Hey guys hope all is well and that you had a great holiday break. I just got into reloading and I hit my first speed bump. I am starting out with 38 sp rounds and don't understand the case measurement. My Lyman 49th edition reloading manual says the case length should be 1.155 and the total length with the bullet is 1.550 but when I measure the spend case it is 1.475. I have looked on websites and other forums and I am still confused. Also I know there should be little to no trimming involved with a straight wall pistol case. Any information would be a great help.
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Did you try to measure several cases? Did you come up with the same length? What micrometer are you using? -
case length is 1.145" and COL is 1.455" off Hodgdon web site for 38 Special. COL= cartridge overall lengthComment
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micrometer may not be adjusted right? Mine you have to close it and hit the on/off button until it resets to zeroComment
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Do you have .357 brass?Comment
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Something is very very wrong. Check what and how you're measuring. Check your caliper calibration.
LWDComment
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I just borrowed a buddy of mines $100 calipers and they measure 1.145" Guess I need to return my caliper and get a better one.
In the Lyman Handbook it only gives one case length no + or -, what is the min and max on the 38 special case length? Is there a better reloading manual I should get that has this information?Comment
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Max case length 1.155 yours are 1.145 your good to go. Once they have been resized several times they will stretch past 1.155 then it's time to trim down to 1.145.Comment
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For just general purpose, a good reloading manual is the Lee Reloading book. It is general though. Not specific on bullet by brand name, but it has pulled me out of a crunch a time of two and got me on track.Originally posted by HelmCrusher View PostComment
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I thought about getting this handbook as well since I am currently on a budget and using mostly Lee equipment.Originally posted by txstringbender View PostComment
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