Sorting Headstamps

[xfactor]

I always sort headstamps by manufacturer prior to reloading. Probably don't need to but it's just another way to visually inspect each cartridge prior to reloading. Do any of you other reloaders do the same?

XF

[GSPKurt]

Yes, I do. More to inspect the cases than anything else...

[Baldy]

The way I do mine is kind of involved but I don't worry with brand names. I get about one in 1,500rds that make it to the last stage and I have to ditch them. I done a test many years ago with three different brands all with the same bullets and loads and could find no real difference. Now I am talking .45ACP"s shooting a max of 5o'. YMMV.

[xfactor]

Baldy,

So do you only load these three different headstamps? or was this just your initial test and you reload all different types of .45ACP brass. I have found subtle differences in the cases in the past, even among the same headstamps. I guess I just like to look at the 100 round reload boxes and see the same headstamps looking back at me.

XF

[Baldy]

No, that was just for that test. I set all my brass upright on a level bench and check for height,splits, and anything in them with no regards for different manufactures. If everything looks good I put about 300 in the shaker or wash and clean them up. While putting them in the shaker I will grab a hand full at a time and check for small primers.

Factory spec on.45ACP brass is .898" if I have any that don't look the right height I will set them aside and check them. If they measure any less than .897" I throw them in the scrap bucket. I used to throw out Aquilla and A-MERC because they were out of spec but what I have run into lately is right on the money and loads just fine.

[Unter44]

I only sort headstamps on rifle cartridges. Makes a difference in accuracy and case volumes differ. All my pistol ammo is not sorted unless I have bought new brass and that is only .44mag.