2 or 3 times? More? How do you determine when enough is enough?

I inspect mine every time (several times during the reloading process) I have scrapped a few but have some on 6-7 reloads now with no problems.

Cracks, head seperations or loose primmer pockets get scrapped

This post has been edited by wwmkwood: September 22nd 2009 8:42 PM

Cracked necks is the only problem I've run into after several reloadings on necked cases. I've got some 7mm Rem mags I've reloaded 6-7 times before they crack. I keep reloading all my brass til it cracks in the neck. I don't go over max loads so I've never had any over presure problems.

Obvious is the split neck but examining the cases for stretch in the web area is also important. I would guess some of my stuff is in the six to eight load area for full length sized stuff. For neck size only cases for my bolt guns I know some of mine has exceeded 10 loadings. I try to have a good supply for each specific rifle of at least 500 pieces to rotate. I fire all of them then go back and process the whole batch at once.

I have switched to bushing style sizers lately in some of my loading and I think they will greatly extend the case life. You only have to bump the shoulders back occasionally and not sizing down/expanding up like a regular die does will save a ton of work hardening on the neck.

Greg

This post has been edited by GLShooter: September 22nd 2009 10:24 PM

That is good advice with only bumping the shoulder a tad.


What is the best method of checking the web for stretching?

I'm terrible on this sorting and I get my brass from anywhere I can.

I treat every brass like it may be its last time.

I've read where they take a paper clip and do a 90 degree bend and run it on the INSIDE of the case looking for the thinning where the case is stretching. I have never had any luck doing this and it would be pretty time consuming IMHO.

I examine the case visually looking for a slightly "brighter" ring around the case body up where the brass would normally thin on the inside. I've got a 6 PPC AR that had the chamber cut by a moron that is WAY oversized and causes a huge amount of case stretch. The first firing showed the ring and some TINY cracks. I now fireform with BE powder and corn meal to get everything stretched out and fill the case to chamber size without ruining the cases.. After five firings I have suffered no case loss due to case head separation. I am getting neck splitting now. I'll have to fire up a homemade annealer and see if I can figure out how to save my brass by annealing after four firings in this rifle.

Greg

man thats interesting, thanks Greg.

Glad to share. Lots of guys here have the experience and will share. This is my favorite place on the Net.

Greg

This is my favorite and only place on the net.

I have learned more here at the Armory in 1 year then if I were reading and researching on my own for several years. This site is packed full of smart individuals and most are willing to help those that wish to learn.

I have done this on belted magnum cases with some success. The belts on a 300 win mag are mostly for looks but I have been able to detect thinning of the wall just in front of the belt. Better toss them when they start thinning. Friend had a case stuck in 338 while we were at camp. he wasn't very happy about using his back 308 on elk.

Sticks

I tend to lose mine before they get worn out.

Jim