Jig For Shortening 12 Ga Brass Cases

[Jkrem]

Does someone make a jig to shorten 12 bore brass cases to 2-1/2” OAL? I don’t have a shop like Larry Potterfield’s, or a lathe. I do have about twenty 2-5/8” and 2-3/4” Alcan brass cases to process, and wouldn’t mind having something around that works if I enjoy shooting black powder shells. Suggestions very much appreciated.

[725]

It's not brass shells, but when shortening conventional hulls, I took a pipe, of the desired length, which fit over the hull and came to rest against the rim. With that in place, I was able to cut the hulls, consistently, to the correct length. Perhaps a similar jig would work for a brass shell. Cut to length and finished up on a 1" belt sander.

[shaune509]

Use 725's suggestion for gauge and a Dremal with a cutoff disc, de-burr edge and reload.
Shaune509

[longbow]

3/4" steel pipe works. 12 ga. hulls just slip in nicely. That's what I use.

Cutting brass will be harder than plastic. The Dremel should work okay if you are careful. An Exacto saw should work on brass. Alternately if you make a pipe jig which requires a hacksaw, vice and file you might just us it as a length gauge to mark the brass then remove and cut at the mark with a tube cutter (then you need a tube cutter too). That should also work if you go easy on tightening down as you cut. I've done rifle brass with a tube cutter. It will leave a rolled edge though so you'd have to expand that back which shouldn't be difficult.

If you are going the gauge and tube cutter route you could use 3/4" plastic pipe cut to length as a gauge for marking hulls. The plastic pipe being easier to cut than steel. Also, if you get a large enough tube cutter you should be able to cut both pipe and brass so not needing a hacksaw, and getting a clean cut on the pipe.

Longbow

[manomet]

I had to do this with some cases for a 45-90. I made a block the right width, bored through @ case diameter+ and counter bored one side for the rim, I think you have to do this second step first to have a good center. Push a case in the block and run the whole thing slowly through the table saw. If I remember correctly I cut the block and resulting case a hair long and cut down to exact length on a hand crank case trimmer.

[Cap'n Morgan]

A cheap pipe cutter will do the trick, but you'll need an internal plug or pipe to keep the case from collapsing.

[zarrinvz24]

You can order a custom die from CH-4D which would allow hacksaw cutting and final cut with a file. I bet one of the custom guys on here could make one as well.

[dave 45-90]

Does someone make a jig to shorten 12 bore brass cases to 2-1/2” OAL? I don’t have a shop like Larry Potterfield’s, or a lathe. I do have about twenty 2-5/8” and 2-3/4” Alcan brass cases to process, and wouldn’t mind having something around that works if I enjoy shooting black powder shells. Suggestions very much appreciated.

Send em to me. Will cut to whatever length your want and send em back. Free. Or I can make one and harden it

[Mk42gunner]

The little Harbor Freight mini chop saw (around $40) will probably do it, but the cases will still need a clean up trim afterwards. It may take some creative engineering to hold the cases consistently.

Robert

[Geezer in NH]

I'd sell the long ones as you can't add to length and then buy the 2 1/2 ones new with the proceeds