Thread: Brass life?

Originally Posted by NZVarminter

Three indicators to look out for in reloaded brass:

1) loose primer pockets. Use a hand primer so you can "feel" when seating the primer. you cant feel anything if you seat the primer with your press.

2) slit necks...a sure sign the brass is betting brittle form being re-works, so they need anealing or you will get more split necks

3) brass thinning near the base.....VERY IMPORTANT to check for this or you will end up with case head separation. Its the result of brass flow from repeated reloading, and too much headspace, which is often because of setting your resize die up wrong.

Do a search on case head separation. Plenty on it and how to check for it.

+1

Reloading for semi autos is a different matter too.
I chuck my semi brass after 5-6 firings due to the increased headspace, chamber size and more violent extraction/ejection, especially in AK actions.

Bolt actions, I tend to neck size only and am up to 16 firings on some.