Shorter Hornady magnum cases

[schuetzen]

I have some Hornady .357 magnum critical defense ammo and I measured that the cases are shorter than other .357 magnum cases. They measure about  ~1.230".  Is there a minimum length spec for .357 magnum cases?  I also came across a Hornady .44 magnum case at the range.  It is also shorter at ~1.250".  Is this to make them less eligible for reloading?

[stimpylu32]

I'm not sure what Hornady is thinking , it all started with short brass for their lever-ever -lotion ammo , as for the 357 case's , Lyman shows a Trim -to length of 1.280 .
 
I don't see a major issue with using these case's provided one keeps the total COL at normal numbers , this may mean the bullet will be seated farther out of the case to allow for the same internal case capacities  .
 
stimpy
 
PS -- For what its worth , I think shortening the case was a DUMB idea , just make a bullet that fits normal brass ! 

[dave29]

Yep, they trim the brass so that little red tip will fit in desired location.