How many times can you reload the same brass?

[Woodstash]

I've heard different numbers from different people but what's the actual limit before brass is done?

 

[Deleted member 30]

It's not a set number. Various makes of brass are different as well resizing practices. I usually only neck size mine, full length sizing might make that number less. Then some guys after a certain number of neck sizing will anneal the case necks to get more life. there's so many variables involved I'm certain there isn't a fixed "actual limit". So that said, I have some that has been loaded 8-9 times and still look good for more...but that brings up another point, keeping track of how many times a case has been reloaded is, at least for me, a tough job. BTW I have some 22 hornet brass that didn't live through 5 loadings before the case nicks split. But that was only a few cases out of several hundred.

 

[Scythe]

Primer pockets will also tell a story, are the loose or getting loose.
How much powder did you load the cases up with. was it a hot load.
It varies as was said above me, and keeping count means using the same brass until failure. Be that number 500, 100 or 20 pieces. I generally used 30 pieces of brass which means I have a pretty good supply that is primed and ready.
I also agree with what was said - 8 or possibly 12 times. then they are off to the trash if they are showing signs of fatigue or not.

Now, 5.56 / 223 is a different animal. I can pick that stuff up off the ground, get it home, clean it, size and prime, load some powder and a bullet, go shoot.

 

[Stan]

I keep reloading until I see problems like loose primer pockets or cracks. Some last a long time, others don't. I look at every one closely because the brass will tell you when it's done.

 

[nksmfamjp]

Rifle, pistol or revolver? Do you anneal rifle?