Loading Steel Cases?

14 December 2006, 17:30

steve4102

I know that it is not a good idea to load stell cases (Wolf). Besides being hard on dies, what are some of the reasons one should not load steel bottle neck cases?

Thanks

14 December 2006, 18:36

smedley

Steve4102,
From what I understand, steel is not as ductile as brass which is why it is harder to resize.
Also because of this it is not as elastic either which may cause a seal problem as you work up a load.
Don't know if it will work harden faster than brass but I do know you would not want to "anneal" them.
The "should not" I don't think is set in stone but, brass for the most part is not to expensive and for sure it is a lot cheaper then having to buy dies and brass trying to save a couple of bucks.
Also if you full size it and it needs to be trimmed, look out you may tear up the cutter!

Oh yea, what type of primer are the using in that case? If it is a Bearden then that is another reason to avoid the extra hasles of dealing with it.

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Smedley

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14 December 2006, 22:08

bartsche

The brass case is like a fuse in an electrical circuit. It is the first thing to react to high pressures and give you a warning.

The steel case is not going to give you that degree of luxury or rather protection. There will be little difference from when the steel case fails and the rifle is in danger of being damaged along with the shooter.

roger

Old age is a high price to pay for maturity!!! Some never pay and some pay and never reap the reward. Wisdom comes with age! Sometimes age comes alone..

14 December 2006, 22:41

vapodog

quote:
Originally posted by bartsche:
The brass case is like a fuse in an electrical circuit. It is the first thing to react to high pressures and give you a warning.

The steel case is not going to give you that degree of luxury or rather protection. There will be little difference from when the steel case fails and the rifle is in danger of being damaged along with the shooter. roger

This post by Roger is the best reason for avoiding steel cases I've ever read.

Thanks Roger.

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"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."
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14 December 2006, 23:28

Jim White

quote:
Originally posted by vapodog:
Hey Roger.....would you care to guess what pressure Ackley's cartridges would have been loaded to if he used steel cases?

Didn't you forget to add this.

99% of the democrats give the rest a bad name.

"O" = zero

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15 December 2006, 02:22

steve4102

Thanks guys. I am not loading steel nor do I plan to. I was asked this very question and I didn't have a good answer. I figured I would pose the question to you guys. This is the best place I know of to get the straight poop.

Thanks

15 December 2006, 05:04

NBHunter

I don't reload them persay, but I do pull some military rounds, dump the powder, resize just the neck amd load my own powder/bullet. This is because my SKS really throws cases away and brass cases cost more than military loaded rounds.

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It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it

15 December 2006, 05:52

bartsche

quote:
Originally posted by vapodog:
Hey Roger.....would you care to guess what pressure Ackley's cartridges would have been loaded to if he used steel cases?

Interestingly enough ,VD, They would be the same as the brass.

difficult bolt handle lift would have happened at the same pressure.

roger maybe not????????