How Many Reloads?

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   When I started shooting my Mk 1/3 Savage and Mk 1/2 Long Branch I began to record the number of times the brass was reloaded.  
At my last range outing with the Mk 1/2 Long Branch I detected slight resistance to fully locking the bolt. These PPU cases had been neck sized 15 times.  So, this batch of cases got it’s first partial length resize. 

My routine I have used for many years is to neck size with a Lee Collet die until I feel resistance (light finger pressure) to fully lock the bolt.  Then, do a partial length resize to bump the shoulder back and decrease the case body diameter JUST ENOUGH such that there is no resistance in locking the bolt. This usually requires setting the shoulder back at least .003 inches, but no more than .005 inches. Excessive shoulder set back is very detrimental to case life.  Then continue with neck sizing until resistance is again felt to fully lock the bolt.

This approach is somewhat of a pain when you have multiple rifles of the same calibre your shooting, you must keep all the brass sorted for each rifle.  And if you tumble to clean, you need to be able to identify which brass is for which rifle.  

I’ve estimated that I typically get 40 to 50 reloads before case head cracking begins, but I will now track this to find out for sure.  I suspect it will be unique to each rifle.

My theory of why I’m able to get this many reloads is:

1. Headspace is set to near minimum, which minimizes case web stretching when fired.
2. Primarily neck size, the Lee Collet die minimizes cold working of the neck, and the case will headspace on the shoulder rather than the rim, holding it back against the bolt face further minimizing web stretching.
3. Do not full length resize, “Partial Length” resize only when necessary by adjusting the die out.  Use a Hornady Headspace Comparator to measure the fired case headspace and adjust the die to move the shoulder the minimum amount.
4. Relatively mild loads under 40,000 CUP.

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britrifles Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: February 03 2018 Location: Georgia, USA Status: Offline Points: 8404	Post Options Post Reply Quote britrifles Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: How Many Reloads? Posted: February 01 2022 at 11:39am
	When I started shooting my Mk 1/3 Savage and Mk 1/2 Long Branch I began to record the number of times the brass was reloaded. At my last range outing with the Mk 1/2 Long Branch I detected slight resistance to fully locking the bolt. These PPU cases had been neck sized 15 times. So, this batch of cases got it’s first partial length resize. My routine I have used for many years is to neck size with a Lee Collet die until I feel resistance (light finger pressure) to fully lock the bolt. Then, do a partial length resize to bump the shoulder back and decrease the case body diameter JUST ENOUGH such that there is no resistance in locking the bolt. This usually requires setting the shoulder back at least .003 inches, but no more than .005 inches. Excessive shoulder set back is very detrimental to case life. Then continue with neck sizing until resistance is again felt to fully lock the bolt. This approach is somewhat of a pain when you have multiple rifles of the same calibre your shooting, you must keep all the brass sorted for each rifle. And if you tumble to clean, you need to be able to identify which brass is for which rifle. I’ve estimated that I typically get 40 to 50 reloads before case head cracking begins, but I will now track this to find out for sure. I suspect it will be unique to each rifle. My theory of why I’m able to get this many reloads is: 1. Headspace is set to near minimum, which minimizes case web stretching when fired. 2. Primarily neck size, the Lee Collet die minimizes cold working of the neck, and the case will headspace on the shoulder rather than the rim, holding it back against the bolt face further minimizing web stretching. 3. Do not full length resize, “Partial Length” resize only when necessary by adjusting the die out. Use a Hornady Headspace Comparator to measure the fired case headspace and adjust the die to move the shoulder the minimum amount. 4. Relatively mild loads under 40,000 CUP.

Dragunov Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: November 12 2021 Location: Melbourne, FL Status: Offline Points: 239	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dragunov Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February 01 2022 at 12:01pm
	Brit, most interesting tome. Thanks for sharing. Can you tell us your load data?

britrifles Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: February 03 2018 Location: Georgia, USA Status: Offline Points: 8404	Post Options Post Reply Quote britrifles Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February 01 2022 at 12:23pm
	40.0 gr Varget (ADI AR2208), WLR Primer, 174 grain Sierra MatchKing, 3.05 inch cartridge OAL. Shoots very well in all my No. 4 rifles. I have not found a load that beats it yet after 20+ years of trying. Hodgdon repackages ADI AR2208 powder as VARGET (VARmint/tarGET). It is excellent powder, single base and very temp stable, meters well in rotating drum type measures. Unfortunately, it’s still very hard to find here in the USA and my supply is running down.

Dragunov Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: November 12 2021 Location: Melbourne, FL Status: Offline Points: 239	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dragunov Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February 01 2022 at 2:48pm
	Easier to find an honest politician that .303 components.

britrifles Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: February 03 2018 Location: Georgia, USA Status: Offline Points: 8404	Post Options Post Reply Quote britrifles Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: February 01 2022 at 3:37pm
	Yup! That’s why I want to maximize case life. At least I had the foresight to buy a large number of PPU cases when they were available, they will last me the rest of my life. I clearly did not buy enough powder and primers, shooting several thousand rounds a year, I have no more than five years supply remaining. I sure hope by then, the shortages will be overcome.