New Reloader with Problem and Questions and Pics

[hobbz]

So, my problem is that I am out of brass and it is to cold outside(14 degrees) to go empty any.

My question is: How many times can you reuse brass?

And my pics of my setup:

 

[hobbz]

So, my problem is that I am out of brass and it is to cold outside(14 degrees) to go empty any.

My question is: How many times can you reuse brass?

And my pics of my setup:

 

[Skip Sackett]

In handgun calibers like the 38spl you show in your picture, until they break, which is a long, long time.

Good basic setup and equipment.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[walnutred]

Nice set-up. Next we'll introduce you to bullet casting. You'll never forgive us

 

[hobbz]

Originally posted by walnutred:
Nice set-up. Next we'll introduce you to bullet casting. You'll never forgive us

Already wanting to do it. Just waiting on the pocket book to heal from being layed off for 3 months. I go back to work tuesday.

 

[Skip Sackett]

I go back to work tuesday.

And he hasn't even been sworn in yet and the economy is on the way back up! Imagine that!

 

[29aholic]

Basic low pressure straight wall cases will last almost indefinitely. I have reloaded and shot some 45acp brass so many times the headstamp was completely obliterated.
The main detriment to most handgun brass is the use of too much crimp. Unless you are loading heavy magnum loads, most reloads do not require any more than enough crimp to remove the bell from where you expanded the mouth to accept the bullet for seating.

Welcome to the Forum

 

[Jellybean]

hobbz, is that a cell phone I see on your bench?

 

[hobbz]

Originally posted by Jellybean:
hobbz, is that a cell phone I see on your bench?

yeah, i sat it down there while i took the pic then promptly took it and the camera back into the other room. Then put my powder back in the container

 

[31 Pump]

Originally posted by Jellybean:
hobbz, is that a cell phone I see on your bench?

Is that a problem. I have never heard that.

Glenn

 

[John R]

Originally posted by hobbz:
So, my problem is that I am out of brass and it is to cold outside(14 degrees) to go empty any.

My question is: How many times can you reuse brass?

WELCOME


In revolver loads you can load it until it starts to crack at the neck, in auto handgun, you'll most likely loose it before you wear it out.

 

[Cary]

That set up you have will go a long way for you. Does your press have the new Breech Lock set up for the dies? I have some 357 mag cases that I have reloaded 20 times. As I process my cases through the reloading process I keep my eyes open to any problems that may have developed with the cases. I have been reloading now for eight years and have pulled one case because it was split on the side.
Cary

 

[magnum12pm]

Hobbz I have had three 38 casings split right down the side. They had been reloaded 7 times. This works out to 3 lost casings out of 3000 after 7 reloads, this is a loss ratio I think I can live with.

 

[hobbz]

Originally posted by Cary:
That set up you have will go a long way for you. Does your press have the new Breech Lock set up for the dies?

Yeah, it is the breech lock and it works great. I have never used a regular one, but this seems like it would be alot easier.

 

[Cary]

That Breeck Lock does look like a good set up on a single stage press. I started with the Lee Three Hole Turret press and still use it for all of my final cartridge assembly. I have a different turret for each set of dies that I use. Just change the turret with shell holder and your press is ready to load a different caliber.
Cary

 

[Jellybean]

31 pump, it's not really a problem, it's just a distraction. The last thing you want to do is reload while talking on the phone.

Well, they are a problem too. But that's a different story.

 

[blairgarber]

It depends. In low pressure pistol rounds like .38 Special., .45ACP, .45 Colt, and .44 Special you can wait until cracks start appearing in the case mouths. I've loaded cases with pretty big cracks and still fired 'em one last time. Just remember these are low pressure rounds not 9mm or magnums.

It's not the number of times you fire the brass as much as it is how much you work it. Working the brass: sizing, belling, crimping, depriming and priming, makes the metal brittle and more likely to crack or tear. The more you work your brass the faster it will wear out. So bell the case-mouths as little as possible and don't over crimp. I find it helps to chamfer the case-mouths as chamfered brass needs less belling. You can also anneal the longer revolver cartridges to re-soften the metal. Of course heating up cartridge mouths with a propane torch (while they're in a pan of shallow water) seems like overkill to me.

/b

 

[Sgt Preston]

Sgt Preston here. I load 38 Special, 45ACP & 9mm. I keep my loads near the midpoint of the total load range. Keeping the loads near the mid-point generally keeps the internal pressure at moderate rates & that helps the cases last for many many reloading cycles. However I do inspect each and every piece of brass under a lighted magnifying glass after cleaning & before reloading. Since you are actually building an explosive device & placing it 10 inches in front of your eyes, I would advise you to throw away any pieces of brass with splits, loose primers, flattened headstamps or otherwise look "funky". I have reloaded most of my 38 special brass 15++ times. I usually throw away 1 out of 500 during the inspection process.
Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA

 

[hobbz]

thanks all.

I am already fueling my habit. I went today and bought a thousand primers and some bullseye power to try it out. I wanted to get some 231 but they were out.

 

[dave b]

Nickle plated brass doesn't last near as long. They will start to crack way sooner.