Converting 9x19 brass to 9x18

[timspawn]

Is it as simple as it sounds? Trim to 18mm then process with 9x18 dies.

[zxcvbob]

Yes, but it works better if you run the 9x18 expander before you trim it.

[TCLouis]

Decap

Run it over the 9X18 expander

Run it though the Lee or other trimmer (Lee was faster/easier/simpler) than my Lyman Drill Press Trimmer!

Load and shoot.

I have NOT done the last step as I have to figure out a brass catcher. I try to recover 100% of brass when I have time involved in making it or have to buy it.

[Rocky Raab]

Yup, that's how I did it way back in 1990 when I wrote the first "Reloading the Mak" article for American Rifleman.

BTW, for a simple brass catcher, I simply stood an empty cardboard box on the shooting bench. To keep the empties from rolling out, I left half of one flap at the bottom edge, taped to form a lip.

[timspawn]

Thank you gentlemen. My dies and bullets shipped today, so I should be able to get to work in a few days.

[I'll Make Mine]

BTW, for a simple brass catcher, I simply stood an empty cardboard box on the shooting bench. To keep the empties from rolling out, I left half of one flap at the bottom edge, taped to form a lip.

Aha!! This I will have to try -- the only thing keeping me from casting and reloading for my .380 is the poor brass return rate I've had in the past. If I can get back even 90% of my brass, it'll be practical to reload that cartridge, which in turn will make the pistol cheap enough to feed that I can shoot it regularly.