Reloading ammo is a popular hobby, especially during times when ammo prices are rising. It can be a great way to save money and ensure access to ammo that can be difficult to find. There are a few different factors that reloaders need to understand, and the reloading brass is the most important of those.
New or Once-Fired?
Brass can be used many times before it wears out, so there is a large market for used brass. Most ammo from a factory uses new brass, which means there is a large supply of once-fired brass on the market.
The practical difference between the two is minor. Once-fired brass will be cheaper than completely new cartridges, but there is a slightly higher chance of a defect. Even new brass should be examined prior to use, so checking for those defects will not make the reloading process any more difficult.
How to Check for Defects
Brass is durable, but you still need to inspect it prior to use. You should start by looking for cracks or misshapen sections of the cartridges, since those tend to be the most obvious problems. Eliminate any brass that is clearly damaged, and then give a closer look to the rest of it. Try to identify and cartridges that are showing signs of wear and tear. That is a very rare problem, even when reloading used brass, but it is always best to play it safe when it comes to ammunition.
Recent Prices
Many people take up reloading so that they can save money on their shooting hobby. The savings can be significant in the long run, especially for people that are willing to shop around when they are buying their brass.
You should take the time to figure out the going rate for brass before you may any purchases. The cost will depend on the caliber that you are reloading, so you will need to do this for each one that you intend to use. Be sure to take bulk discounts and other savings into account, and check the prices of the recent past to make sure you aren’t buying brass during a short price bubble!
How to Clean
It is vital to clean your brass before you load it. The important part is to get rid of all of the grit and powder residue, but taking the time to make it shine will make the final product look much better. You can simply throw the brass in a bucket with some water and detergent, then put the lid on and shake. Let the brass dry, and it will normally be clean enough for use. If you do this before you check the brass for damage, you can check for cleanliness at the same time!