.44 Magnum brass, how many times?

kam582

kam582

New member
I have been reloading for my .223's for about a year, and seem to be doing alright. I just got dies for my .44 Magnum Ruger, and seem to have figured out the roll crimp. I have loaded up several different groups of 5 rounds each to see which shoots the best. I am using once fired Hornady brass from factory rounds that I bought and shot before I started to reload.

One of my books stated that some folks who reload for the .44 only shoot full loads once in their brass, and then use that brass for practice loads. None of my brass appears to be stressed or anything, so I am wondering why? Do any of you only shoot your .44 reloads once with hunting loads? I am loading no where near the maximum loads in the Hornady manual, so I feel I should be alright, at least I hope so.

Thanks,
 
Don't use any more crimp than you really need, the brass will last longer.

Most of my loads for my 44 are warm to hot. I'm getting 12-15 loadings out of my 44 brass.
 
At least in my experience and for the way I load, 44 mag brass failure will always be from the result of the crimping and then belling the case. This repeated action causes splits. For light loads, use a light crimp, heavy loads require a heavier crimp. For my light target loads, I don't crimp at all, just straighten the case. I've never had a bullet back out yet...but they are light target loads too. I've never had anything like a base separation.
Personally, I don't segregate my brass between hunting brass or target brass. Just separate by head stamp, trim length, etc. I would reload it until you get a neck split then toss it.
Just my opinion though.
 
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