reloading
I just started reloading last night. I bought the lee anniversary kit and the problem i have is when i seat the round i seat it in too far. i dont know when to stop applying pressure to the lever. Can anyone help me out. BTW i'm reloading 45 acp
0
-
I have never reloaded, but am interested in doing so. I was given a RCBS Green Machine that has .357 dies in it. I have read a little about this machine and am confused. Is this machine set for only that caliber and can't be changed. If so is it worth anything if I sell it to get other reloader?
Thanks,0 -
I have cases that have been reloaded many times. I will use a case until it shows loose primer pockets or the rim starts to split.
I have a case trimmer because some of them get a tad bit long after several loadings.0 -
There are several variables here. What caliber(s) are they? The pressures to which they are loaded have an effect on how long a given case will last. For example, a .30-06 case loaded to moderate pressures will last longer than one loaded to max. Other factors are the quality of the brass, the size of the gun chambers (large chambers will cause the brass to stretch more), etc. Some brass, like .220 Swift are notorious for short case life, while others, like .38 special can usually be reloaded many times. For bottleneck cases, neck sizing can be done if they are used in only one gun which will extend the life of the brass. Careful inspection of brass before reloading is the key to weed out any suspect brass. 0 -
Number of times a case can be loaded depends on the caliber, the load, how its reloaded/resized, and the quality of the brass.
Some cases can't be reloaded at all.
Some can be reloaded only 1-2 times.
Most can be reloaded maybe a half-dozen times.
Some can be reloaded literally 50+ times.
For example, common .38 special revolver cases usually last a good long time, especially with light practice loads.0 -
Hi,
My opinion is cases can be used until they show signs of overuse and then they should be discarded. The life of reused brass also depends on how the brass is treated during the reloading process.
I have probably loaded some pistol and rifle cases over 10 times or more using low pressure loads. The number of times a case can be reloaded depends loosely upon cartridge pressure, malleability of the brass, and how well the used case is maintained after firing.
Reusing cases can get complicated and knowing what to inspect on a used case is important and can involve measuring tools. In general, cases with cracks, splits, or unusual stretching should automatically go to the trash. Enlarged primer pockets go to the trash as do stretch bands or unusual bulging if they form above the case head. Case cleaning is important because it helps to identify crack/split formation when inspecting the case for defects. Proper resizing as opposed to over-resizing or neck resizing opposed to full length case resizing may get more life out the cases since the brass does not get over-worked and work hardened. Cases can be annealed if they become too brittle.
As mentioned previously, keeping the case in spec as far as OAL is very important, along with primer pocket cleaning, and proper resizing. A good brass inspection is also necessary when using fired brass and any suspect bad case should be removed from the lineup.
Hope this helps.
Heavyiron0 -
I started with 250 pieces of once fired 30-06 brass
I have burned out 2 barrels (about 7500 rounds total) with that brass, and am working on a 3rd.
I still have 225 of the origional 250 (after all the match prep and weight sorting, I cried each time I lost/tossed one of "my children")
Each loading has been at the "max" level.
Not each piece of brass has been loaded the same # of times
You can do the math, but I come up with a average of 30 reloads/case and most are still going strong (I do anneal the case mouths every now and than).
Now with something like a 45ACP, you'll lose the cases to the "range gods" before you have to trash them0 -
With a good chamber (not oversized) and properly prepared brass, there conceivably could be no limit on number of reloads.
Some of my 38 special, 45 auto, and 32 auto are approaching 100 reloads.
Much of my rifle brass used with light cast lead loads is at around 50.
Even my full power 30-06 and 223 loads get at least 10 or so.
With trimming after every shot or 2 as needed, load them until the neck cracks or the primers are loose on seating. If you anneal you won't even have to worry about neck cracks.0 -
I agree with everything that has been said in this thread. I would like to add one thing. When reloading belted brass like .300 win mag (witch is a belted case) you need to check for cracks down just above the belt. I use a paper clip that has been straightened out with slight curve left in it. You take it and slide the end of the clip inside the case and feel for cracks from the inside. have had them seperate there and this method has helped me find these cracks before they seperate. thanx 0 -
Stupid question. Are you talking about brass rifle shell casings or shotgun casings?? 0 -
I'm guessing that fellow that gave you the misinfo isn't a reloader ! Send that junk to me and I'll take care of it for you ! 0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
10 comments