Reloading questions..

[Kc_Kracker]

- how many times can a cartridge or brass be reloaded
- I know you can reload brass what about steel or aluminum
- how do I know what powder primers and bullets to use in each thing I reload ?
- as I'm setting up my reloading room should I be setting it up so that I'm using my equipment from a standing position or sitting like at a workbench?

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[callturner]

First of all, get a good reloading book. Read it several times. Most of your questions will be answered.

[Oh Mah]

yes you can reload steel and aluminum but not very advantageous, The aluminum will lose its memory and not hold very tight. Steel most of the time has wrong primer pockets for most.

As to how many loads per brass, there are a lot of variables to that. if you load hot much less. Magnums esp. Weatherby like to swell and you will need a collet die to fix(if you run them hot). I have ran .300 win mag 15 16 times with 0 problems as long as they were all consistently sized. keep them as close to the fire form as you can and anneal when needed and you will get a long life out of each brass. I also only use upper end brass also. 

[NRA4LIFE]

Sitting for sure.  Procure 3 or more reloading manuals.  In 35 years, I've reloaded only brass and a tiny bit of nickel pistol rounds.  Brass re-use depends.  Varies from a few to a dozen. 

[TRD1911]

- how many times can a cartridge or brass be reloaded
- I know you can reload brass what about steel or aluminum
- how do I know what powder primers and bullets to use in each thing I reload ?
- as I'm setting up my reloading room should I be setting it up so that I'm using my equipment from a standing position or sitting like at a workbench?

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Finally a topic that I can feel somewhat helpful on! I'm usually the one soaking up the knowledge spread around here.

-# of reloads depends on how hot you reload your cartridge, how tight the tolerances of your weapon are, how much you are sizing and what type of sizing you are doing (neck sizing/bumping, full length sizing...). I dont really keep track of # of reloads for anything except for my precision rifle loads. The things to watch out for is split necks, loose primer pockets (you will feel a difference when hand priming which I prefer), and a ridge inside of the case along the shoulder. Of course case head seperations and all that are signs that the batch is done.

-There are youtube videos out there of guys loading steel cases. Seems like it works once or twice but for the sake of your vision, and your firearm, I wouldnt recommend it. If you're that hard up for brass let me know and I'll try to help, ha!

-As mentioned above the loading manuals are your best friend when it comes to componenet combinations; projectile weight, case trim length, sizing guide, powder types and charges, primers (large vs small; standard vs magnum). There are free manuals online from many of the major powder and bullet manufactures. Of course they are biased towards their product. Everyone will tell you to start low and work up your load. This is the best possible advice when it comes to putting together your first loads.

-I like to reload while standing. My posture is horrible when I'm doing repetative tasks while sitting (currently hunched over typing). I'm also always reaching for something; powder scale, projectiles, calipers....its just easier for me to do standing. I'm only loading for 1-2 hours at a time and have a mat in front of my bench so its not a big deal.

[Kc_Kracker]

I asked about sitting or standing so I know if I want to built a bench or counter

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[Smokeploe]

You can reload brass shell as many times as they are safe to reload.  There are so many factors that can shorten brass life.  What type of powder, how much powder, how tight you resize, how many times you anneal the cases.  Which type/style of loads you prefer, hot/full powder loads.  Your gun you are using, how tight or loose your chamber is, what type of brass.  I could go on for pages but the main thing is to inspect your cases before you reload them. 

As far as sitting or standing do both, if you feel like sitting the do so, if you feel like standing then do so, it what’s you want to do. Build you reloading bench so you can do both.
 
Steel or other metals it’s better to stick with brass, to many other variables to deal with. 
Remember knowledge is power the more you read the more answers you will find.

Smokeploe

[jasnt]

I did my bench tall(about belly button height) so I can sit on a stool or stand.
Strongly recommend finding a local reloader to mentor you.