From Corbin.com, maker of the Corbin Hand Cannelure HCT-1:
"Cannelures can be used for crimping grooves, for identification of certain bullet weights or designs, or (applied to the case) as a method of preventing a bullet from being pushed back into the case during the feeding cycle. This is especially effective on cartridges that headspace on the end of the case, such as the .45 ACP. "
I have had bullets setback... aka push back into the case during feeding before, if the seating die didn't have quite enough of a taper crimp set. You might see that the first round in your EDC magazine gets a bit shorter after being fed and removed every day for a month or so? That's why it is suggested that we rotate the cartridges on a regular basis, and that we shoot and replace our carry rounds on a regular basis. A case cannelure prevents the bullet from pushing into the case during FEEDING, not just during the initial loading or reloading process.
If my memory is correct, I believe that there was a time when you could get custom wheels for your canneluring tool, for the purposes of identifying your own brass during and after a competition. (that would be back in the 70's and 80's). Others have used magic marker or nail polish to do the same thing.
All this said... If you want to .... Cartridge manufacturers such as Starline will make a custom headstamp for you.... for a price of course. I can't seem to find a actual cost though. Smaller companies will do specialty headstamps also. Qual-Cart.com will do as little as 1000 pieces, again.... for a price.
could you imagine: A headstamp that says "Cotep 45ACP"? Or your initials? No trouble finding your brass at the range!
Da
