What cases can be loaded ?

[BACKTOSHOOTING]

I'm going to start reloading and have started to save up shell cases and i'm wondering what type of cases can be reloaded and the reasons why and why not and how many times, IE brass, steel. alluminum.

Added: What would be a good manual for me, I'l only be reloading pistol ammo, 9MM & 45ACP

Enlighten me please, Steve

[Low-Pressure]

Get yourself a reloading manual! It has a lot of reloading information that will answer a lot of your questions.

[M27]

almost any brass can be reloaded but some are better then others, beginners rule of thumb is to stick with the major brands

steel can't be reloaded

aluminum can be reloaded but it's not common to

also you have to look at the type of primer, berdan or boxer primer

you can reload boxer primers but not berdan without special tools

[Gowking]

almost any brass can be reloaded but some are better then others, beginners rule of thumb is to stick with the major brands

steel can't be reloaded

I would disagree with this. As you stated not all brass can be readily reloaded. Anything Berdan primed will be a hassle. Can it be done? As you stated yes, but one will need a way to knock out the old primers and a supply of the correct sized primers for that brass. By the same token steel can be reloaded provided you are willing to take on the task. See above regarding Berdan primers as almost all steel cased ammo is Berdan primed. Would it be worth it to reload steel? IMO not really.

-MRA

[BACKTOSHOOTING]

So how can i tell the differance from Boxer and Berdan ?

[XDRoX]

The short answer is any of it can be reloaded. But in reality you want to stick with boxer primed brass and nickel plated brass.

[Fjold]

Look in the empty case, if it has one flash hole it's boxer primed and easily reloaded.

[M27]

i didn't watch the whole video but i think it will show you

[Gowking]

Now if you want to get real crazy with it I read somewhere about a guy that takes Berdan primed brass and openes up the primer pocket for shotgun primers press fit. When he reloads them he would knock out the center primer from the outer cup that stays in the brass.

-MRA

[rcschummers]

I have found the lyman 49th edition to be the best, it has a ton of useful information. If you want to learn like I did, be prepared to make many mistakes, if possible, have a experienced loader show you the ropes! Keep a journal of all your discoveries and loads. Stick to brass and nickeled (looks like chrome) stuff with one hole on the inside of the case, if it has two flash holes, scrap it or save it for someone who wants to deal with it. Keep an eye out for .45 "winchester NT" it takes a small pistola primer and can be frustrating to the untrained loader, I typically set the stuff aside. Good luck on your nasty new money pit of a habit, it is very likely your wife, at first, will not be as "enthusiastic" about the time consumption, savings and high volume shooting. To keep the peace, I recommend a common and very effective tactic called "ignoring".

[rcschummers]

The reason that people don't recommend reloading other metals ie. Aluminum, steel, zinc plated etc... Is because of stress tolerances according to saami specs, stuff you'll learn about as you get more into it. Typically you can get 3-5 loads before a case starts to show signs of deteriorating integrity. Cases stretch each time they are fired and get skinny as a result. They will crack, show signs of overpressure, leak gas etc... Take extra time learning about this subject, you chambers will thank you later. When in doubt, throw em' out, 10 cents or $XXX.00

[BACKTOSHOOTING]

I have found the lyman 49th edition to be the best, it has a ton of useful information. If you want to learn like I did, be prepared to make many mistakes, if possible, have a experienced loader show you the ropes! Keep a journal of all your discoveries and loads. Stick to brass and nickeled (looks like chrome) stuff with one hole on the inside of the case, if it has two flash holes, scrap it or save it for someone who wants to deal with it. Keep an eye out for .45 "winchester NT" it takes a small pistola primer and can be frustrating to the untrained loader, I typically set the stuff aside. Good luck on your nasty new money pit of a habit, it is very likely your wife, at first, will not be as "enthusiastic" about the time consumption, savings and high volume shooting. To keep the peace, I recommend a common and very effective tactic called "ignoring".

Thanks for this info, its very helpfull, Dont have to wory bout the wife, I'm very devorcied

[mjmagee67]

45acp R-P brass is pretty thin, I've had issues with neck tension and the bullet just falling right in a properly resized case, I hear the 38spc has the same issue. I do not reload R-P pistol brass, it goes straight to the recycle bin. Other than that no other issues.

[Bill Steele]

45acp R-P brass is pretty thin, I've had issues with neck tension and the bullet just falling right in a properly resized case, I hear the 38spc has the same issue. I do not reload R-P pistol brass, it goes straight to the recycle bin. Other than that no other issues.

In .45ACP, R-P is prized for loading lead. You will find if you segregate them, you can sell them for a few cents more than other "once fired" cases when sold as a lot. I will gladly trade you straight across for Fiocchi, which I guarentee you will not have any neck tension issues.

[BACKTOSHOOTING]

45acp R-P brass is pretty thin, I've had issues with neck tension and the bullet just falling right in a properly resized case, I hear the 38spc has the same issue. I do not reload R-P pistol brass, it goes straight to the recycle bin. Other than that no other issues.

What is R-P ?