[1919]

Anyone know why they say you cant reload steel cases? I have reloaded the same wolf 223 case several times (as an experiment) with a mid range load, full length sizing the case each time, with no problems evident except for the polymer coating wearing off at the shoulder and around the case head. The steel case goes through the sizing die as easy, if not easier than a brass case. Any ideas?

 

[nseal0]

I have heard of it being done allot by people they say just look really good for any cracks/stress occurring.

 

[PKw VI Tiger1]

Steel is hard on your dies and will eventually scratch them up good.

 

[bigblock]

I think its a bad Idea. brass stretches and to a degree will go back to a original shape where steel just stretches. basically brass is a little more springy than steel if that makes any sense.

 

[Finalygotabeltfed]

I've done it in .223 and .45, worked just fine.

As far as steel scratching the dies, I bet money on it that it doesn't. The steel used in cartridges is only very slightly harder than brass and magnitudes softer than the steel used for dies. What scratches dies is sand and dirt. If your cases are clean and lubed, they run through the dies just like brass and never even touch surface to surface.

 

[blkbd]

I remember 30 years ago my Father telling me you can load steel but it was just not practical, With current events and shortages in brass and skyrocketing ammo prices......The not so practical is becoming practical.