out a case with whichever primer and using it as a comparator, large or small. Then pick up each case and compare the size of the primer with the "control" case. It is fairly obvious when you have them side by side.

 

[Fox Mike]

Try picking out a case with whichever primer and using it as a comparator, large or small. Then pick up each case and compare the size of the primer with the "control" case. It is fairly obvious when you have them side by side.

OK. I pulled 75 out and they are apparently are the same size so, given your superior eyesight what do I have.

 

[old breed]

My experience was that CCI Blazer brass went to small primers first, so, depending on what's happened since, you might be able to sort by brand with reasonable accuracy.

blazer small pistol as said before, by mobuck just use a large pocket cleaner until your eyes adapt, not long. as far as military crimp i started with an inside champher reamer years ago.moved to RCBS finally dillon. some primers seem to seat harder, difference in diameter? military brass is a pain to prime because it only takes one slightly high primer and you don't go into battery.rub your finger over primer to see after loaded.

 

[old breed]

sorry, if your single stage ,check after priming.

 

[s4s4u]

OK. I pulled 75 out and they are apparently are the same size so, given your superior eyesight what do I have.

Do you have the ability to measure a circular object with some degree of accuracy?

Large rifle are the same diameter as large pistol, for reference, and vice versa

 

[GasGuzzler]

I look at the pocket and if it's big, it's for a large pistol primer. If it's not big, it's for a small pistol primer.