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Guideline for how many reloads.

mballaimballai Member Posts: 1,280 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited June 2002 in Ask the Experts
Can someone give me a good safe number as to how many times a case can be reloaded safely. I currently reload the following
9mm
45 ACP
38 SPL
357 Mag

I don't keep real close track but I usually try for about 4-6 reloads if the case doesn't appear to have any signs of structural damage. Most of my reloading is at normal pressures.

Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
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Comments

  • jonkjonk Member Posts: 10,121
    edited November -1
    I have heard of dozens of reloads with straight walled pistol cartridges with no trouble. I have never loaded a case this much, as I just haven't had a chance to shoot them so much. Bottom line- if your case isn't cracked, streched, or shows some other sign of failure or weakness, it is kosher. If you really want cases to last- and I wouldn't bother with those you list- try annealing them after every five shots or so. I have read of people who did this and then neck sized only getting 30 years of service out of even high power rifle.

    All that said, I would check those cases really carefully after passing ten reloads or so. Still, if they check out, they are fine.

    "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf
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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I shoot em till they split in the body or develop 1/16" cracks in the neck then I flatten and discard them.
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  • sfettysfetty Member Posts: 349 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Put em in a case gauge of the specific caliber and if they drop right in keep using them. If they are a little tight or have to be gently pushed into the case gauge, shoot them and discard the brass.
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  • S&W ManS&W Man Member Posts: 208 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    As long as they are not showing slipts, cracks or stress, you can keep reloading them. I have 38 and 357 cases that are up over 25 reloads each and I have had some that failed after two reloads. Just examine your cases!!

    The second admendment GUARANTEES the other nine and the Constitution!
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  • IconoclastIconoclast Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would reiterate the advice above. It's absolutely essential to visually inspect the brass before using it. Some will last near on forever, other may be NFG even 1xF (thinking of Speer brass discussed on the General Board thread I posted Sunday). The other thing to watch is the primer pockets. If there is minimal to no resistance in seating a primer, I segregate those cases, use a light load & toss them in the scrap.
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