Cases and caselife for .375 Winchester

[locutius]

I know there are many variables that limit the accuracy of replying to this question but I am only looking for an average or general idea.

I was wondering the case life of .375 brass when loaded with medium loads, somewhere between starting loads and maximum. eg. 200 grain pills at around 2000fps. I was hoping for at least 5-10 reloads per case.


Also I have heard that you could use 38/55 cases as a substitute for the .375 cases as long as the cases are trimmed to the correct length and loads are kept to 38/55 pressures. I think because the 38/55 has thinner brass as part of this reasoning. Are the any other caveats to be aware of if doing this.

I am assuming that options for making .375 Winchester brass are slim if none existant otherwise.

Thanks fellas

[Graybeard]

They should last almost forever I'd think. No reason not to expect 20 or more from them.

[locutius]

Wow. Thanks Graybeard. It's nice when the news is better than expected!

I do know that a fella over here recently set a new 1000 metre record with a 30/338 Lapua Magnum with cases on their 60th reload but he anneals his cases after every firing. This sounded too complicated and involved for someone just getting back into shooting after many years and essentially a NEWB at reloading.

Cheers mate.

[Oldtimer]

Cases for the .38-55 are longer, so need to be trimmed back to use in a .375.  Even more importantly, many loads for the .375 are compressed and the thin mouth of the .38-55 may not have enough neck tension to hold the bullet in place against compressed powder.  Finally, I concur with Graybeard, straight-walled cases do not have the stretching problems that necked cases do, so you should get good case llife.

[mechanic]

It's been years since I owned one, but when I did have a 375, I bought four boxes of ammo, and reloaded that brass for several years.  I would not be surprised at 20 times at all.  I never loaded "full house", but rather for accuracy.