Starline Product Information & Descriptions

For nickel-plated brass information, click here.

5 in 1 Blank • 460 S&W • 45 GAP • 458 SOCOM • 500 S&W (R) • 45 Auto+P • 45 Super • 45 Schofield • 45 Auto Rim

9 Super Comp • 9MM Makarov • 9 Largo • 38 Super Comp • 38 Super+P

44 Russian • 10MM Magnum • 38 Long Colt • 38 Short Colt • 454 Casull • 38 SPL+P • 9MM+P • 400 COR-BON

475 and 500 Linebaugh • 41 Colt • 44 Colt • 7.62 x25 vs 30 Mauser • 460 Rowland • Blank Cases • Common Re-loading Questions

38 S&W • 45-70 • 45-90 • 45-100 • 56-50 Spencer (Taylor's) • 50 Alaskan • 50-110 • 445 Super Mag • 360 DW • 356 TS&W • 7.62 NAGANT • 40 Super

38-55 • 38-55 (2.125)

Starline strives to hold the closest production tolerances possible on every caliber we produce to ensure the highest quality brass available. All brass is produced within SAAMI specifications and includes special heat treat processes and designs to enhance strength and longevity.

The following information includes descriptions as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you don't see the answer to your specific question, send us an e-mail to info@starlinebrass.com and we will answer in the most prompt manner we can.

Thank you for your interest in Starline Brass.

460 S&W Primer pocket is made for large rifle primers. Hodgdon recommends Winchester large magnum rifle. Click here for Hodgdon's 460 load data. 454 Casull/45 Colt dies work best with our case. Die sets can be purchased from Lee or Redding. Dies from RSBC will also work.

45 GAP This 45 based case is designed for the 45 Glock Auto Pistol just recently released. Cases available 04/09/04.

458 SOCOM This 50AE based case contains a .308 style head configuration with O.A.L. of 1.575 necked down to accept a .458 dia. projectile. This case has been chambered in AR-15s and Bolt Guns. Contacts for gun systems are: www.teppojutsu.com or call 832-524-8100 or contact Tony Rumore at www.tromix.com or call 918-251-5640.

