Trimming pistol brass

[trickrick]

I have been reloading for my rifles so some time but am not experienced with reloading for pistols.
I will be reloading .380, 9mm, and 45's and would like to know how often you need to trim brass?
If I pick up range brass that is probably once fired, do I need to trim it, or clean and load?
Any other tips would be appreciated
Trick

[D Fischer]

Been loading for pistols a long long time and never trimmed case's one time. No shoulder so they don't stretch in firing or loading. Run them in the resize die and it squeezes the case down to where it should be and flares the mouth a bit.

[tacklebury]

Just as a good habit, I always fully length trim fresh brass.  I've gotten some that has grown or came from the factory almost 1/8" over spec.  This can cause you a lot of grief.  Once I develop a load with a particular brass and determine it really isn't an issue with that particular load, I don't worry as much as D Fischer stated.  One other thing that can change this is the firearm you are shooting them in.  The chamber shape and point of support radically affects how the brass flows.  In my blackhawk for example, I do have .45 ACP cases grow with some loads, just as my .45 Colt loads do.  It has a tight chamber though and doesn't release energy as quickly as an recoil or gas assist semi-automatic.  I'd say test the waters and check new brass or brass purchased from another user as "once fired" or "range pick-up" brass to save yourself some headaches. 

[Luckyducker]

The only real problem I have ever had with pistol brass is that if they differ in length they won't crimp correctly because the case mouths won't be in the same place from case to case.  The problem wouldn't be a problem if I used only one headstamp but I have bought once fired cases of mixed brand and picked up range brass (only those that looked once fired).  If you measure and trim to make sure that all are the same length  you never have to mess with trimming them again.

[tacklebury]

.45 ACP, 9mm, .380 all headspace off the case mouth.  It affects a lot.  lol

[Ranger99]

i trim cases when they need it.
the pistol rounds i load seldom
or never need it. i measure and
inspect every case i load every
time regardless of what it is or
what it's for. if it's within spec
and doesn't need a trim it doesn't
get one.
 if you don't already, you should
keep a log of everything you load
as far as charge, primer, case brand,
case length, bullet, etc.

[sr sawyer]

As Ranger99 stated, to get the max benefits from reloads, accurate records are a must.

Ken

[Savage]

I trim pistol cases------------well, never. In 45ys of reloading it's never been an issue. Check the +- tolerances of case length and chamber depths and make up your own mind.
Savage

[SHOOTALL]

I trim every time I reload a case. I use the lee trimmer which has no adjustment and every time I cut a small amount of brass off so I would say the cases do stretch some . And like posted your crimp will suffer if you don't. I didn't trim much before shooting long range with a  handgun but that will teach you the need to do so. I shot a lot of 44 mag.  Federal or Winchester factory loaded JSP. In both cases I would trim the brass after firing some would need a lot taken off others just a touch. So even factory loaded brass can come out different lengths after one firing. I use a heavy crimp so it is important to get consistent case length. It may not be as critical with plinking rounds of lead used at short distances .

[Old Syko]

I trim pistol cases------------well, never. In 45ys of reloading it's never been an issue. Check the +- tolerances of case length and chamber depths and make up your own mind.
Savage

+1  Same here.  The OP has mentioned 380, 9, and 45s which are all semi auto rounds that are not crimped with the exception of maybe a slight taper.  In every case you will likely lose the brass before you wear it out.  Seems many here are trying to compare apples and oranges.  44 mag, 45 LC, and other revolver rounds have very little in common with the OPs listed rounds.  Let's not confuse the issues for someone with understandable questions.

[Land_Owner]

As others have mentioned, crimping into bullets with a cannelure, or crimping into a cast bullet crimp groove are sometimes problematic with cases of differing head stamps and cases that have grown in length with use.  If case length becomes a SERIOUS problem, then trimming cases would be a benefit. 
 
As others have stated, I have never trimmed straight walled pistol cases.  I have adjusted the die a time or two to effect the proper crimp...your mileage may vary.

[Lloyd Smale]

waste of good time

[SHOOTALL]

 Try shooting at long distance with out trimming used brass. It might change your perspective on the matter.

[Old Syko]

Try shooting at long distance with out trimming used brass. It might change your perspective on the matter.

I shoot 45acp regularly to 100 yards which is considered extreme by most and I won't waste my time trying to trim.  The OPs concern is with 380, 9, and 45 only.

[Lloyd Smale]

5 years later and its still a waste of time

[Graybeard]

Yup sure is. I've never trimmed a straight wall pistol case.

[Tom W.]

I trimmed all of my .44 mag cases once when I was extremely bored and was recuperating from surgery.



I've never been that bored since!

[Savage]

In loading .44 spl/magnum and .45 Colt cases multiple times I've never had to make any crimp adjustments when using the same bullet.  Not that I can recall anyway.  I didn't shoot groups at 100 yds, but the loads were always "hunting accurate."
Savage

[buck460XVR]

While I never have trimmed pistol brass, I do trim certain revolver brass, specifically those that do better with a consistent crimp.
Waste of time? Nuttin' I do, wastes any of your time.