Steel cases for reloading?

[ChasMack]

I got some cheap Tula ammo for my birthday. I don't normally buy the stuff but I sure did shoot it Anyway the ammo was steel cased ...can these be reloaded? If so is there anything special one would need to know about reloading them?

 

[CZ9shooter]

Don't bother. A quick search here will describe the many reasons why.

 

[Reefinmike]

short answer is yes- if its boxer primed, you can reload steel. With the availability of cheap, quality brass out there, i dont see any need to load steel asides from just seeing if it can be done. A while back i tested some tula 45 and cases started cracking after the 6th reload. I dont think i have ever split a piece of brass 45...

 

[PCCUSNRET]

I wouldn't think steel rubbing against steel would be good for your dies.

 

[Walkalong]

Some folks report getting one reload off of them. Too much inexpensive .223 brass out there to worry with it.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=599598

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=646599

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=738475

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=697240

 

[mdi]

Depends on the caliber and the make of the steel cases. Nope, your dies won't wear out appreciably faster. Yes, some folks get multiple reloads from steel cases. But, steel cases aren't necessarily a good idea for a new reloader as each operation can become problematic (sizing will be different, bullet seating may be different, load data can vary, and just not a good idea for inexperienced reloaders). If your interest was in an odd caliber and steel cases were the only supply of empties, and they are boxer primed, then mebbe it would be worth the time and effort...

 

[Drail]

Steel is no where near as malleable as brass - and is much more brittle. There was a reason brass was chosen for cartridge cases.

 

[Walkalong]

That is the single best reason not to reload steel. IMHO of course. I mentioned the same thing in one of those older threads.

 

[Reefinmike]

Steel is no where near as malleable as brass - and is much more brittle. There was a reason brass was chosen for cartridge cases.

Im pretty sure the real reason brass was chosen over steel is because they liked really pretty highly polished brass with a bright copper bullet... just like us reloaders

 

[Lafitte]

I reloaded a few just to see if it was possible which it is. It just isn't really worth the time since good brass cases are plentiful. I won't load any more steel as long as brass is available.

Lafitte

 

[Hardtarget]

Glad to see this! I saved some steel cases because they were just laying around. Trash can is right close...I need a little shelf space....

Mark

 

[RainDodger]

Short answer: don't bother. Good decision.