How Many Reloads?

[ColColt]

I'm on my 10th reload of some 270 Winchester cases. I've annealed them every third firing and all but once they've been neck sized only. I'm a bit nervous to continue much longer and wonder if after this 10th firing if I should can them. I've reloaded .222 cases more than this but they're not the high pressure cartridges the 270 is. I've dragged a paper clip with the end curved up and don't feel the beginning of a pressure ring ahead of the web area. Feelings on this?

 

[SJB358]

Keep doing what your doing. No reason to toss cases that are still good and working for you. I've got over 10 on all of my WSM and Win Mag and I don't baby my loads at all. Keep the sizing die close and anneal them. They last much better taking careful sizing measurements and observing for a case head sep. Your good.

 

[ColColt]

I keep watch of OAL and as mentioned just neck size till they get a little huffy about going back into the chamber. Then, I use a Redding Body die...or, may just run them through the Redding Bushing die.

I've had one head separation many years ago and it wasn't a great experience. Some years later I had an incipient separation but it was my fault adhering to manufacturers recommendations on how to adjust their dies. It set the shoulder back too far and I got 4 reloads before a crack developed in two of the cases. I dumped the other 18. So, I'm mindful of those experiences. They sort of stick in your mind.

 

[DrMike]

You may get considerably more than ten reloads if you are not running the loads "hot" and annealing as you do. You've demonstrated to your satisfaction that there is no evidence of incipient case head separation. It is not unheard of in standard cartridge cases to get more than fifteen loads. In this instance, you saved a fair amount of moneys and decreased the cost per unit.

 

[ColColt]

I keep an eye out for that familiar shinny ring about half an inch above the extractor groove. I guess I'm still a little paranoid after those two experiences. You get a little "gun shy"-pun intended. I've never had that happen with other calibers so I suppose I'm watching this one more intently. Loads are fairly on the hot side with 59.5 gr of H4831 and the 130 gr bullet.

 

[SJB358]

Your not really running hot in my opinion though. Your running around 62-63k with your loads, it's in the right spot for a 270 and it'll last. Your not screaming by any means. My Whelen runs in that same range and I have NEVER lost a piece of brass. I anneal, mind my sizing and inspect the cases. They are even the less than stellar RP cases if that says anything.

 

[ColColt]

I've never really cared for R-P cases. All of my 270 cases are Winchester and I think among my stash is 50 new Norma cases but those are stuck back for posterity. The only other load I use is 48 gr of IMR 4064, which has proved to be an accurate load but not up to quite the velocity of the H4831. I doubt paper targets will care the least little bit, though.

 

[SJB358]

Yes sir. I believe there are a few 270 shooters here who thrive on 4064 and 130's. Seems to be very accurate as well. The Whelen is the only rifle that uses RP cases. Try do fine really and I have a passel of them. If I had my choice I'd run Norma though.

 

[ColColt]

35 Whelen-that's a bit of a canon isn't it? Never see or shot one.

 

[SJB358]

You don't own a 35 Whelen? What's this world coming too?!!!!

 

[DrMike]

You don't own a 35 Whelen? What's this world coming too?!!!!

Whelen alert! :shock: We've got a live one here, fellows. Time to get to work. :grin:

 

[ColColt]

Nope, the largest caliber I've owned, other than my BPCR 45-70, has been the 308 Norma Magnum years ago. I'd love to have the 375 H&H but after loosing 45 pounds a few years back I doubt my skinny shoulders could take it.

 

[nvbroncrider]

He likes Winchesters!!! In fact in my memory serves me right I saw one on the fire. A 30-06 Stainless CRF in a laminate stock that went to JES and was rebored to 35 Whelen!!! I'm gonna have to find that link!

 

[Oldtrader3]

I have used W-W cases for my smaller (up to .30-06) cases for 40 years or more. My magnum and larger caliber cases, I have been using Norma and/or Nosler cases. You should easily get ten reloads with constant annealing. I usually do not go past ten reloading cycles but you certainly can.

 

[nvbroncrider]

EUREKA!!!!


http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthread ... /8948911/1

 

[DrMike]

EUREKA!!!!


http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthread ... /8948911/1

That would be a good buy. Looks to be a shooter.

 

[ColColt]

You should easily get ten reloads with constant annealing

I'm up to my 10th reload now. I do anneal often at every third firing.

I'm going to have to look into the 35 Whelen a little more, although I doubt I'd ever be hunting moose or Alaskan brown bear. If it recoils worse than a 300 Winchester I'd have to turn it down. Some old timers(yours truly) can't take the recoil we once did. After this weight loss I bruise easily and particularly being on Plavix and Warfarin!

 

[DrMike]

I don't believe you'll find the Whelen to be a hard kicking cartridge, especially if you shoot 200 or 210 grain bullets. They will assuredly account for deer without breaking a sweat.

 

[SJB358]

Yup, no need to run the Whelen up real tight if your hunt deer or even bigger animals at normal ranges if you don't want to. Mines a CDL and pretty light so it moves me a little with full house 250 loads but in a little heavier rifle it'd probably be a bunch easier to shoot and not horrible to carry either.

Give it a look. There's a few of us that can help with loads.

 

[ColColt]

Mines a CDL and pretty light so it moves me a little with full house 250 loads but in a little heavier rifle it'd probably be a bunch easier to shoot and not horrible to carry either.

I ran across a CDL in 35 Whelen on one of the auction sites but it's listed as weighing 8 lbs 5 ounces. That would be about right for a cartridge like that. I don't think I'd want one much lighter.