Reloading CCI Blazer .357 Aluminum cases?

[Rizzo]

Anybody reload Blazer aluminum cases?
Is this an unsafe thing to do?
I have been saving them and hate to throw them out if they can be reloaded.
Thanks.

[klewan]

They use a special sized primer that you'll never get your paws on. Besides being a berdan style primer. Recycle is all they're worth.

[XDRoX]

They use a special sized primer that you'll never get your paws on. Besides being a berdan style primer. Recycle is all they're worth.

They have been using normal sized boxer primers since at least 2008.
They are reloadable but they are not as ductile as brass. They will crack after just a few reloads. With anything other than mouse fart loads you are risking case rupture. Plus I doubt the primer pockets will last more than a few loads also.

In a SHTF situation I'd reload them if they were all I had. But brass is pretty cheap and lasts practically forever in pistol cases.

[pdq_wizzard]

They have been using normal sized boxer primers since at least 2008.
They are reloadable but they are not as ductile as brass. They will crack after just a few reloads. With anything other than mouse fart loads you are risking case rupture. Plus I doubt the primer pockets will last more than a few loads also.

In a SHTF situation I'd reload them if they were all I had. But brass is pretty cheap and lasts practically forever in pistol cases.

this, I have tested 9mm and 40S&W (about 3 of each) just to see if it worked and it did.

[Corbin Dallas]

I reload 45acp alum often. It is my throw away cases when the range will not let me pick it up or I'm just too damm lazy to do so.

Things I can tell you:

1) do not clean the cases in anything but a light tumble in crushed walnut or just a quick rinse in the ultrasonic cleaner with a dash of simple green. These cases have a thin lacquer coating.

2) Do not try to undersize the cases. They will crack for sure.

3) Download your charge 10% and work back up. I have been able to get an avg of 890fps from my 45 reloads in the alum.

4) Reload them once and once only. Twice is pushing it.

5) Inspect every case and with a sammi case gauge after loading. You will find about 4% will crack after crimping.

6) Crimp lightly! You need just enough to stop bullet setback for semiautos.

7) cull out the berdan primed cases. Although you can use them the will wreak havoc on you deprimer and I have found some are slightly oversized when seating small primers.


Thats all I can think of for now.

[klewan]

Mine are 20 years old, wonder why they changed?

[Corbin Dallas]

Because its more cost effective to buy one or two types of primers instead of 4. Berdan primed brass is on the way out for commercial reloading.

Since the same machine likely loads all of the same caliber cartridge, its makes more sense to use the same priming system for all cartridges.

I believe this is also why blazer brass 45 is now small pistol primed. That way the company can save on time and supplies.

[Rizzo]

Thanks for all of your input on this issue.
I checked my empty cases and they are Berdan primed and also on the back of the Blazer box it says in bold lettering "Do Not Reload These Cartridge Cases"
The cases are also stamped with NR (Not Reloadable)
I'm going to heed the warning, toss the empty cases and buy brass cartridges from now on.

[stilly]

Anybody reload Blazer aluminum cases?
Is this an unsafe thing to do?
I have been saving them and hate to throw them out if they can be reloaded.
Thanks.

No. Do not waste your time, it is NOT worth the effort.

[John Browning]

No. Do not waste your time, it is NOT worth the effort.

Coming from you, that means something.

[at_liberty]

It's not just aluminum, not reloadable by definition. I can't reload Blazer brass 357 cases either. The heads are larger in diameter and won't go through my small caliber case feeder tube like the rest The heads are also thick and will not fit in my shell plate (Hornady LnL AP). In other words, I have to sort through every case. I cull S&B for now as well, given past bad experience with their primer pockets.

Once I get a good working supply, I don't pick up any more at the range. Then I can skip the sorting part, which is not satisfying work.

[Jasonaspears]

Brass can be picked up pretty cheap. Why risk trying to use aluminum? The risk far outweighs the reward imo.