I used a 13/32 drill bit as a mandrel and cut off the excess length of the new 405 cartridge. this worked well, but when I tried to chamber the round the last  1/2 inch refused to go into the chamber. I resized the brass using my 40-70 SS die but the last 1/8 inch, near the rim, which the die could not reach to resize refused to enter the chamber.

I put a dowel into the electric drill, and stuck the ,now cut down, 405 case onto it. Then using a file with the drill turning, I turned the last 1/8 inch of the case's diameter down approximately .004 until it fit into the chamber. 

Now here is my question, does any one here know a simpler / easier way to accomplish what I had to do?

Have made that type die from grade "5" bolts. No measurable wear after a 100 or so cases. Used a good lube (grease).
Chuck

Trimming both 40/65 and 40/70 Sharps straight for a friend of mine as well as .25 Krag. Go years no trim now lot of it to do.

Fast and accurate lot to trim off nothing is going to work better than a proper press mounted file trim die.  You can make one up or buy from CH4D, 40 some bucks

It does not have to be cartridge specific. It does have to be neck size specific. Other words any proper diameter 40 caliber form trim will work, adjust the length by how far it screws in your press. Ff bottle neck no problem the body does not come in contact with a straight side case.

Little bit of trim want all even the hand crank trimmers work well.  I used a Redding for years found it won't chuck 45/70 Head brass. Opens up to .5 and will take 30/40 head & .405 head brass. Lymans open larger will accept 45/70 head and it's probably the one to buy. Lot of either used on Ebay none likely to have 40 caliber pilots. 

Redding sent a pilot next day, before I found the chuck won't accept the 40/65 case. Lyman been waiting for a .40 weeks and all I get is a sad story about how busy they are from C/Service

Boats