500 S&W (R) Updated 9/30/03 Initial run of 500 S&W mag cases was built to use large pistol primer per Smith & Wesson and Cor-bon specifications. On July 28, 2003, Smith & Wesson and Cor-bon changed specification of primer pocket to be large rifle. Rifle primers are same diameter as pistol except they are approximately .006 taller. This was done to prevent primer from being pierced by firing pin when loaded with max loads and heavy bullets (bullets over 400 grains). It was determined that hole in primer allowed pressure to damage firing pin and bushing, kind of like a cutting torch and the harder cup of a rifle primer will prevent occurrence. All cases sold by Starline, Inc. after July 28, 2003, will contain a large rifle primer pocket to accept a large rifle primer. Hodgdon Powder has generated load data which recommends using Win. Large Rifle Primers. Click here to view. Cor-bon has also tested and recommends CCI 250 primers (Large Mag Rifle). Our new cases will have an "R" after the "Mag" on head stamp to signify rifle pocket. If you have previously purchased 500 cases without "R" on head stamp and wish to modify, you can use a large rifle pocket uniformer to deepen primer pocket to accept large rifle primers by deepening pocket approx. .006. This will not affect integrity of case. For concerns regarding situation contact Smith & Wesson or Cor-bon as they designed case and subsequently changed it.
45 Auto+P is a strengthened version of the 45 Auto with the same external dimensions. A thicker web and heavier sidewall at base strengthens the case in potentially unsupported areas. This case has approximately 2 grains less internal capacity than the standard 45 Auto.
45 Super* is the same externally as the 45 Auto, but has a thicker web, denser grain structure in the metal and special heat process which enhances the durability of the case. Similar internal capacity as the 45 Auto. 45 Super load data is available through ACE Custom 45's at (281) 659-1017. *Loads to be shot ONLY in guns modified professionally to handle extreme pressures. DO NOT SHOOT IN STANDARD 45 AUTO!
45 Schofield is similar to the 45 Colt. Differences are:
45 Auto Rim Here is a new source for the Auto Rim case. It is built with the same integrity as our 45 Colt case.
9 Super Comp (9x23) New Design-New Head Stamp As of 7-7-03 we have changed the head stamp to read 9x23 comp to allow easier identification because it looked too similar to the 38 Super Comp head stamp. At the same time, we slightly changed the interior design to allow the seating of heavier bullets (i.e. 147 grains) but change will in no way affect performance of case for use with lighter bullets.
9MM Makarov is equal to the 9X18.
9 Largo is a 9x23 case designed for Largo gun systems such as the Star, Astra, Destroyer Carbine and also works in most Steyrs.
38 Super Comp is a heavy duty rimless 38 Super. When using Dillon press .223 shell plate works best where applicable. Similar internal capacity to 38 Super. Designed to enhance feeding reliability in high capacity magazines. Also works perfectly for a substitute 9 Steyr case.
38 Super+P is a heavy duty super case with standard head design.
44 Russian is basically a shortened 44 Special with length of .956 to .966
10MM Magnum is a heavy duty, lengthened 10MM Auto. O.A.L. of 1.250 CANNOT BE USED IN STANDARD 10MM PISTOL
38 Long Colt is basically a shortened 38 Special. O.A.L. of 1.020+.005
38 Short Colt is basically a shortened 38 Special. O.A.L. of .755+.005; NOT a substitute for 38 S&W
454 Casull uses a small rifle primer and must be full length sized prior to loading.
38 SPL+P has no difference from the standard 38 SPL, other than headstamp designation for load segregation. Due to standard case design, will handle +P pressures with no problems.
9MM+P has no difference from the standard 9mm Luger other than headstamp designation for load segregation. Due to standard case design, will handle +P pressures with no problems.
400 Cor-bon case is a 45 Auto+P based case necked down to 40 caliber. The primer pocket was changed from large pistol primer to small pistol/rifle primer in 12/00. Test results concluded no adverse affect from switching to small primer pocket. Cor-Bon is now recommending Win. small pistol works best and if using small rifle Remington 7 1/2 works the best.
475 and 500 Linebaugh are the most powerful hunting revolver cases available today. Several custom gun makers chamber special revolvers for this. Freedom Arms is also now chambering in .475. The .475 fires a .476 diameter projectile, while the .500 uses a .510 diameter projectile. Both cases are currently available direct from Starline.
41 Colt -41 Long Colt DA cse with O.A.L. of 1.120 + .010. Use #32 RCBS shellholder
44 Colt -Is essentially a 44 SPL. except .050 shorter with a smaller rim (Same as 41 Mag). Use RCBS #30 or 21 shell holder or Lee #3.
7.62x25 vs 30 Mauser - These cases are very similar, except for the difference in length. The 7.62x25 is shorter than the 30 Mauser, due to higher operating pressures. If the 30 Mauser cases are fired at hotter 7.62x25 loads in the CZ-52, it will tear the neck off some cases.
460 Rowland is a lengthened heavy duty 45 Auto based case designed by Johnny Rowland. It delivers impressive performance in guns specifically chambered for this. Conversion kits are available also. Contact Johnny Rowland at 1-318-377-5189, for more information. Cases are available factory direct from Starline.

Blank Cases - Starline offers several cases that are designed for use in Blanks, including the most popular 45 Colt blank for mounted cowboy shooting. Blanks have an oversized flash hole of .140 diameter and CANNOT BE USED TO LOAD LIVE AMMUNITION.

NOTICE: as of 5/31/05 - 45 Auto Blanks Primer has been changed. It is now made to accept Large Pistol Primers only. Changed due to customer preference.

5 in 1 Blank - The 5 in 1 is a general blank case that is designed to feed in lever action rifles. It is the same length as a loaded cartridge in 45 Colt, 44-40, 38-40 and 44 MAG and will chamber in all (must neck for 38-40). Will also chamber in 44 SPL if trimmed. It accepts large rifle primers and contains .140 diameter flashole. Not intended to be re-used after initial loading!

