Newbie reloading question: how many times can you reload brass?

[8mm mauser]

  I'm wondering how long a brass case lasts; how many times can a case be reloaded?  Cartridges in question are: 30-06 used in a bolt-action rifle, .223 used in a single-shot rifle, 45acp used in a semi-auto pistol.
  From what this newbie understands, cases get stretched each time they're loaded.  Just wondering what kind of life span to expect.  Thanks!

[the jigger]

there is no rule of thumb. it depends on a variety of variables. my suggestion is to load 'em, shoot 'em and inspect 'em. when primer pockets get loose; when pressure signs show up; when neck splits occur toss 'em. i have some 45acp that have been loaded 10 or 12 times. i've had some 250/3000 ackley that expired after the third round. the most important step in my process is Inspection!!!!

[OR-E-Gun Bill]

from Lyman Reloading Manual:
"Experienced reloaders can sometimes obtain an incredible number of firings from each case. However, under ideal conditions, the average reloader should consider eight firings as a safety limit for rimless case life. Reloading a case more often may needlessly expose oneself to the danger of a sudden and dangerous cartridge case failure. Even the most expensive brass is comparatively cheap when used over a case life of eight firings. Don't forget to count the first firing of factory ammo as part of your case's safe reloading life.
Keep in mind that if maximum loads are routinely used, case life will be shorter - a good safety limit would then be about five firings."

This is no guarantee but a guideline.

 Inspection, as already stated by the jigger , is your ultimate safety factor.



Bill

[454Puma]

8mm mauser
   From my experience (25yrs) alot depends on how you reload them-top end loads in just about any caliber will reduce how many reloads per case you get. Who makes the brass- I haven't had good success with Remigton. WW brass seems to last very well, Federal is also good especially for the '06! As far as 45 ACP I have some that is older than I am and I'm still reloading it!

[Wingman26]

from Lyman Reloading Manual:
This is no guarantee but a guideline.

 Inspection, as already stated by the jigger , is your ultimate safety factor.
Bill

Absolutely! 

Some of my personal experience, on rifle calibers, inspect closely after every firing, inspect again after resizing, sometimes you will crack a neck when you resize, be sure to double check the case length after resizing, they often stretch when resized.

Pistol calibers like the 45 acp you mentioned, if you reload at a moderate level, many pistol calibers will last almost forever, you will lose more than will fail from normal use.

Bottle neck rifle caliber brass stretches, it needs to be trimmed, that isn't a problem on most pistol calibers, most reloaders have never trimmed a pistol case.

[Will_C]

I use a number of guidelines. The 8-10 firings rule is a good one, I never exceed that with bottleneck rifle cartridges. Other things I look for are loose primer pockets and a bright ring on the web area of the case. I trim new brass to the min length, and trim it again when it reaches max. length. If it needs a 3rd trimming (after the initial trimming), I discard. There are a number of tools and measurements you can use, but for the amount of reloading I do, I just go by these guidelines, and have not had a failure in 20 years. I sually get to the 8th firing on all of my brass.
Will

[Wingman26]

Check out the link below, it has a lot of information on cartridge cases, one thing of particular interest is about half way down the page, it shows how to check the INSIDE of the case to make sure it is safe to use, this is something you would want to do after the case has been loaded 3 or 4 times, or anytime you notice a bright ring on the body near the back end.

http://www.tisbjerg.dk/ammo/diagnosing%20problems.htm

[PaulS]

You should compare your question to "How many miles can I drive my car?" because it is a great way to understand the answer.
If you load maximum loads in your cases, you can expect few loadings but if you load very low pressure rounds then you can expect to get many more loads from a single cartridge.
Just as you can expect to use your car up in just a few miles if you are going as fast as it can or get 200000 miles or more out of it if it is operated in the lower speed ranges and maintained properly.

[dw06]

You should compare your question to "How many miles can I drive my car?" because it is a great way to understand the answer.

8mm mauser,you got some great answers so far,jigger summed it up good with one word "INSPECTION"after each firing.I liked PaulS answer too,great way of putting it!
 I take a paper clip and straighten it out,then bend end of it out and use it to to check for a ridge on inside of case by moving it up and down the inside of the case.If you start to feel a ridge toss it.