Reload steel cases in 357 magnum

[Fellas]

I have a bunch of steel cases in 357 magnum can i reload them to shoot them in ruger gp 100 .


Thanks and happy Christmas to everyone

 

[Drail]

In all the years I have been reloading I have never come across a steel .357 case. What is the headstamp on these and where did you get them?

 

[Rule3]

Why would want to? What happens to steel when you bend it back and forth a few times

 

[icanthitabarn]

note to self.....buy popcorn futures !!

 

[wheelgun6T9]

My guess is that they are nickel brass - I suppose they could look to be steel if you're not familiar with them. Or maybe aluminum blazer?

I've never come across steel cases either.

Merry Christmas back BTW!

 

[rcmodel]

I agree.
Nobody makes steel case .357 Magnum that I ever heard of.

Suggest you do a magnet test.

If it sticks, they are indeed steel, and you have the cartridge equlivent of a unicorn.

If it doesn't, they are either nickel plated brass, or aluminum Blazer.

You can reload the nickel plated the same as any other brass.
You can't reload the aluminum Blazer.

rc

 

[ljnowell]

I have reloaded aluminum and steel cases in 45acp just to see what would happen. Nothing eventful, they all worked just fine. I dont know that I would reload a full power 357 in an aluminum case, but I might try it if I came across some at the range.

 

[kingmt]

If they are boxer primed it should be OK. I am also interested in the headstamp. I've done aluminum years ago but I only found a few of them & all I have seen since have been Burdan primed. I have also loaded the 45ACP aluminum but after a few split & spit powder in my face I quit.

 

[FROGO207]

I have successfully reloaded aluminum and steel 45ACP cases, and 9MM steel cases. Well the steel will work OK for a few reloadings but the varnish/polymer coating will bother my pistols after that. They do have to be boxer primed to be able to be reloaded with standard reloading tools however. I have not seen any steel in 38/357 yet though I suspect we will see them soon enough for cost reduction reasons. I concur that what you have are most likely nickel plated brass and are A-OK to reload. A magnet will tell you really fast what the story is.

 

[7even6ix2wo]

If the are the aluminum Blazer, the ones I ran across were berdan primed I believe.

 

[Nutbustd]

where did you find steel 357's ? I have shooting 357's for nearly 40years and have never saw any. Maybe aluminum. Please post your findings after magnet check. If these are really steel can you post picts? thanks a lot

 

[Metal Tiger]

I dont know that I would reload a full power 357 in an aluminum case, but I might try it if I came across some at the range.

I’m not sure I would like to watch that experiment. Well maybe from a little distance with eye protection. BTW, I have an old Hawken 58 caliber that I need proofing. Would you mind doing that for me as well

 

[4895]

I used to wear my brother's clothes until they got too big for me!

Can you post a picture of the case, headstamp and all?

 

[gamestalker]

I've been loading .357 mag. for more than 30 yrs. and have yet to run across steel. again, what is the head stamp, please?

 

[oneounceload]

Hmmmmm, no response from the OP! Guess he figured out his answer to be either nickel brass or aluminum

 

[ljnowell]

I’m not sure I would like to watch that experiment. Well maybe from a little distance with eye protection. BTW, I have an old Hawken 58 caliber that I need proofing. Would you mind doing that for me as well
__________________

I actually meant to say "if I came across any steel at the range I would try...."

Some would still call that foolish I guess. I do like to experiment a lot in my reloading. I have loads in almost every caliber that i load for that there is no data for. Like a powder with no data listed, or bullets that are no where close to being listed anywhere(ex. weight). If you think I am crazy though, you should read some posts by user named Clark. I like to hotrod my 45 colt and load oddball loadings, that guy is just plain nuts!

 

[jmstevens2]

Or, being a newby he chose not to get treated like an idiot any further. Not everyone is all knowing.

 

[Metal Tiger]

I actually meant to say "if I came across any steel at the range I would try...."

Some would still call that foolish I guess. I do like to experiment a lot in my reloading.

Foolish hardly, my comments are meant just in fun. I don't have enough experience to deviate too far from tested reloading data myself.

 

[ljnowell]

Foolish hardly, my comments are meant just in fun. I don't have enough experience to deviate too far from tested reloading data myself.

No worries man, I took no offense at all! I dont recommend to people to get away from established practices, i just do it myself, lol. Truth is I have been a mechanic my whole life so I have a horrible personality flaw that forces me to play with things and do things that others warn not to.

I should tell you the story of me, my brother, and an uncle that involves a circular saw and a bowling ball. That experience was a letdown, let me tell you, nothing in the middle of a bowling ball but more bowling ball! No puff of smoke, litle green frog, no chinese fortune. Nothing. Zip. Nada. Zilch.