.38 Brass

[Powerfisher]

Ok, here I am again. A friend of mine gave me 500 .38 brass but they arent brass. They are chrome or steel or something. Can I reload them? I have read that if its not brass in color then its not reloadable. Is this the Berdan primers I have read about? How do I find out by looking at the brass? Or, is it steel?

ORIGINAL: Powerfisher

Ok, here I am again. A friend of mine gave me 500 .38 brass but they arent brass. They are chrome or steel or something. Can I reload them? I have read that if its not brass in color then its not reloadable. Is this the Berdan primers I have read about? How do I find out by looking at the brass? Or, is it steel?

If its steel, then no you can't. If its aluminum, then no you can't.

If its nichel plated brass, then yes you can. You will know right of the bat if its aluminum, and take a magnet to find out if its steel.

[driftrider]

Do they look like aluminum (dull or matte silver)? They could be Blazer cases, which are not reloadable. If they are steel, they are also generally not reloadable, though I've know a couple people shot have tried with varying levels os success. Best not to. If they are shiny silver then they are probably nickel plated brass, and are fine to reload. Just make sure they are very clean before you run them thorough your dies.

If you posted a picture of the cases, including a view of the headstamp and one of the inside of the case (top down), identification would be easier.

Mike

[jaw3]

ORIGINAL: Powerfisher

Ok, here I am again. A friend of mine gave me 500 .38 brass but they arent brass. They are chrome or steel or something. Can I reload them? I have read that if its not brass in color then its not reloadable. Is this the Berdan primers I have read about? How do I find out by looking at the brass? Or, is it steel?

Here is what nickel plated brass looks like:
http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww245/jaw3njfl/Nickelplatedsf.jpg
Berdan primers have two flash holes, boxer has one. If you have a scale .38spl brass or nickel weigh 67-70gr with spent primer.
Regards,

[Powerfisher]

Thanks. They are steel. No wonder he gave them to me.

[bronko22000]

well you can always sell them for scrap