I am no expert...but my understanding is that steel stretches....and can't be resized to original specs to an acceptable degree....where as brass can be adequately resized to original specs.

 

As with anything, opinions will vary.
I found this thread --> http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/showthread.php?t=44481

 

Hello, some wolf cases are reloadable...the one major thing, is what it will do to your dies and brass cutter. I have been reloading several years, and am no exspert by no means. I've always like the look of nickle caseings (well nickle plated brass) but its just to hard on equipment (and on your chamber) to make it worth it. It also cuts down the # of times to be reloaded. Hope this helped...USsniper

 

There are several reasons why a "steel" case should not be reloaded. The number one reason is "Safety". I could go into great detail about the metallurgical properties of brass vs steel etc.etc. but why. Let's just say that loading steel cases is "Bad".
Tommygun2000 stated that his carbide dies never missed a beat with steel. Being this is the "Mini-14" forum I assume that we are talking about loading for a bottle neck cartridge (223, 7.62x39) and not pistol. Carbide dies are for straight wall pistols.

 

Steve, that particular posting was in the reloading section of the board, and not aimed specifically at the mini 14 threads. His refrence was to Wolf .45 ACP. I was the one asking in reference to the .223 steel cases. I've heard from people that reload that some will use the steel cases, and some won't. I've heard all sorts of reasons, from die wear, to the inability of resizing the case neck. It seems there are Pros and Cons to each side, and it's more a matter of opinion than matter of fact.
Anyway, it was just a question of "to use, or not to use".

 

Brass is much more "malable" than steel. i.e. can be stretched more with out weakening than steel. If you weaken the case the pressure may crack or burst the case. Yes it will also be hard on your dies. It isn't worth it.

I won't reload nickel cases anymore either, the particles stick to the die, and scratch the cases. I had to dissamble the die many times to clean/buff the particles off the die walls.

Besides some steel cases are Berdian primed. Most dies are for Boxer primers. Every steel cased ammo I've seen says "So not reload" on the factory box.

 

It can be done, but with once fired brass cased stuff so cheap, I would'nt go through the extra trouble the steel cases require to load. Plus, the number one reason safety.

 

This is how loading steel was explained to me.


"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."

 

Thanks everyone.