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March 24, 2005, 06:24 PM | #1 |
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How many times can I reload .45ACP brass?
I've heard mixed stories on this topic. Some say 12 times max, some say they've done 30 times with no signs of wear. Right now I have ziplock baggies with different batches of brass in them....some marked 3X...some marked 4X and so on. Is this overkill? Should I just mix them all together and check for wear as I begin to reload each time? Thanks again.
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March 24, 2005, 06:38 PM | #2 |
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Depends.......
......Like how hot it was loaded. Are you using it for bullseye shooting ? If it's just for target shooting, you might as well just through it all together like you said. Just inspect it as you reload it. It's really a tough question to answer. |
March 24, 2005, 06:47 PM | #3 |
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3X is the absolute max I would recommend. Once they have been loaded 3 times then ship them to me.
For anything but the hottest loads....You will lose them before you wear them out.
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March 24, 2005, 07:35 PM | #4 |
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I'm on about 20 times with some of my .45 cases.
Some of my .38 Spl. cases, ones I use for light target loads, are going on 40 or more. I'm thinking 5, maybe 10 more loadings out of this one before it's done...
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March 24, 2005, 07:37 PM | #5 |
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I have some that you can't read the headstamp on anymore, easily 20 loadings from me and it was used when I got it.
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March 24, 2005, 07:53 PM | #6 |
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Keep the pressure low and till the cows come home. I have brass from 1985 I'm still reloading.
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March 24, 2005, 08:56 PM | #7 |
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You can reload it for like what seems.....forever.
Seriously though, Jeeper is about right, most of the time, you'll lose it before it's worn out. I have some (like HSMITH), that the headstamp is almost unreadable. |
March 24, 2005, 11:52 PM | #8 |
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I have some WCC MilSurp that has been loaded +P 15 times, and looks like it will last for a few more.
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March 25, 2005, 12:02 AM | #9 |
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If you shoot moderate loads, 45 acp brass lasts almost forever, I don't even try to keep track of how many times my 45 acp has been loaded anymore, it all goes into the same bucket.
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March 25, 2005, 01:38 AM | #10 |
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Until I lose it...
(170PF with 200's and Titegroup)
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March 25, 2005, 07:26 AM | #11 |
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true test
Tested = over thirty (gotta 38 Special light-load case test = over one hundred).
Process, baby..........
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March 25, 2005, 07:39 AM | #12 |
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I've reloaded a bunch of 45's but never kept track. Recently I was having some failures to fire, using the same primers that I had been using for years, so after checking that the gun performed well with factory ammo, I started "micing" the cases and found that a lot were fairly short; .084-.85 mostly, on up to rarely .089. Question: does this stuff shrink?
Loaded some new Starline and gun then functioned as it should. Using Dillon dies, 550 press. |
March 25, 2005, 09:18 AM | #13 |
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Once again, thank you for the knowledge. Yep, I load them pretty light - just enough bang to cycle the slide every time. My batches of .45 brass will all be reunited tonight in the same bag! Like a biiiiiig family reunion.
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March 25, 2005, 10:17 AM | #14 |
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45 loading
Mike Irwin-----that blown case..what was it fired in ???
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March 25, 2005, 10:30 AM | #15 |
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How many times ...?
I honestly don't know. I haven't devised a method of keeping track, and I doubt I would ever try to do that. I usually lose them at a sufficient rate to ensure new brass is steadily enfused into the system. |
March 25, 2005, 10:36 AM | #16 |
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Hornet,
It was fired in my Springfield 1911 A1 Mil Spec. I was loading on a new press on a new bench and got out of synch and double charged a case. That's what 9.8 grains of WW 231 will do to a case. My 1911? Not a problem.
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"The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower. |
March 25, 2005, 12:02 PM | #17 |
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Mike, do 1911's have a lighter spring? My Ruger P97 won't even cycle 5.1g of W231 with a 230g FMJ, let alone the 4.9 that you are using.
I started with 5.1 but got all kinds of FTF's and FTE's. |
March 25, 2005, 12:13 PM | #18 |
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tjhands,
I shoot 5.0grs of w231 under a 230 Cast Bullet all the time in my P97. Never had any problems at all. I don't understand why yours won't cycle. I have a buddy who has one too, he shoots whatever I load, didn't have any troubles with either gun. |
March 25, 2005, 01:26 PM | #19 |
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You can get a variety of spring weights for the 1911, from I believe 12 pounds for light target loads to 21 pounds for +P.
4.9 grains of 231 will cycle mine with the original factory spring, but I have to have it clean and well lubed. For bowling pins I normally go a couple of tenths hotter.
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"The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower. |
March 25, 2005, 01:33 PM | #20 |
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5.3 W231 is perfect for my gun. No failures of any kind. Weird how one P97 could be different from another P97.....I mean I know every gun is unique, but wouldn't you think the springs would all be the same tension strength? Interesting.
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March 25, 2005, 09:12 PM | #21 |
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How new is yours tjhands?
I know when mine was new, it was a little troublesome, but after a couple hundred rounds, it came around and eats whatever I feed it now. |
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