NID450 wrote:Realize this post is a little old, however a lot of questions as I put my 450 together (AR Platform). I do have a little experience reloading and understand head spacing problems with a straight walled case. It has been mentioned in other posts that most manufactured brass is less than the spec for the cartridge, e.g. Hornady brass runs around 1.65” and Starline Brass runs a little longer but still not to the spec of the 1.70”. Then this leads me to why not use the parent case to make 450 brass, .284 Winchester, but it is sounding like a nightmare reaming, turning, squeezing down bullets, broken extractors etc.... The first of many questions is just suck it and accept that you won’t ever properly headspace unless you posses a small fabrication shop?
When I load (sane) for a 40 SW and 9mm I measure a few cases call it good, jam a primer, pour powder, mash in a bullet, pull trigger, bang, hole in paper, approach the 450 with the same attitude?
On a lighter side excites about my first thumper!!!!
The actual SAAMI spec for case length is 1.70 -.010 (no plus). 1.695 is darn near the perfect length. I have modified .284 brass for the 450b and life being short and 450b brass being plentiful, its simply not worth the headache. I'll give one of the challenges which is the 800 pound gorilla in the room. Cut down .284 brass will have a much thicker wall in the area that the bullet seats, than dedicated 450b brass. It also varies from .284 manufacturer to manufacturer. Having to ream or turn the cases to just the right thickness and deoth for the bullet you intend to seat, adds a lot of extra work and expense. While the original 45 Professional, the basis of the 450b had the same rim and extraction groove diameter as .284 brass, Hornady and Bushmaster decided to change those specs. I can testify to the PITA it is to turn them individually in a lathe, to SAAMI spec. I could go on...
Hoot