38 S&W - Case specifically for 38 S&W. CANNOT BE USED IN 38 SPECIAL.
45-70 - Has been tested at elevated pressures suitable for Magnum Heavy Hunting Loads in adequate gun systems. When loading with black powder, annealing of mouth may be necessary to allow case to properly seal chamber due to lower pressures generated by these loads. Reason being case is produced very strong to withstand high pressure loads associated with smokeless hunting loads and since the only way to make brass harder is to work the material our only option is to leave them stiffer and the customers can anneal for specific application. See annealing procedure in commonly asked questions, section #4.
45-90 - 45-70 based case 2.4 inches long is suitable for smokeless and black powder loads. When loading with black powder, annealing of mouth may be necessary to allow case to properly seal chamber due to lower pressures generated by these loads. Reason being case is produced very strong to withstand high pressure loads associated with smokeless hunting loads and since the only way to make brass harder is to work the material our only option is to leave them stiffer and the customers can anneal for specific application. See annealing procedure in commonly asked questions, section #4.
45-100 - 45-70 based case 2.6 inches long. Suitable for black and smokeless powders. When loading with black powder, annealing of mouth may be necessary to allow case to properly seal chamber due to lower pressures generated by these loads. Reason being case is produced very strong to withstand high pressure loads associated with smokeless hunting loads and since the only way to make brass harder is to work the material our only option is to leave them stiffer and the customers can anneal for specific application. See annealing procedure in commonly asked questions, section #4.
56-50 Spencer (Taylor's) - Was built to C.I.P. specifications for operation in the Taylor Arms 56-50 Spencer. Rim diameter = .629 to .632, which may be too small to eject properly in some originals. Rim thickness = .057 to .061. Thickness of wall at mouth is .0125 average. Primer pocket is designed for large rifle primer. Case mouth may need to be annealed if not sealing properly. Maximum bullet seating depth = .375.
50 Alaskan - Lengthened version of 500 Linebaugh. Case is 2.1 inches long. Guns built by Hamilton Bower, Jim West, Reagan Nonneman and others. Designed to knock you and a bear on your butt.
50-110 - Basically a long 50 Alaskan case with O.A.L. Of 2.401 to 2.406. Designed for use with a .510-.512 Dia. projectile.
445 Super Mag - Built for use with large pistol primer. Must be reamed to seat larger rifle primer.
360 DW - 357 Mag based case with O.A.L. Of 1.420. Guns and case designed by Dan Wesson Arms.
356 TS&W - Essentially a 9mm based case with O.A.L. Of .848. Gun system produced by Smith & Wesson Performance Center. This case can easily be formed into 30 luger.

7.62 NAGANT - Why is length .060 shorter than Russian cases? During testing of the NAGANT cases, it was discovered that when firing cases (1.520) long with the Graf 98 grain bullet the mouth would flare on one side making extraction difficult. Secondly, when the mouth is deformed, most cases were deemed un-reloadable. The cases that could be reloaded split due to overworking of case mouth after third firing. We decreased powder in the load thinking this would help, but it had no effect. We then began decreasing case length until we reached 1.455 to 1.460. At this length, cases extend beyond cylinder, enter forcing cone, extract easily and reload fine.

What is the best system to load and reload NAGANT cases? Initial loading prime case, drop powder, hand drop bullet, and full length size. Note: Case must be well lubed and may need to go 1/2 way, back-up, re-lube and go again to achieve sizing without ripping head off. Reloading technique – Knock out primer (no sizing desired) then prime, drop powder, seat bullet (approx. .200 below case mouth using extra long seating stem provided in NAGANT die set) and full length trim size again. Note: They will size much easier this time.

40 Super - Heavy duty lengthened case similar to the diameter of 45 Auto necked down to 40 cal. Primer pocket is small pistol. Developed by Triton Cartridge Conversion Systems can be found at Barsto Barrels & Clark Custom Guns.

38-55 - Is the standard length of (2.080) same as Winchester case (Large Rifle Primer Pocket). Headstamp reads *-* 38-55

38-55 (2.125) - 38-55 case with O.A.L. of (2.125) for use in 38-55s that are suited for longer cases. (Contains Large Rifle Primer Pocket) and Headstamp reads *-2.125-*-38-55

Answers to your most commonly asked questions regarding re-loading of new brass.

1.) Does one need to full-length size brass prior to loading?

