How many reloads on brass

[cellllman]

Handgun brass can be loaded until it splits. I have some .38 Special cases that have been reloaded so many times the nickel is worn off in spots. Even my heavy .44 Magnum loads go until the necks will split (I lost count at about 15 or 16 the last time I tried to keep track). I buy a lot of once fired brass in .38, .357, .44 Special and Magnum, 45 ACP and 9mm. I've found range pick-ups of about 1K of .223/5.56 and have no problems if I visually inspect each case...

I totally agree with mikld; as I only load for target practice (light/medium loads) if you just do a good job of inspecting each time you should not have any problems re-using until a crack or other deformity shows up.

 

[InfantryWeaponsOfficer]

I reload brass until it shows signs of fatigue. I only load magnum loads in nickel plated brass and only 6 times before I toss them.

 

[Skunkhome]

I have brass in pistol and straight sided rifle cases that I haven't a clue how many reloadings are on them. On the other hand I had a light loaded .38 special split last week with a case that I am sure was a once fired case.

 

[mike365]

44 rem mag running 19 gr of 2400 I load 8 times then discard.
357 mag running 17 gr of 2400 I load approximately 15 then discard.
45 acp/ar i load until they degrade which is a very long time.
Thanks, Mike

 

[C1gypsy]

are u on ZeroHedge? I notched NWMEN is in OH?

 

[blujax01]

are u on ZeroHedge? I notched NWMEN is in OH?

And I went and left my Universal Translator in my other suit!

 

[Waywatcher]

I don't keep track on .38 or .357 brass, beyond once fired. I like to save once fired for special purposes. Anytime I find a primer seats too easily, I mark the bottom up with a sharpie and discard that case after that firing. I haven't had very many mouth splits, (single digits) but I have only been reloading for about 4 years. They are harmless when they split at the mouth anyways.

For my AR, I only use any one piece of brass 5 times total, including original firing, and then it goes into the recycling bin. It gets full length resized with a small base die every time, so I don't like to take chances.

I haven't quite decided what I will do with my Glock and the .40 brass. I think I will probably do the same regimen as the AR, because the brass gets chewed up by extractors, ejectors, concrete and the Glock bulge. I do use a Redding G-Rx die also.

When it comes to brass, the phrase "penny-wise, pound-foolish" is at the front of my mind. I don't reuse a piece of suspect brass, or use a piece more times, to save a penny if it risks my five hundred dollar or thousand dollar gun.