Reloading brass multiple times.

[gramps]

How many times a rifle case can be reloaded depends on several variables.  I have a simple way to check cases that have been loaded multiple or unknown times.  When a case is fired and then resized the brass ‘flows’ toward the mouth of the case.  If one is careful, one can detect the ”groove” that develops as the brass flows toward the mouth.
I took a piece of 3/32” dia. brass rod and sharpened one end  and then bent the sharpened end at a 90-degree angle.   Insert the bent end into the case and move the sharpened end up and down along the side of the case at the bottom.  Cases that have been resized numerous times will have a groove that can be felt with the brass rod.  When you find a case that feels like it has a groove, cut it in half and take a look for reference.  This is a poor photo, but it shows a couple cases that are not too severe yet, but are beginning to show the “groove” near the horizontal line.
There are many very experienced reloaders on this site and I welcome any comments.

[Jamieb]

I've been doing the same thing with a straitened paper clip for years. I straitened a paper clip, files the end to a point, and bent the tip 90* with needle nose pliers.

[MHWASH]

First thing I did after my first and only case head seperation, was make a tool simular to yours.

[Idabooner]

I've been using a crochet hook for many years, generally you will have more brass flowing problems with lever actions, the head space is not as tight as a bolt action.