Author Topic: case life question (Read 538 times)

sprest22 · « **on:** July 23, 2005, 12:24:05 PM »

I have been wondering how many loadings people get out of their brass?
I usually retire brass after the fifth firing,but it still looks good.Anyone get more loads out of their brass?

sharps4590 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2005, 12:42:43 PM »

Depends on the caliber. I have some 45 Colt brass I've been reloading for 25+ years but I don't load hot. Also had some 45-70 brass that I'd been using for over 20 years and as far as I know the fella who bought my last 45-70 is still using it and he bought it 5-6 years ago. I have no idea how many times those cases were reloaded, certainly over 20. I know my 45-90 and 40-70 brass has been reloaded over 10 times.

The high intensity calibers don't last near that long. If I remember correctly 5 reloadings was about it for my 300 Win Mags and some only went 3. My 270 is usually good for 5 or more reloads. I don't load much smokeless anymore so I've forgotten the life of any other calibers.

Straight cases last a lot longer than bottlenecks.

Vic

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2005, 01:52:51 PM »

I use it tell it is no longer serviceable. I have some brass with over 20 times reloaded. Rifle and Pistol cases.

Chuck White · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2005, 02:19:32 PM »

I have some military (LC-72) brass that I've been reloading since 1974! Most of it has probably been reloaded 20-25 times! I don't "Hot Load" either!
Keep in mind that this is "MILITARY" brass and it is heavier!

Reloading your brass 5 times is usually a very safe measure, on your part! In most cases, you should be able to get more loads, just keep your eye out for pressure signs, split necks, etc!

ricciardelli · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2005, 06:32:21 PM »

There is no answer to your question!

I have brass that I have been reloading since the 1960's, and it is still fine.

I have brass that has been reloaded over 40 times (since I quit keeping score at 40), and it is just fine.

On the other hand I have had some really lousy Winchester brass that crapped-out after the second loading.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2005, 08:48:30 PM »

ricciardelli, I also had a few cases reap out just after the first time reloaded.

sprest22 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 25, 2005, 03:39:58 PM »

Thanks for the info.The brass usually looks good after the fifth firing with no pressure signs.I keep it in a box in the closet.I'll have to dig some out and try a few lower power loads in them and see how they hold up.

Questor · « **Reply #7 on:** July 25, 2005, 04:53:32 PM »

Here's what I do:
Pistol brass for target shooting and plinking: fire until it fails or until I lose it.
Pistol brass for hunting: 5 reloads, then it goes into the plinking brass
Rifle brass for hunting: 5 reloads then I give it away at the range telling how many times it's been loaded.

If I did rifle cartridges for target shooting, I'd probably go 10 loadings like a lot of 30-06, .308, and .300 magnum shooters. Some keep it longer. I suppose that's OK so long as the case seems sound on internal and external inspection.

Matt_G · « **Reply #8 on:** September 10, 2005, 07:53:43 AM »

Yeah I know this is a relatively old thread, but I just had to say it's interesting how different people determine when to retire their brass.

Me, I will use straight wall pistol brass until the mouths start to crack from work hardening due to crimping. Unless of course it fails in some other way first. :lol:

For bottleneck rifle cases, if it has no other problems, I toss them when they need their fifth trimming. At that time, I mash the mouths/neck with a pair of pliers and in the trash they go...

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 10, 2005, 12:31:03 PM »

Matt-g

I'm with you , only it goes into a 5 gal. bucket and when the bucket gets full off to the recyclers and then to the gun shop for more bullets

Gordy · « **Reply #10 on:** September 18, 2005, 05:25:26 AM »

Hi all, do you gents resize your total shell or just expand the neck? I have not reloaded any shells yet. I am waiting on a gun and reading the Lee and Lyman 48th books. When I do start, I want to load 38/55, 30/30, 30.06, and 45/70. I don't care about the cost of the shells as much as safety and ruining a good rifle. I would appreciate any help with this. Thanks - Gordy. :oops: