.308 case life

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Pheonix

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How long should a case last that is neck sized only and loaded at 98% af max powder load with 155g bullets?
I think I read somewhere that after 4 firings to throw them out I am at three and they still look good.
 
i get 4 firings from my 7 mag cases, and they are loaded hot.

you should get more than that. however, after 4 firings, you may need to anneal the cases to keep accuracy up to par.

i would just keep running inspections on them after every firing. if you don't anneal, chances are pretty good that your first sign will be a split neck - not a big deal in terms of your or your rifle's safety.
 
I've gotten more than 3 firings from some of my hot loaded .308s using Remington, IMI and RG/Hirtenberger cases. I usually quit counting after 1 reload, as I load on a single stage and examine all cases carefully. Mine are fully sized, so neck sizing should provide excellent case life. Not that you really need to worry about it with .308 brass costing as little as it does.
 
If it is time to trim them the second time start checking them VERY carefully for case head seperation. The brass that flows forward making them longer weakens the cases, and it is a real PITA to get the rest of the case out.

For what 308 brass costs I would only load it 4 or 5 times, heave it and get some more.
 
Pheonix, I believe you are referring to the rule of thumb for reloading for a M1A. That particular rifle is extremely hard on brass, due to aggressive exraction, and 4 firings is the limit set by most. However, brass in a bolt gun, neck sized, loaded warm, should last ALOT longer than that! I would venture to say that the same brass may last for 20 loadings, without showing failure of any kind. (Then again, my loads arent usually very hot).
 
Phoenix,
How long can you run an engine?
Same answe applies to cases. It depends on your load, your maintanence, and the weapon that you use them in. My brother has a 308 and I have a 3006. We both have cases that we have loaded more times than we care to count. We shoot moderate loads, neck size only, trim brass at each loading and clean the brass every time we fire it.

I myself have ruined a 3006 case in one firing. I was lucky and my weapon was ok, and there were no injuries to me or others.

The answer you are looking for is in the mirror - go look.

PaulS
 
I think the number 5 thrown around a lot with reference to 308 loads. I'd go with that and throw them away after 5 or so reloadings.
 
Phoenix,
If you are going to throw that brass away, just put it in a box and mail it to me. This goes for anyone else who only loads their brass 5 times or less.

Rev. Paul Stephens
c\o Church of Life
P.O. Box 18574
Seattle, WA. 98118

PaulS
 
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