Looking for Sage Advice

Jim243 · September 25, 2011, 08:03 PM

Just when I thought I won the lottery, was given 40 - 7.62x39 cases by a shooter next to me at the range, I find out they fail the magnet test.

Now what do I do, toss them or try to reload them?

I have no experience with bass coated steel cases. Will they damage my dies or just treat them the same as brass?

Help
Jim

Jim Watson · September 25, 2011, 08:16 PM

Do they have Boxer primers?
If so, you can reload them a time or two before the steel work hardens and splits.
If not, it wouldn't matter if they were solid gold, Berdan primers are all but unobtainable.

Jim243 · September 25, 2011, 08:29 PM

Boxer primers.

Thanks
Jim

**Unclenick** · September 26, 2011, 01:45 AM

It can be done. It takes noticeably more force to size them, but lube well and they will go. Don't forget to an inside neck lube. Unless you have a carbide expander, these would be hard on a steel one in much quantity.

Dr. Strangelove · September 26, 2011, 03:03 AM

Quote:

If not, it wouldn't matter if they were solid gold, Berdan primers are all but unobtainable

Eh, if they turn out to be solid gold, just go ahead and send them to me, I'll figure out something to do with them. Shoot me a PM and I'll send you my mailing address...

**Mike Irwin** · September 26, 2011, 07:09 AM

What's the headstamp on the cases?

Jim243 · September 28, 2011, 12:18 AM

Can not make it out, Just says 7.62x39 and some symbles I can not make out.

Jim

September 25, 2011, 08:03 PM	#1
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Looking for Sage Advice Just when I thought I won the lottery, was given 40 - 7.62x39 cases by a shooter next to me at the range, I find out they fail the magnet test. Now what do I do, toss them or try to reload them? I have no experience with bass coated steel cases. Will they damage my dies or just treat them the same as brass? Help Jim Last edited by Jim243; September 25, 2011 at 08:16 PM.

September 26, 2011, 01:45 AM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,732	It can be done. It takes noticeably more force to size them, but lube well and they will go. Don't forget to an inside neck lube. Unless you have a carbide expander, these would be hard on a steel one in much quantity. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

September 26, 2011, 07:09 AM	#6
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	What's the headstamp on the cases? __________________ "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.

September 25, 2011, 08:16 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,162	Do they have Boxer primers? If so, you can reload them a time or two before the steel work hardens and splits. If not, it wouldn't matter if they were solid gold, Berdan primers are all but unobtainable.

September 25, 2011, 08:29 PM	#3
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Boxer primers. Thanks Jim

September 28, 2011, 12:18 AM	#7
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Can not make it out, Just says 7.62x39 and some symbles I can not make out. Jim