Experienced .40SW reloaders

[Stahl]

How many times can .40 brass be reloaded? What signs indicate that a piece of brass has seen its last reload? Thanks.

 

[critter]

Hmmmmmm. Good question. Depends. Glocks and some others with large and unsupported chambers swell the brass quite a lot and the resizing works it a LOT shortening case life.

Chambers (I have an Ed Brown remped barrel in a PO P-16) are tight cut and supported. Brass will last a LONG time for that gun.

I know I didn't answer your question. Be prudent. You DO NOT want a .40 to BLOW! Good luck.

 

[Black Snowman]

I used to be really paranoid with my Glock and not reload more than 5 times. Now 15 seems fine as long as it's watched. I'll toss cases with even minor damage. I also avoid Remington brass because the mouth is thinner and doesn't crimp the same as other brands.

I usually lose the brass before it get's reloaded too many times. Of course as some point I just say. "Ah, I'll just leave these, they're getting old anyway." Rather than pick them up again. I usually do sweep them up and toss them away so other reloaders don't mistake them for once-fired and pick 'em up.

 

[WESHOOT2]

Wideners has used 40 cases for $10/1000; I just leave it on the ground.......

Actual reusability will be based on the chamber of your gun. Just examine cases after each cycle. When in doubt throw it out.