Reloading Once Fired 38spl Brass

[Smitty308]

I have been reloading for 35+ years and never had to deal with a situation like this.  I'm wearing my flame suit because this could be an all time dumb question.  I had a Dakota, Mason, conversion chambered in 38 spl.  Didn't care for it so got rid of it.  The other day I was rooting around in my brass cupboard and found about 200 38 spl brass cases that had obviously had been black powder charged and fired.  I don't remember why but I reprimed the cases before I cleaned them.  My bad.  Shame on me.  Tried a couple of the cases and the primers still work.  Tumbled the cases for a short time in corn cob media and they cleaned up but have  the usual black powder residue inside.  I cut a sanding sponge to match the inside shape and managed to get most of the residue out.  The primers still work after all that.
My question:  I usually shoot 4.5 to 5 grains of unique behind a 125 grain .357.  If I reload these sooty cases, how much interaction can I expect between the BP residue and the Unique?  I shoot my 38 spl in a S&W 357.
Thanks for the help in advance.

[LaOtto222]

I have never shot black powder in a 38. I have shot BP in a 30-30 and reloaded with "normal" gun powder afterwards. I did tumble the cases before reloading. I found no ill effects with the reloads. I did "tap" the cases to get any excess residue out and brushed the inside of the necks before reloading. I like to economize as much as anyone (waste not, want not). On the other hand - I do not know how long you have stored your cases, if you think it has caused any corrosion to the case, I would just throw them away and start over. You are talking less than $60 for new cases and primers, a small price to pay for piece of mind. Good Shooting and Good Luck.

[woodchukhntr]

I would consider the cases to be contaminated with the black powder residue, meaning that the gun that you shot them in would have to be cleaned as you would a black powder gun.  It is only 200 very common cases and primers, so just wash them or throw them out.  If you put a post on GBO, you could probably find someone to sell you some at a really reasonable price.

[the jigger]

Are you sure that it is BP residue? Did you load and shoot them? The reason for these questions is that Bullseye will burn "dirty". If that is the case you should have no problem.

[Smitty308]

Thanks to all for your help.  Jigger, you might be right.  I have used bullseye for my 38 loads.  Also, there is no green tarniish like black powder leaves.  The cases look fine on the outside, just dirty inside.

[bilmac]

Throw them away. Maybe I spent too many years in law enforcement, but to me they are as common as dirt. Most ranges you can pick up a couple hundred in a trip or two. They almost give them away at gun shows.

[jsoukup]

Better yet, pop those primers and setup a scrap bucket for the junkyard. Cartridge brass is about $3 a pound, so it ought to be worth at least a $1.50 at the junkyard. That's better than picking up soda cans. I took my Dad to the range a couple of weeks ago and yelled at him when he threw his spent brass across the firing line. Like throwing money away.

[blhof]

I 2nd the scrap bucket idea.  It took a few years, but when I moved to Ky from Florida; I had half a 5 gal bucket of damaged or ureloadable for some reason brass.  Took it to the salvage yard and got $12 and this was 3 years ago, brass pricesare way up from then.  I'm about at 1/3  of a bucket right now thanks to a few new calibers and wrecking a few cases, getting the dies set just right. 

[bilmac]

I assume primers have to be removed, will they take nickeled brass?

[Smitty308]

I was looking around in my garage again today and found some more primed brass 38 spl.  It was dirty on the inside but showed no green tarnish or corrosion that is found on cases using black powder.  I'm completely mystified because I have found at least 10 lbs of this stuff.  But being a former gunner's mate, EOD, and a retired LEO, Iwould rather eat fire ants than try to use this stuff.  Think I'll just soak it in oil to kill the primers and take it to the range and see if they have a way  to dispose of it.
Thanks all.