Case life expectations

AL45 · January 23, 2013, 11:27 PM

I have reloaded 100 Starline .45 colt cases 10 times now. Most loads have been 250-255 grain cast lead bullets in the 750-950 fps range. I clean the cases by hand using Never Dull brass cleaner and inspect each case with a magnifying glass each time. So far I have seen no defects on the brass other than a little discoloration. How many more loadings can I expect under these conditions?

ScottRiqui · January 23, 2013, 11:35 PM

With my pistol brass, especially the straight-walled stuff, I lose it before it "wears out".

shootniron · January 23, 2013, 11:51 PM

Quote:

With my pistol brass, especially the straight-walled stuff, I lose it before it "wears out".

This is my experience also...it will last a long time.

Xfire68 · January 24, 2013, 12:10 AM

One of my local gun shop salesmen a older guy that reloads .45 LC said he is on 35+ reloads with some of the brass he has. I think as long as your not pushing the upper ends of pressures your brass can last a good long time.

The good thing about shooting a revolver is it's much easier to keep track of your brass.

AL45 · January 24, 2013, 09:25 PM

Gentlemen, thanks for your input. I was beginning to come to the same conclusion.

Slamfire · January 25, 2013, 03:54 PM

I think I have 20 times reloaded 44 Magnum brass. Mostly full power loads.

I load the stuff till the primer pockets won't hold the primers, case mouth splits, or the brass develops body cracks.

I stopped keeping track of the number of times I reloaded 38 Special brass. I have nickeled 38 Special brass that has been sized so many times that the nickel plate is mostly gone. They look brass but you can see traces of nickel finish around the rim.

January 23, 2013, 11:27 PM	#1
AL45 Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2012 Posts: 761	Case life expectations I have reloaded 100 Starline .45 colt cases 10 times now. Most loads have been 250-255 grain cast lead bullets in the 750-950 fps range. I clean the cases by hand using Never Dull brass cleaner and inspect each case with a magnifying glass each time. So far I have seen no defects on the brass other than a little discoloration. How many more loadings can I expect under these conditions?

January 24, 2013, 12:10 AM	#4
Xfire68 Senior Member Join Date: March 31, 2010 Location: Communist State of IL. Posts: 1,562	One of my local gun shop salesmen a older guy that reloads .45 LC said he is on 35+ reloads with some of the brass he has. I think as long as your not pushing the upper ends of pressures your brass can last a good long time. The good thing about shooting a revolver is it's much easier to keep track of your brass. __________________ NRA Life Member, SAF Member

January 25, 2013, 03:54 PM	#6
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	I think I have 20 times reloaded 44 Magnum brass. Mostly full power loads. I load the stuff till the primer pockets won't hold the primers, case mouth splits, or the brass develops body cracks. I stopped keeping track of the number of times I reloaded 38 Special brass. I have nickeled 38 Special brass that has been sized so many times that the nickel plate is mostly gone. They look brass but you can see traces of nickel finish around the rim. __________________ If I'm not shooting, I'm reloading.

January 23, 2013, 11:35 PM	#2
ScottRiqui Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 2,905	With my pistol brass, especially the straight-walled stuff, I lose it before it "wears out".

January 24, 2013, 09:25 PM	#5
AL45 Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2012 Posts: 761	Gentlemen, thanks for your input. I was beginning to come to the same conclusion.