TexasComputerDude wrote:... the only problem is I would lose a round everytime I go anywhere. I've heard some horror stories about chambering a round multiple times.
It depends upon the pistol. You can try chambering the same round 20 or 30 times (obviously you need to do this safely), then compare it to untouched rounds.
If you don't own a micrometer, place the cycled round primer-down on a table and put an untouched round on either side of it. Place a ruler across the three bullet faces.
I have done this and seen no measureable setback after 30 cycles.
There is another problem in warm, humid climates: brass shells become tarnished, and ultimately could fail to extract. I fire the top round periodically as a form of quality assurance.
- Jim
[Edited to correct messed-up attribution]