how many times?

[goldy1]

generally how many times do you fire/reload after the first fire forming? what are the signes you've done it too much to the brass? full length sizing, better or worse for the brass vs neck only sizing? i ask because i have used my brass for the 4th time. after every use i clean, full length resize,trim, clean, prime, load fire. every time i have to trim the case.

[ocabj]

Indicators of when it's about that time to toss the brass:

1. Loose primer pockets
2. Splits in the neck
3. Head separation
4. Groups start to open up considerably

Keep rifle brass in batches. For example, if you keep your boxes of Lapua segregated from each other, you have batches of 100. If down the line you notice a split neck or a head separation after X amounts of reloads, then you know the batch is starting to go. You can then relegate that batch for practice or generic range use.

[rksimple]

In addition to what ocabj said, look for a shiny line around the base of the case. You can use a little instrument to feel along the inside of the case around the base and if there are any ridges or abnormalities, better just to throw that case away. I usually pay particular attention to the primer pockets. That has almost always been my first indicator.

There are just too many variables to say how many times a case should be used. Stout loads will wear the brass faster than moderate ones. Neck sizing is easier on the brass than FL. If your cases need to be trimmed after every firing, something's up. What kind of brass is it and to what length are you trimming? You shouldn't need to trim that often.

I've been neck sizing almost exclusively an old batch of RA61 cases for my 308. I'm on the 7th firing and the primer pockets are still good and haven't had any split necks. With my Lapua brass, I'm only on my 3rd firing, but I expect that brass to last a long while.

[goldy1]

on the 20 i fired for the 4th time last weekend i had several that were hard to remove once i fired them.( sticking bolt) i was thinking that they were about done. when i trim only a little is shaved off. i am seeing pressure signs still (flattened primers) but every thing is still well below max for my 300 win mag, 168 grain amax, 56.6 gr varget, federal 215 primers. i'm useing remington brass, not sure exactly off hand what i am trimming the brass to. i use the lee trimming set up. i plan on loading up 60 more this weekend for next weekend's match. i will be getting a neck sizer this next week. as for groups, i still get between 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 at 300 yards for 5 shot groups.

[ocabj]

If the bolt is hard to open, it usually means your loads are too hot.

After you resize the brass, clean the lube off and try to chamber the brass and close the bolt. If you feel a lot of feedback when trying to close the bolt and it requires some force to close, you may want to adjust your sizing die down more to bump the shoulder down.

[goldy1]

i dont think the loads are hot, on hodgons website the range goes from 54 gns to 58.2 gns varget. i found it likes around 56.6. in nc i never had problems with pressure. here i do. i'm seating the bullets at .005 to .01 off the lands. oal at 3.535 measuring every round. i've heard about 300 magnums case's seperating just above the belt after 4 reloads. should i pitch them after 4?

[sargenv]

Something I haven't seen mentioned yet is, if you are seeing pressure signs in your rifle and they are not quite what book maximum is,then you are likely reaching a maximum or even overcharge in YOUR rifle and I would back down a bit in the powder department. There are so many variables in loading ammunition, rifle chambers, etc. You might loan those rounds to your buddy and they will shoot fine in his gun only to flatten primers like crazy in your gun. What you should also be doing is using a chronograph to see if the load is consistent. If I were concerned about case head separation, I would disect one of my cases (cut down the middle with a dremel or hack saw) to see if the area above the belt is becoming thin. If it isn't, then you gave up one casing to allow you to use the rest of them. It's beena while since I loaded 300 Win Mag, but I remember getting about 5 loadings out of mine before retiring them.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

I usually FL size my brass that see only a neck sizer after every 5th reload...