I have read that you should only reload magnum brass a few times but not sure if this applies to brass that is loaded on the mild side or if they were referring to max (hot) loads. I have just started reloading for the Remington 7mm magnum and so far my loads are more towards the minimum of the recommended load for IMR 4350 and based on how they are shooting I may not go any higher. I was using Nosler 120gr BT's with 63.5 grs of IMR 4350 and managed a 3 round 1" group at 50 yds (spread to 2" @ 100yds, but it is probably me and not the round or the gun). I have only tested 10 rounds so far but right now I am very pleased with the results. Now that I'm getting fire formed brass for this gun, how many times can I expect to reload it and are the signs of wear the same for belted brass?
Reloading Magnum Brass
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GP100man
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until the neck shows signs of fatigue or the thinnin of the web above the belt!!
If neck sizin the thinnin & trimmin will slow down .
I have 06 brass on it`s 12th loadin .
If neck sizin the thinnin & trimmin will slow down .
I have 06 brass on it`s 12th loadin .
Belted cases, and chambers for them, tend to be sloppy in their length from rim to shoulder datum and stretch quite a bit on the 1st firing. This is because they are dsigned to head space on the belt and not the shoulder like regular rimless cartridges. A little care in setting up your sizing die to minimize shoulder set-back will help prevent this during subsequent firings and improve case life.
How many firings you can expect will vary, they won`t likely last as long as a regular case though.
How many firings you can expect will vary, they won`t likely last as long as a regular case though.
MachIVshooter
Member
With the thinning and work-hardening of full-length resizing, and the subsequent re-stretching each time you fire, I would expect 4-6 times. Neck sizing (which dictates that it should be used in the same rifle) will probably increase case life by at least 50%. But the loads and the brass itself (not all created equal) are gonna make a difference. You can minimize the risk of neck cracking by annealing the case after resizing, but few of us bother with that.
Just inspect the cases for signs of impending failure, namely just forward of the belt and at the neck.
Just inspect the cases for signs of impending failure, namely just forward of the belt and at the neck.
Grumulkin
Member
The way to inspect the case is by running a small wire (I use a paper clip I straighten and bend the tip to 90 degrees) down the inside of the case to feel for the groove that starts just above the web that indicates an incipient head separation.Also, look for a slightly shiny line around the case on the outside above the web as seen on the case above.
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