Can a silver coloured case (that is non-metallic) be reloaded?

Q

quattro.pilot

Member
Rating - 100%
11   0   0
Location
Leduc, Alberta
obvious noob/dumb question, just need clarification.

I *DO* understand that some cases are steel... my bulk 7.62x39 Czech ammunition for example, easily proved by a magnet.

My question pertains to cases that aren't metallic but which aren't the traditional brass (gold) colour. I would assume these silver cases are still brass? An example of this would be Winchester Supreme catridges, or Hornady FPD match catrdiges.

Hopefully my question isn't too confusing.
 
quattro.pilot said:
obvious noob/dumb question, just need clarification.

I *DO* understand that some cases are steel... my bulk 7.62x39 Czech ammunition for example, easily proved by a magnet.

My question pertains to cases that aren't metallic but which aren't the traditional brass (gold) colour. I would assume these silver cases are still brass? An example of this would be Winchester Supreme catridges, or Hornady FPD match catrdiges.

Hopefully my question isn't too confusing.
Click to expand...

Nope, not confusing at all.

Those winchesters are nickel plated brass, and reload no problem....go for it :)
 
I think the term you are looking for is ferrous. Brass and steel cases are both metallic.

Nickel plated brass cases are perfectly safe to reload. I've loaded lots of plated .38 Special cases. Aluminum cases, such as CCI Blazer are not intended to be reloaded and are Berdan primed to discourage reloading.
 
Thanks for all the prompt responses. yes, I should have applied the proper terminology with reference to the magnetic qualities of metals....but I think we all knew what I was getting at ;).

So I should think it's safe to assume any of the more expensive cartridges will be nickle-plated; and cheap stuff being aluminum.
 
Aluminum cases are pretty easy to identify. They are duller in colour than plated brass and much lighter in weight.
 
Should I save the Hornady Steel Match cases...?

:confused:

hornpic80274.jpg
 
Also be careful some of the dull silver ones can be steel too. Picked up some really cheap 9mm for a friend. Looked like dull silver but definitely steel.

Nickel will shine up real easy.
 
if you look in the brass, re loadable cases have one big primer flash hole and non re loadable has 3 small primer flash holes. military brass such as IVI has a crimped primer, note the circle around the primer on the bottom of the case. can be re loaded but will break the s**t out of your de capping pin. so not worth it IMO
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom