357 Sig case length.

[Straight_Shooter]

I have been reloading straight-walled cases for a while and decided to start reloading my once-fired, by me, Winchester cases. I started by checking the case length and found 80 -90% were under SAAMI Spec min of O.855" . Is this common. I know they headspace off the shoulder, but length impacts case-to-bullet contact. Seeking guidance? Thanks.

 

[Lkwebb]

From all the cases I have checked they were all a lil under Specs.
I bought a trimmer thinking i would have to trim a few but even after multiple firings I have yet trimmed any Sig brass.
Is the brass 357 sig brass or .40 brass converted to 357 sig.
That would definitely make it shorter aswell and very lil bottleneck

 

[Straight_Shooter]

From all the cases I have checked they were all a lil under Specs.
I bought a trimmer thinking i would have to trim a few but even after multiple firings I have yet trimmed any Sig brass.
Is the brass 357 sig brass or .40 brass converted to 357 sig.
That would definitely make it shorter aswell and very lil bottleneck

357 Sig. I bought the ammo so it is once fired.

 

[Lkwebb]

I used Alliant blue dot for a good 90 percent case fill. That way it would help with bullet set back.

 

[Zero333]

 

[jepp2]

Seeking guidance

I just checked, and the articles I used when I first loading for the Sig are no longer available. But those are the ones I used to get me started. Basically I:

1. When I size my cases, I remove the barrel from the pistol and just size the shoulder so the case head is flush with the chamber.
2. I don't use any kind of flare on the case mouth. I think this is where most folks go wrong. I use the Redding Comp die for 357 Sig for bullet seating. If you flare the case neck any, with the extremely short neck, you will not have adequate neck tension.
3. I used a bullet that Montana Gold offered specifically for the Sig. Most 9mm bullets don't have a long enough straight shank to work correctly.

That made it easy it worked well for me

 

[Straight_Shooter]

357 Sig. I bought the ammo so it is once fired.

I used Alliant blue dot for a good 90 percent case fill. That way it would help with bullet set back.

Some of the case are less than 0.850" if I use the one below 0.855. Should I increase the crimp to avoid bullet set back?

 

[Lkwebb]

Well aslong as the powder your useing gives you a good case fill you shouldn't have much if any set back.
It wouldn't hurt a thing to give a little firmer crimp.

 

[Straight_Shooter]

Well aslong as the powder your useing gives you a good case fill you shouldn't have much if any set back.
It wouldn't hurt a thing to give a little firmer crimp.

Thanks all for input. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

Measure the length after resizing. It will be closer to "spec". I wouldn't worry a lot about a difference in neck length. Be careful with adding crimp, too much will bulge the body/shoulder point causing it to become larger in diameter and it will have chambering problems.

Frank

 

[markT]

Hate throw this in here but. Friend of mine gave me this ammo. I don’t own 357 Sig. I’d like to post these for sale but asking what would be a fair price. Thanks

 

[Straight_Shooter]

Measure the length after resizing. It will be closer to "spec". I wouldn't worry a lot about a difference in neck length. Be careful with adding crimp, too much will bulge the body/shoulder point causing it to become larger in diameter and it will have chambering problems.

Frank

Thank you. That is good info. I will cycle several empty cases to see if there is any change in COL