DefensiveCarry Concealed Carry Forum - View Single Post

cvhoss · March 28th, 2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STITCH

Thanks a ton for posting that!! Very benifical!!

Ok so this probably a dumb question, but I am going to ask it anyway. My dad, brother, and I are just getting into shooting alot and have been lookin into start reloading for our .45 1911's. We use Winchester 230gr brass rounds. How many times can you reload those before they are spent? I have heard from many different people that you can only reload those twice. But then I hear that you can reload those 5 times. Sorry for the dumb question I was just curious.

Stitch,
There's really no "pat" answer to that question. A lot depends on how hot a load your loading. It also depends on how well your particular firearm's chamber supports the case. On pistols, I usually load only light target loads with the exception of 44mag. revolver loads for hunting. Assuming your 1911 fully supports the cartridge case and you use light loads, you should average at least 7-10 loads out of a case. In calculating my costs for any given caliber, I usually assume at least 5. I have some that have 15 loadings and are still going. In all honesty, it's probably best to pick a number in that 7-10 range and when you reach that many loadings, sell the brass for scrap and buy more. In any case, always inspect your cases for any early signs of head separation or splitting. If anything is suspect, don't use it. One other thing, and I'm sure others may have different experiences, but I try to avoid using nickel plated cases. The nickel cases seem more brittle and more prone to case mouth splits. This is especially true when loading lead bullets (non-jacketed) where you have to bell the case mouth more to avoid shaving lead as you seat the bullet. I have had several nickel cases split after only two loadings.

Hoss