Generally speaking, Starline cases require no resizing prior to loading. Due to variances in diameter of different bullet types, it is a good practice to size the case only as far down as the bullet seating depth. When full length sizing is required, it will be noted in the box with the brass. The only Starline case that requires full sizing is the 454 Casull.

2.) Why is it very hard to get expander and powder funnel back out of case?
There are two situations that create this problem. The first is one we have just recently identified. It seems to be associated with the dillon powder funnel and only a couple of calibers (45 Auto and 40 S&W). The land for expanding case mouth is too long and when you begin to bell mouth the bottom of expander gets into the thicker taper of case and wedges causing it to be very hard to get back out. We have modified several by increasing radius on end and slightly shortening expanding land and this eliminated the problem completely. Call Starline and we will take care of it if you wish. One other cause can be a burr at case mouth created by the final trim operation, which grabs onto expander as it comes back up. This situation does not often appear and can be fixed by deburring case mouth or inside lubing cases.
3.) Why is Starline, Inc. brass shorter than the trim-to-length in our reloading manual?
Trim-to-lengths given in most manuals often confuse people if they are unsure of their actual purpose. Most manuals generate their own trim-to-lengths from SAAMI maximum cartridge drawings. They usually pick a number just below the SAAMI maximum and state this as the recommended trim-to-length. Depending on specific caliber, some cases will shrink and others will grow when fired and reloaded. The trim-to-length is trying to say: "If case is longer than trim-to-length, then trim back to this." The confusion comes in when people purchase new brass and want to trim it back to trim-to-length stated in the manual. One must understand that a manufacturer will not produce cases at maximum length and that we as manufacturers must have a reasonable tolerance to work with. Most people do not wish to trim brass, so at Starline, Inc., we operate a tolerance of .005 below SAAMI maximum and that window ranges from .003 to .010 below, depending on the caliber. All auto-feeding cartridges are held within .004, and revolver normally is within .005.

The trim-to-length we recommend for peak performance is a variation of no more than .005 and length within .010 of published trim-to-lengths, but never exceeding trim-to-lengths.

Remember, consistency in length relating to consistent crimp is more important than all cases being the same length as the trim-to-length in manuals, assuming it is not too long.
 
4.) How can I soften case mouth to allow case to properly seal when using black powder in 45-70, 45-90, 45-2.6 (45-100) and 40-65?
1.) Be aware this is not always necessary. Only if cases are extremely dirty and a lot of unburned powder is consistently found in chamber would you need to anneal.

2.) First place case in proper container filled with approximately 1 inch of water so head of case is submerged in water. (Reason is you only want to soften mouth of case and not head area as this can ruin strength at base and primer pocket where case must remain rigid to handle pressure.)

3.) Next heat case mouth (approx. top 1/2 inch of case) uniformly just to where it begins to turn a dullred and then knock over in water. A propane torch is usually used for heating device. MOST IMPORTANT: Remember if case gets too hot they are ruined and there is no way to make hard again. So, try a few out and get a feel for the proper color and softness required for your application. If they get bright red, you probably went too far.

5.) Why is length of the 7.62 NAGANT.060 shorter than Russian cases?

During testing of the NAGANT cases, it was discovered that when firing cases (1.520) long with the Graf 98 grain bullet the mouth would flare on one side making extraction difficult. Secondly, when the mouth is deformed, most cases were deemed un-reloadable. The cases that could be reloaded split due to overworking of case mouth after third firing. We decreased powder in the load thinking this would help, but it had no effect. We then began decreasing case length until we reached 1.455 to 1.460. At this length, cases extend beyond cylinder, enter forcing cone, extract easily and reload fine.

6.) What is the best system to load and reload NAGANT cases?

Initial loading prime case, drop powder, hand drop bullet, and full length size. Note: Case must be well lubed and may need to go 1/2 way, back-up, re-lube and go again to achieve sizing without ripping head off. Reloading technique – Knock out primer (no sizing desired) then prime, drop powder, seat bullet (approx. .200 below case mouth using extra long seating stem provided in NAGANT die set) and full length trim size again. Note: They will size much easier this time.

 

Starline appreciates receiving any input from the shooting public. Please e-mail us at info@starlinebrass.com with your questions or comments.

 

 

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