Once Fired Brass-Is It Safe to Reload

[918v]

Which seems to be most everything is write.

How bout getting this thread back OT, instead of attempting to pick me apart?

Don't like my posts? I can easily handle that, but the constent nit picking of me is getting alittle old.

You are exaggerating. I haven't commented on your posts for a couple of weeks.

 

[918v]

As far a pistol brass goes, idetifying once-fired factory cases is pretty easy: They are amazingly clean inside and out. We do not have access to those super clean powders. CCI ammunition, especially, it seems runs on propane or something because those cases are so clean they almost don't need to be tumbled.

That's what I do, pick-up only factory loaded spent brass. That way potential issues are minimized.

 

[jim in Anchorage]

jim in Anchorage said "I can't even imagine buying .223 once fired, I can get buckets of it at the range. As far as how many times its been fired [1] reloaders generally don't leave their brass, so the odds are good it's 1x fired. ..."

Reloaders generally don't leave their brass...true but, they do leave it when they know they've used it past its safe/useful life. So range pickups are likely 1x or 2manyX

ThumperACC

That would be quite the savy handloader. I KNOW I Can use this case safely ONE more time, then it's junk.

 

[Walkalong]

CCI ammunition, especially, it seems runs on propane or something because those cases are so clean they almost don't need to be tumbled.

They sure are. I mean scary clean.

It is pretty easy to figure out when a non reloader just shot 50/100 rounds and left them laying there, especially when the empty ammo box is in the trash can right there too. I picked some up today.

When the guy in the pit next to me was finished I went over and picked up 50 to 100 nice looking 9MM brass, as well as a few .40. He had shot two (that I found) 9MM rounds in his fourty. I assume accidentally. Nice two diameter worthless brass.

 

[1SOW]

9mm light loads: I'm reloading and shooting approx. 150-200+ rds a week for close to 3 years. I have NEVER bought a 9mm brass case. I have never had a problem with a case I reloaded. Eventually some primer holes start to loosen up, so I paint the base of the case black and don't bring it home again

I use range brass and never reload a case that has been "painted" in any way.

I do check the cases for obvious defects when cleaning and again when reloading and when putting my reloads into cartridge boxes.

There are 16K+ deprimed and cleaned 9mm cases in coffee cans in my reloading storage area.

I have many shooting friends who do the same.

 

[REL1203]

I buy once shot pistol brass lots of time, never had an issue. Once I bought some used Magnum brass, and will never make that mistake again, only new brass from then on out with rifles.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

As far as how many times its been fired [1] reloaders generally don't leave their brass, so the odds are good it's 1x fired.

This is the theory that I have as well. I pick up all the range brass I can find. It all goes into one container at the range, and when I separate it, I inspect each case carefully. Then I tumble them and before they're loaded they get a close inspection again.

 

[MattTheHat]

I've got a couple thousand 9mm and .45ACP cases that I've reloaded at least 7-9 times. And they were range brass when I got them, so they could have been loaded once, or who knows how many times before they came to me.

I have pulled out maybe a half dozen over the past couple of years that were either splitting at the bullet end or appeared like they were about to start to split. Those went to the trash. I'd say I see more with other physical damage (like having been stepped on and crushed) that get thrown out than ones that are worn out.

-Matt

 

[Cop Bob]

I've got .223 cases that have been reloaded over 70 times now and still going, may have to bump the shoulder one of these times but haven't had to yet.

Got 45 ACP cases that have been reloaded so many times you can barely read the head stamp and as long as the primer pocket is OK and the case isn't split they'll be reloaded again.

What he said...

In straight walled pistol cases, if it isn't split, or the primer pocket blown out, your good for plinkers and practice..

Rifle Cases, look for head space separation, (bright spot above the web).. the rest of the worries, that is what case trimmers, full length sizers, reamers and go-no go gauges are for... I've been doing it for 45 years + and no issues that were not solvable..

NOW... if I'm loading hunting, service or match ammo, or some kind of sooper dooper hot Nike Zeus type round.. then I will make sure it is new, or only once fired, and properly prepped and screened..