Making 45acp Cases from Starline 45 Win Mag

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CQB45ACP

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Here are some pictures of my messed up work/loading bench and first two 45acp cases.

This type of thing is old hat for you rifle guys, but not me. First time ever.

45 Win Mag cases are 1.191-1.197" so about .29" has to be cut off to get a .898" SAAMI spec.

I bought a Redding 45acp form & trim die and extended shell holder thinking that was it. Not really. Cutting off the .29" isn't simple so I'm trying several ways. Right now it's a mini tubing cutter. Also a hobby saw and hack saw are possible but less likely.

I don't know how to keep upward pressure on the ram so case maintains contact with die and thus doesn't turn while filing. That's a problem cutting and/or filing.

Lots of experimenting ongoing.

Anyway, this is very early and believe it or not the next phase of my 45acp case longevity test. Starting with all custom sized brand new cases. Why? Because it's there!

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Do you mentioned the longevity test. Is they theory here that the case head and web area are more robust on the 45 Win Mag brass so they may lead to better 45 ACP cases? Are they more stout than existing 45 ACP+P?
 
Ohen Cepel said:
$30 small chop saw from Harbor Freight is what I think I would use for that. Likely can find 3d jigs for that on ebay.

What will this get you that 45 Super or 45 SMC brass wouldn't do?
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This gets me an interesting DIY project, cases that are absolutely as long as they can be and still function in my pistols, and I wanted to do it.

I actually bought one of those harbor freight saws after seeing it used on YouTube. (Yes have seen jigs on eBay.) But, I opened the box while still in the store and parts were missing and it just looked sketchy to me. I returned it before leaving.

Had I kept it, I wouldn't have also bought the trim die or extended case holder and would've saved money. I have a Lee trimmer and that would've been great for taking care of the final few thousandths.
 
AJC1 said:
I'd probably chop off .25 of that .29 and finish them on my case trimmer to ensure they were all even and square. That's exactly what I did when making 30-06 into 7.7.
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Well that's what I'm doing actually as it ends up. I do have a Lee trimmer which will work for last bit but haven't used it on these yet.

I thought the trim die set up would make the chopping more precise and easier. Still early developing my technique.
 
Soonerpesek said:
2 options…….
1 is MUCH more economical than the other…. :cool:
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If I had the room I would've bought a lathe years ago when I retired.

A machine shop where I used to get some car work done was closing and was selling everything, lock, stock, and barrel. Wife didn't even respond when I said "wouldn't it be interesting if?"

I'll end up spending more on this boondoggle than if I had just bought the trimmer in the first place...and then will probably buy the trimmer.
 
Rimfire McNutjob said:
Do you mentioned the longevity test. Is they theory here that the case head and web area are more robust on the 45 Win Mag brass so they may lead to better 45 ACP cases? Are they more stout than existing 45 ACP+P?
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No, nothing so scientific. Anyway, if I recall correctly, Win Mag aren't special other than being longer.

I'm just curious about how long MY cases would last vs. hearing anecdotes about cases still working since John Browning was in diapers dreaming of designing the 1911. Wanted to try it for myself. (I have several update threads about it here on THR.)

Then, add to that, a curiosity about case trimming and reading about what the rifle guys do, I thought cutting down my own would be fun...Also have been told .308s can work, but they're really expensive.
 
Might want to compare case volume between your 45acp and your 45 Win Mag cases. The "Mag" cases may be thicker and have less interior volume, and you may want to reduce your charge a tenth or two. Just my thinking.

I have a Lyman case trimmer for my rifle brass, and once set I get very consistent results. Even though I haven't done it I could trim 45acp brass, or any other brass if I have or can get the correct pilot.

I'm looking forward to seeing your results.

chris
 
Fun projects can lead to invention.
If I were to embark on this adventure, I’d put my woodworking tools to work first. A fine tooth bandsaw blade would make short work of cutting the bulk of the length, then using a case trimmer to do the rest.
I’d make a jig to hold the case relatively square to the blade, and, keeping my fingers safe and intact. Mine would be out of wood, square stock, with a hole bored at the OD of the case. Split it lengthwise and carve a bit for the rim if necessary.
Or get @Mark_Mark to 3d print something.
 
ballman6711 said:
Might want to compare case volume between your 45acp and your 45 Win Mag cases. The "Mag" cases may be thicker and have less interior volume, and you may want to reduce your charge a tenth or two. Just my thinking.

I have a Lyman case trimmer for my rifle brass, and once set I get very consistent results. Even though I haven't done it I could trim 45acp brass, or any other brass if I have or can get the correct pilot.

I'm looking forward to seeing your results.

chris
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Good idea, thanks.
 
lordpaxman said:
Fun projects can lead to invention.
If I were to embark on this adventure, I’d put my woodworking tools to work first. A fine tooth bandsaw blade would make short work of cutting the bulk of the length, then using a case trimmer to do the rest.
I’d make a jig to hold the case relatively square to the blade, and, keeping my fingers safe and intact. Mine would be out of wood, square stock, with a hole bored at the OD of the case. Split it lengthwise and carve a bit for the rim if necessary.
Or get @Mark_Mark to 3d print something.
Click to expand...
Oh great, so now I'm buying a bandsaw to go with the new lathe!

When I was first thinking about this few months ago, I made a rough jig with stuff lying around to use when making the first big chop. Smaller washers were used to build up to (or down to) the length I wanted, while the large one supported a hobby or hack saw.

After that, I used the Lee quick trimmer. Problem was, besides being really clunky, I still needed three hands.
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Progress is being made (to me anyway). Here's another picture with the Lee quick trimmer and cases produced.

Using the mini-tube cutter and Lee trimmer is so much simpler and quicker and cheaper. Not to mention less clutter.

On cost, instead of spending $70 including shipping for the Redding trim die & extended shell holder, I could've simply used the mini-tubing cutter I already had. But, in my defense, until getting the Win Mag cases yesterday, I didn't know the mini cutter would actually work.

IMG_4569.jpeg
 
CQB45ACP said:
Progress is being made (to me anyway). Here's another picture with the Lee quick trimmer and cases produced.

Using the mini-tube cutter and Lee trimmer is so much simpler and quicker and cheaper. Not to mention less clutter.

On cost, instead of spending $70 including shipping for the Redding trim die & extended shell holder, I could've simply used the mini-tubing cutter I already had. But, in my defense, until getting the Win Mag cases yesterday, I didn't know the mini cutter would actually work.

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you have a really clean work station!
 
Ohen Cepel said:
Keep us posted. Good to hear the tube cutter worked on them as I planned to give that a try on some 30 Herrett cases down the road.

Now, you have to document it all and not lose the cases in the process :) Mine tend to get lost before I really wear them out from a semi.
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I already HATE losing cases! This will drive me to the asylum.
 
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