[Kcustom45]

I just started loading 40 S&W and would like to know how many times I should use my brass. I currently load for 45ACP and I use the brass until it is cracked or otherwise obviously unsafe to use. I have been told or remember reading somewhere that you should only use 10mm and 40S&W a few times because they are higher pressure rounds. Is there any truth to that statement?
I am not loading it to the max, in fact I am sticking to the starting load and I am not looking for exceptional accuracy just plinking. I don't know if it matters, but the gun is a Springfield XD-40. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

[WESHOOT2]

Strongly suggest your goal be ACCURATE plinkers.

That said, you must carefully inspect each fired case to determine its fitness.
Every cycle.

I've got some 40 S&W cases that have survived 20 cycles, but they get fired in a tight 'match' chamber.

"When in doubt throw it out"

[Kcustom45]

I am not looking for exceptional accuracy just plinking. Let me rephrase that. I am not looking to make match quality ammo, just plinking ammo. That being said I am not a very "accurate" person. You could give a crappy gun with crappy ammo and it would still out shoot me. But hey I am practicing and getting better.

Thanks for the advice WESHOOT2

[HSMITH]

40 brass is darn near free, if you were to load it 5 times and throw it out it would not add much cost to your loads at all.

[Doc]

i concur brass is pretty cheap, so use it a few times and discard, if 5 is too few, then go with 10.

my question is how can you tell how many times it's been reloaded? without an accurate way to mark the cases an 'old' one can get mixed in with the new ones - or vice versa.

i think you have to inspect it every time you load it anyway...

[VOD]

When I first started reloading, I would load up a batch, shoot it all up, then reload the next batch. It kept things a lot simpler until I had a comfortable (for me) number for how many times a case could be reused. Maybe the same will work for you.

Most reloading books carry a pic or two on what to look for when brass is getting "too old". Check those out and keep an eye on your brass. And, like WESHOOT2 says, when in doubt, toss it. The IPSC guys found out years ago the downside of hotrodding rounds....it didn't sound too pleasant. If it's a choise between that one last reload or grabbing a new case, go for the new one. You won't be sorry.