How many uses from each brass
 

I have been saving all my brass since i began shooting a few years back. I now want to begin reloading. I have shot only factory Remington, Winchester and Federal since the beginning.

On average, how many subsequent time can i expect to be able toreload 1 case using the factory stuff mentioned above before they should not be reloaded again.
I know there are several factor involved, including cartridge,but i'm only looking for an idea of how many times. I don't know if it's once or 20 times.

I have saved brass for my

7 winmag
243 win
30-30 win
270 win (although i no longer have the 270 but have over 500 empties)

RE: How many uses from each brass
 

Iam also new to reloading(just built a reloading room)and from what I read it seems to be 3-5 times depending on round and load......

RE: How many uses from each brass
 

You can definately count on getting 10-12 loads for pistol brass. And 5 with rifle brass. Your 7mmrem mag can be loaded over 5 times, and if you anneal every 3 loads, you can get probably 7-9 times. The limiting factor is the primer hole. When your rim gets so loose your primer won't go in tight, then its time to chuck em. The 30-30, you should be able to get over 10 loads for it. Lower the pressure, more loads you can get. 243, I would put in the catagory as 7mmremmag.

Federal brass will wear out faster as its softer. More things to consider is when you FL size every time, that shortens the life. If you can neck size only especially wtih a collet die, you are really helping the life of the brass. Also running very slow powders maxed out has an effect.

Saying all that, I usually toss it after 5 times, espeically mag cartridges.

RE: How many uses from each brass
 

Thanks BC. I was hoping it would be at least 3-4 times. I realize i will also need to look at information about the warning signs of potential case failure

Ranger, That would be pretty cool to have a room dedicated just to reloading. Good luck with it

RE: How many uses from each brass
 

Danny, there is no exact answer but there are a lot of things you can do to hasten or shorten your cases life. First, let's assume allyour rifles have good, properly spec'd chambers...otherwise that can mess up the equation right out of the gate.

Assuming this, the worst thing you can do for the life of your brass is fire maximum, high pressure loads. This can render brass unsafe of even unfit for use with one firing. Backing off on your loads 2-3 grains can make a big difference in case life. For some reasons magnum brass is terrible about primer pockets swelling. The rest of the case may be fine but after 1 or 2 reloadings, the primer falls out as fast as you stick it in...with your fingers, I might add. Obvious this brass is now garbage. Annealing the cases won't help you a bit down there.

I do a modified full length resize on all my rifle brass all the time and never play with the anneal game. I do shoot closer to "suggested loads" than near the maximum and all my brass goes around 5 or 6 times without showing signs of stress. 243 included.

I don't think you'll do quiteas good with 30/30 as BC speculates. It's lower pressure alright but 30/30 is also about the thinnest rifle brass out there. The 30/30 case is just basically a weak sister and was...keep in mind...actually designed for black powder.

Bottom line is how long your brass lasts will depend on how you treat it and load it. Magnum cases look big and tough but they are not. Things like 308 and 30/06 brass will often last until you get sick of looking at it.

RE: How many uses from each brass
 

Danny, there aren't many visible signs of pending case failure. Frequently old tired brass will start showing tiny splits in the neck. These aren't catastrophic but signs the brass is finished and should be tossed. Any loosness in the primer pocket is a very bad sign and should be tossed. One that scares me is when I spot a case that seems to be forming some sort of "ring" or "crease" in the brass just above the head of the case. The last thing you want is a head separation on your brass when firing.

Here's a good rule: "When in doubt...throw it out."

Some reloaders also straighten out a paper clip or get a length of wire and bend a little "L" shaped end on it. They run this down inside the case and feel their way up from the base of the case across this head separation area. If they feel much of an indentation there in that area...watch out. In fact you can shine a bright light down the case and see this area.

RE: How many uses from each brass
 

Thanks Pavo,
I haven't even purchased any equipment yet but i'm looking forward to reloading.
I boughta muzzleloader 2 years ago and have really enjoyed tinkering with powder loads and bullets.
Gave me the bug to try it with the centerfire rifles

RE: How many uses from each brass
 

Just remember the cardinal rule, Danny. "If all else fails, follow directions.";) Seriously, a good reloading handbook is as important as a press. Have fun.

RE: How many uses from each brass
 

Danny buy the Lyman's 48th edition. It is a great reloading maual with more information on everything about reloading you can imagine. Inexpensive also.