To normalize or not...

[mike ford]

Tom,
On reflection, instead of 45-90 or the 50-100, the best brass avaliable would be currently made Hornady cases with 450 base. I recall checking for another poster, on this or another forum. This was recently and they had 450-400 3 1/4" in stock.I believe it was Graf that had it,but it may have been Huntington. Of course,if you are satisfied with the cases you converted, it will be a while before you need any. I wouldn't worry too much about rim thickness, this can be adjusted (either way) if necessary.
Mike

[Tom H.]

Yeah, I should know better and check my measurements first.
The case length was 2.43 and the base measures .530. I determined the measurements after making a chamber cast and taking metal off of a case until I had something that worked.
To date the cases have done what they are supposed to and at the pressures that it runs at expansion isn't an issue. No I don't have dies for it but all I have to do is neck size so not so bad. That would be the issue with actually buying the correct brass for the gun.
The basic brass was Connecticut Cartridge Company from the 60s. Turned brass and not particularly great but acceptable for this application.

[Diz]

Axel,

For some reason even though I read it twice I automatically assumed that he was using nitro brass shortened for his express.

Thanks, Diz