Split .40sw case

[Seesm]

All metal get brittle with enough time... (and work) But I think nickle is more brittle than brass.... I have only ever loaded brass. Be careful.

[CGT80]

I have been loading nickel cases for 17 years. I shoot my brass until it splits. It rarely happens on my 40's and 45's. 38 spl seems to split a lot, and rifle necks once in a while. All of my loads are close to minimum. I never load max.

[Inkman]

I simply check for that odd jingle after i tumble, find the cracked case and toss it in the junk bucket. So far it's only been brass that i've found cracked, but then the only nickle cases are the ones i've found at the range and reloaded. All .45ACP and all reloaded who knows how many times. I'm anal enough with checking them when i tumble and load em. I don't keep track of how many times they've been loaded.

Al

[Corbin Dallas]

It is not a good idea to reload nickel cases. Do a google search.

He's right, you should send ME all suspect NICKEL cases and I'll DISPOSE of them properly!!!

[ojisan]

Due to the above mentioned reasons, I only use a nickel case for two reloads, then trash them.
However, my nickel cased loads (handgun) are usually near max and loaded with premium bullets, that way it is easy to tell the good stuff from the regular range fodder.

I like the listen-for-the-dull-sound-while-jingling idea.
Great tip!

[sv_1]

He's right, you should send ME all suspect NICKEL cases and I'll DISPOSE of them properly!!!

Will you sign a release waiver?

[bruceflinch]

Will you sign a release waiver?

Yup! & I'll come over with my own bucket & pick them up...

[robert101]

I've got brass and nickel cases that have been reloaded 10 or more times. I usually shoot moderate loads. If you get a few of the cases spitting in the chamber, I'd pull the bullets and throw that brass or nickel away. To me, it isn't worth the risk to my gun. If you find that only once in a while a case will split I don't see a big deal about that. Of course assuming you are not loading to maximum pressures.