Brass life for 10mm - any brand

mlk3454 · February 09 2013 08:10:38 PM MST

I have decided to add the 10mm to the 9mm and .40 that I reload to bring the per box price down to a more acceptable range. I have saved brass from Underwood and other "store" bought boxes but am curious as to how many loads roughly are people getting out of their brass before discarding it? I dont load max but do get close. I shoot out of both the stock Gen 3 barrel and a Storm Lake 6"

I am reposting this at GT as well.

sqlbullet · February 09 2013 08:26:27 PM MST

I max load 2-3 times then back off to practice loads

i get about 10-12 loads before i start to see split mouths.

The_Shadow · February 09 2013 08:45:06 PM MST

Inspection!, Inspection!, Inspection! Did I mention Inspection?

One thing I did add is another step in processing/reconditioning my brass, that step is "Pass-Thru Sizing", this provides another opportunity at looking and handling the brass. Please read about this procees here; http://10mm-firearms.com/reloading-10mm-ammo/pass-thru-sizing-using-lee-fcd/

Also read this about the problematic condition of "Smiled Brass" here; http://10mm-firearms.com/reloading-10mm-ammo/cross-section-of-a-smiley/

REDLINE · February 10 2013 12:41:01 AM MST

At least one person here has mentioned that his 10mm brass actually shortens after additional usages, and I believe actually gets to the point of being too short to use anymore.

sqlbullet · February 10 2013 10:05:03 AM MST

I see a little shrinkage in the first loading or two, but after that i don't notice any additional shrinking. Others may have different results. As I mentioned above after 2-3 loadings my brass no longer gets worked anywhere near as hard. That may be the difference.

I am a big fan of push through sizing and of a good tumbling. Easier to see defects when inspecting clean brass.

gandog56 · February 16 2013 10:54:43 AM MST

It sort of DOES depend on who makes the brass, whether it is brass or nickel plated, and whether you anneal your cases every so often. I EXPECT 8-10 reloads without any effort on my part. Just shoot them till the neck cracks appear, which they will sooner or later.

claimbuster · February 16 2013 06:25:10 PM MST

Quote from: REDLINE on February 10 2013 12:41:01 AM MST
At least one person here has mentioned that his 10mm brass actually shortens after additional usages, and I believe actually gets to the point of being too short to use anymore.

But don't throw it out. Once it gets short enough, start using it in your 40 S&W! ${$default_grin_smiley}$ ${$default_grin_smiley}$ ${$default_grin_smiley}$

Just kidding!

Jay/G20 · February 17 2013 04:55:02 PM MST

I think everyone wonders .......some have tried .... and show the results!
Some reading for the curious minds... http://www.thegunzone.com/10v40.html
[/quote]

REDLINE · February 17 2013 09:11:30 PM MST

Quote from: claimbuster on February 16 2013 06:25:10 PM MST
Quote from: REDLINE on February 10 2013 12:41:01 AM MST
At least one person here has mentioned that his 10mm brass actually shortens after additional usages, and I believe actually gets to the point of being too short to use anymore.
But don't throw it out. Once it gets short enough, start using it in your 40 S&W! ${$default_grin_smiley}$ ${$default_grin_smiley}$ ${$default_grin_smiley}$

Just kidding!

LOL ${$default_wink_smiley}$

gandog56 · February 28 2013 04:25:19 PM MST

Nobody anywhere can say you should get X amount of reloads for any case. Depends on too many variables. How hot you load, you have a tight or loose chamber, fully supported ramp or not, etc. I have some .45's I have reloaded 30-40 times as it's a pretty low pressure round and doesn't create many problems. I've had factory 10mm ammo showing cracks the very FIRST time I fired it. I got some 10mm cases I've probably reloaded at least ten times.