SmallCaliberCentral

Im not reloading yet but I was wondering if the rem accutip factory cases I have shot, will be ok for re loading as they are already fire formed to my gun? I also have the hornady cases that I used when I first had the gun.
Also how many times is considered safe to re use a case? Iv heard stories of the case heads seperating and splits!
Thanks
Adam

Those remi cases will be perfect for your rifle,along with the hornady,though you will have to keep them seperate.Also if you have a load worked up for the remi cases and decide to load the hornadys you need to drop the powder weight 10 % and work back up again.
As far as number of times to reload a case goes i think it depends on a lot of factors and there is not a definate answer.
This is just my opinion and i`m sure that someone with a lot more experiance will jump in if i need correcting.
Jamie.

Generally, you can re-use the cases up to ten times, if you don't load too warm. If you try to duplicate factory loads, you won't get very good case life, they are loaded pretty hot. If you keep them at sane levels, you should be able to run them 7-10 times.

On that subject, I've got 200 223 R-P cases that I formed in 1980 from 222 Remington Magnum cases (annealed right after forming). They have been shot every year since being formed with a "manual-published" load on rock chucks, ground squirrels, coyotes, and prairie dogs. I'm still shooting them, and have annealed them only once since forming in all that time. Primer pockets are still reasonably snug, and none have been lost to split necks or other problems. They get neck sized only, and the occasional "shoulder bump" when needed to chamber properly.

I know most shooters would not keep cases that long, but this illustrates that with proper reloading practices, cases can and will last a very long time.

I think the key to reusing cases for extended periods is knowing how to check for signs that you need to throw them out. Lose primer pockets are a sign as well as incipient case head separation.

Do a web search for incipient case head separation and look at the pictures of the bright ring around the bottom of the case. If I noticed that kind of indication on one of my cases I would probably throw out that whole lot.

Another problem with older brass is that the neck tension starts to vary from case to case. For general hunting applications this isn't a problem but for long range work or competition it poses a particular problem. Annealing may soften the necks back up but it usually doesn't fix the variation problem. The only remedy is to toss the brass and start with a new batch.

Thanks lads. Its taken me ages to work my way through about 250 rounds and Iv kept them incase I could use them for re loading. I couldnt bear the thought of buying brass then loading it to fire it for fire forming purposes, then re load it again !!!!
Thanks again