Hi there. General question, I’m currently reloading 45acp and 357 mag. Prior to every reload I inspect each piece of brass for stress cracks, worn primer pockets, and excessive wear. I’ve reloaded some pretty hot 357’s two or three times in same brass now. Even with no wear, how many times would you reload each of these calibers in the same brass before you tossed it. Not to worried about the 45 due to being low pressure but more curious about the 357. Thanks!!!
Brass reloading question...
- Thread starter Trevis123
- Start date
just having some fun
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
the 45 you can load till you can not see the head stamp ...... and it will be shorter than spec then
357 it depends .... will the primer pockets expand first or will the necks split ..... then you can shorten to 38 spl length ..... depends on your loads
357 it depends .... will the primer pockets expand first or will the necks split ..... then you can shorten to 38 spl length ..... depends on your loads
I reload .357's and I would just watch the brass, it will tell you. Either primer pockets or cracks, or sizing issues, you will see it and if there is any doubt, throw it out. I load some hot loads and I get many reloads, number varies to some degree by brand of brass.
vagrantviking
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- High River, Alberta
The classic sign that high pressure loads have done in a piece of brass is the primer pocket getting loose.
Other than that you are looking for the right things.
Other than that you are looking for the right things.
Full power .44 mag loads, the remaining Federal brass is now on its 30th reload. Started with ~650 pieces now down to around 150 with 20 expected to be scrapped after the next firing. The failure percentage is increasing each time but good for a few more yet. All my Starline brass with 7 or 8 reloads is still fine with the exception of 1 piece that split a couple years ago.
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