[velvalco]

how many times can a brass case be reloaded? Is there something that i need to be looking for when the case's use has ended?

 

[Bountyhunter]

Pistol cases can be reloaded many times. The case neck will crack when it gets to thin or worn. If the bullet seats right it's good to go.

 

[deputy125]

depends on the round and the reloader..........
I've reloaded target 38's to the point i forgot how many times---i know ts over +20 times. These were not +p loads just target range loads. The 1st problem to usually develop is split necks. Same goes for the 45 acp......

Things that affect the case life are how heavy of a crimp is applied, how hot the loads are, and also case stretch.

This has ben argued and debated for a while, but when it comes to case stretch, i fall into the camp that stretch is not caused by hot rounds but is caused by the sizing die working the brass. To that end, even though i use carbide dies, i apply a bit of lubricant (hornady case lube spray) to the cases and also to the inside of the case mouth. Just a small added step but also makes resizin' easier and in my opinion helps reduce case stretch so less frequent trimmin'.

 

[41 Magnum]

I personally have about eighteen hundred W.W. .38 Spl. cases that I bought from the Game Comission at least 25 Years ago. I couldn't even begin to guess how many times they've been re-cycled, possibly hundreds. I load for Myself, & two Sons-in-law, so they've been around. Like has been said, I use'm till they crack.

I much prefer W.W. cases for the pistols & revolvers, but for the rifles, Remington cases seem to hold up a lot better, at least for Me. Especially in the smaller bores, like 6mm, .243, & .22/250. In rifle cases, You also want to watch for a dis-colored ring around the case, just forward of the base. It may be a sign of impending case separation.

I also have a small amount of Federal brass, in .357. Never tried "off brands".

 

[velvalco]

thanks for the info.

My current stock of brass is (these are from factory ammo is saved the brass on)

350 .357magnum
100 .44 mag
100 38sp
50 44 sp

i think i'll have a good start on them once i get rolling.

i'll have to start saving my 45acp, and 40s&w.

 

[Deadeye]

I don't reload much for rifles, but far as pistols go I load'm till they spilt or rupture. I just look for good deals on .45colt & .44mag (One of the ranges I go to sometimes sells range brass for 2 cents a piece you can't beat $2.00 per 100rds). The other range I go to just leaves it on the ground, so thats my source of .45acp. One day I sat & watched these two guys burn up a 250rd. brick of UMC .45acp, I just walked over & picked it up. Well ok that beats 2 cents a piece! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Wizard]

When we went to the range Saturday to test the work up loads, we must have picked up 200 9mm / 100 .40 and 150 .45acp.....I guess these people make a lot of money.....

 

[Bountyhunter]

I brought home my 9mm and 357 and 38 special cases saturday night. I also cam e home with about 50 pieces of 45 acp brass. Every little bit helps.

 

[Snuffy]

Brass will last longer nickle is harder and will split sooner than brass, also a tamper crimp will help extend case life less working the brass than roll crimp. I figure a tamper crimping dies paya for its self in a year or two for most reloaders as for me I think I am down to weeks lol. Lee makes a great factory crimp die and for the money ya can'tr go wrong pard.