When using near max loads, and knowing not to use brass that is cracked or some other problem found. How many times will you reload a brass case until you discard it?
Doc,
It's best to clean your brass well and thoroughly inspect after every firing.
If maximum loads are routinely used, case life will be shorter.....a good safety limit should be about five firings (don't forget to include the original factory load when counting).
Even on cases without a belt, reloading life may be notably shorter than suggested due to lengthy firearm headspace. When a cartridge is repeatedly shortened in a sizing die and fire formed lengthened in the chamber, it will quickly lose its ability to withstand additional firings.
(Lymans 47th ed.)
**I rountinely use a small dental probe or simple paperclip sharpened at the tip to internally probe every case for head separation. Thinning of the body can be detected just above the head with the probe. Look for the slightly lighter coloration of a ring-like area partially or fully encircling the case at the webb/body junction that preceded the tell tale bright ring or actual failure from incipient head separation. Once more, it's best to reread your reloading manual and go over what you should look for when inspecting cases.
Jim
