I have started reloading a while ago and was just wondering if someone can give me an idea of when brass is no longer safe to reload. I have reloaded some .300 WSM brass 5 times with 2 trimmings. How many reloads can I expect with near max loads. Just an average is all I am looking for because I know everytime will be different. Thanks alot.
When will brass wear out?
- Thread starter ccg818
- Start date
Brass life is extremely variable. It depends on caliber, chamber diameter, how much the brass is worked, i.e., full-length resizing and how hot the load is. I don't shoot the .300 WSM, so can't comment on it.
However, if you want to extend brass life for any caliber, I'd suggest you try to work the brass as little as possible. For instance, opt to neck size only, or pick up an RCBS X-Die, which does actually seem to prevent brass "growth", thus negating the necessity of trimming. Tamer loads of powder will also help. For instance, in many straight wall pistol calibers such as the .45ACP, many reloaders have gotten several dozen reloads out of a single piece of brass, albeit they were lighter "target" loads rather than full-house burners.
In my experience, magnum calibers will generally have a shorter case life than standard calibers. Given that the WSM line uses a dramatically different case architecture than the older belted designs, I would suspect that you might enjoy better case life.
I'm glad you brought up this question. Any WSM owners out there willing to share their experience?
However, if you want to extend brass life for any caliber, I'd suggest you try to work the brass as little as possible. For instance, opt to neck size only, or pick up an RCBS X-Die, which does actually seem to prevent brass "growth", thus negating the necessity of trimming. Tamer loads of powder will also help. For instance, in many straight wall pistol calibers such as the .45ACP, many reloaders have gotten several dozen reloads out of a single piece of brass, albeit they were lighter "target" loads rather than full-house burners.
In my experience, magnum calibers will generally have a shorter case life than standard calibers. Given that the WSM line uses a dramatically different case architecture than the older belted designs, I would suspect that you might enjoy better case life.
I'm glad you brought up this question. Any WSM owners out there willing to share their experience?
ok i dont know about 300, wsm , but in 303 and 308, i look for case separation, just up from the case head a quarter af a inch or so i look for a rim forming , i take a hair pin folded over with just enough of a hook to fit through the case mouth, i feel for a bur forming from case separation , then its toast ,
I havent reloaded my 300 wsm brass yet, but on average with bottle neck rifle cartridged such as my 308 i would say 5-6 loads. Considering its a magnum that lowers the number and the weight bullet and powder combo for pressure generated, BUT wsm brass does boost the life of cases. Honestly I dont hope to get more than one or two loads on the brass with 180's max loaded moderately with varget. I picked up redding serie's A die set full length with that in mind for hunting or custom *bush* loads
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It's actually very common for people to run into problems neck sizing the short mags. As is, often people have to bump the shoulder back so that the round will chamber with ease. My 270 WSM was one of these. If you have to bump back, I suggest you get a shoulder gauge to attach to your calipers. Bumping back .002 to .004 seems to be just perfect and any further will have you over working your brass and shortening life.
On shortmags.com it seems to be the consensus that the short mags have a shorter life than a lot of the standards, around 6 sizings or so. Search your questions on this site here. Tons of first hand knowledge on the short mags and I've ironed out a few issues myself with their knowledge.
http://shortmags.org/shortmags/snitzforum/default.asp
On shortmags.com it seems to be the consensus that the short mags have a shorter life than a lot of the standards, around 6 sizings or so. Search your questions on this site here. Tons of first hand knowledge on the short mags and I've ironed out a few issues myself with their knowledge.
http://shortmags.org/shortmags/snitzforum/default.asp
