When to toss brass?

[Bigwheels]

I have a few hundred Winchester brass in 300WM with 6, & 7 reloads on them. My question is:
What should I be looking for to determine when to toss them?
I have found some that measure .526" @ the belt, & new measures .525". A couple here & there are @ .527", & these I'm tossing. I have never split a neck or anything else, & primer pockets are getting a little loose, but still hold well, so that's why I'm asking.
Thanks.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: When to toss brass?

Are you inspecting the insides for possible case head seperation? I am now using a dental pick that I altered. But for years I used an extra long paperclip bent straight with a small hook on one end. If the paperclip catches, you need to check it more thoroughly for the cracks.

Keep everything inspected inside as well as outside. No matter how you set your dies, or what "special" dies you use. There is NO SUBSTITUTE for actually inspecting the cases.

Good luck.

 

[Bigwheels]

Re: When to toss brass?

Yeah, I inspect all my cases for cracks, etc. & have tossed a few because of it, but the rest just keep on going. Thats why I started to mic the belts for growth. But after 7 reloads I still only have a few that have grown over .001". When they grow .002"+ I toss them. Should I be tossing them @ .001"? I know that I should need to anneal them by now, but haven't.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: When to toss brass?

I have only been loading 300 WinMag for a few years. But for my other brass I have had a friend anneal quiet a bit of it for me. I'm seriously considering a Ken Light machine this spring.

I check a few cases from each batch after sizing to make sure they cahmber correctly.