Finding high-quality, once-fired 45 Colt brass is crucial for reloaders looking to save money and maintain consistent performance. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about sourcing, cleaning, and preparing once-fired 45 Colt brass for reloading.
Why Choose Once-Fired 45 Colt Brass?
Compared to new brass, once-fired 45 Colt brass offers several advantages:
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Cost Savings: The most significant benefit is the reduced cost. Purchasing once-fired brass significantly lowers the overall expense of reloading, making it a popular choice for both casual and serious reloaders.
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Consistent Performance: While new brass can exhibit variations in dimensions and hardness, once-fired cases have already undergone a firing cycle, resulting in more consistent performance. This uniformity translates to improved accuracy and reliability.
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Environmental Considerations: Using once-fired brass contributes to a more sustainable reloading practice, reducing the demand for newly manufactured brass and minimizing environmental impact.
Sourcing Once-Fired 45 Colt Brass: Where to Find It?
Several reliable sources provide once-fired 45 Colt brass:
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Online Retailers: Numerous online retailers specialize in selling once-fired brass, often offering bulk discounts. Look for reputable sellers with positive customer reviews to ensure quality. Always check their return policies before making a purchase.
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Gun Shows and Forums: Attending local gun shows or participating in online reloading forums can provide access to a wider variety of brass from different sources. This offers the potential for finding specific headstamp brands you prefer.
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Local Shooting Ranges: Some shooting ranges allow collectors to pick up spent brass. This requires effort and usually involves sorting through a mixed bag of calibers, but it can be a cost-effective option. However, always check range rules and regulations before collecting brass. Be mindful of safety and respect range personnel's instructions.
Preparing Once-Fired 45 Colt Brass for Reloading: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve acquired your once-fired 45 Colt brass, proper preparation is vital:
1. Inspection and Sorting:
Carefully inspect each case for damage, such as dents, cracks, or excessive case head swelling. Discard any damaged cases. Sort the remaining brass by headstamp to potentially improve consistency (though this is less critical than with other calibers).
2. Cleaning:
Cleaning your once-fired brass removes debris, fouling, and potentially corrosive residue. This extends the life of your brass and ensures consistent performance. Methods include ultrasonic cleaning, tumbling with media (such as corncob or walnut), or manual cleaning.
3. Sizing:
Sizing is crucial to ensure the cases fit properly into your reloading dies and chamber. This step involves using a sizing die to resize the case to the proper dimensions. Full-length sizing is usually recommended for once-fired cases.
4. Trimming:
Over time, brass cases can become too long due to repeated firings. Trimming the cases to the correct length is essential for consistent headspace and safe reloading.
5. Priming Pocket Cleaning:
Clean the spent primer pockets with a suitable tool to remove any remaining primer residue. This ensures proper seating of the new primers.
6. Deburring:
Deburring removes any sharp edges on the case mouth and flash holes, ensuring smooth operation during reloading and enhancing safety.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Reloading Success with Once-Fired 45 Colt Brass
Using once-fired 45 Colt brass offers a cost-effective and environmentally conscious approach to reloading. By carefully selecting your source, diligently preparing the brass, and using proper reloading techniques, you can ensure the consistent and reliable performance necessary for safe and accurate shooting. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow all relevant reloading guidelines.
