Finding high-quality once-fired 308 Winchester brass is crucial for reloaders seeking cost-effective and reliable ammunition. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about sourcing, inspecting, and preparing once-fired 308 Win brass for reloading.
Why Choose Once-Fired 308 Win Brass?
Using once-fired brass offers significant advantages over new brass, primarily its cost-effectiveness. New brass can be expensive, especially in bulk. Once-fired brass provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance, provided it's properly inspected and processed. This makes it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced reloaders looking to save money without compromising quality.
Sourcing Once-Fired 308 Win Brass: Where to Find It
Several avenues exist for acquiring high-quality once-fired 308 Win brass:
1. Online Retailers:
Many online retailers specialize in selling once-fired brass. These platforms offer convenience, often providing large quantities at competitive prices. However, thorough inspection upon arrival is vital to ensure the brass meets your standards. Look for reputable sellers with positive customer reviews to minimize the risk of receiving damaged or unsuitable brass.
2. Local Gun Clubs and Ranges:
Your local shooting range or gun club can be an excellent source of once-fired brass. Many ranges allow or even encourage the collection of spent brass, offering a convenient and potentially free (or low-cost) way to obtain it. This is a great way to network with fellow reloaders and potentially learn additional tips and tricks.
3. Private Sales and Forums:
Online forums and social media groups dedicated to reloading often feature private sales of once-fired brass. This can be a good way to find unique or larger batches of brass, but always exercise caution and prioritize secure payment methods.
4. Competitions and Matches:
Larger shooting competitions or matches can generate a significant amount of spent brass. Check with the organizers to see if brass collection is permitted.
Inspecting Your Once-Fired 308 Win Brass: A Critical Step
Before you start reloading, meticulously inspect each piece of brass. Discard any that exhibit the following:
- Significant dents or dings: These can compromise case integrity and lead to pressure issues.
- Cracks or splits: Even small cracks can weaken the case and pose a serious safety risk.
- Corrosion or excessive dirt: Rust or heavy fouling can interfere with the reloading process and degrade performance.
- Misaligned necks or shoulders: These irregularities can also lead to inconsistent pressures.
- Excessive primer pocket swelling: Overly expanded primer pockets can be difficult to resize and may indicate excessive pressure during previous firing.
Preparing Once-Fired 308 Win Brass for Reloading: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you've inspected your brass, it's time to prepare it for reloading. This typically involves several steps:
- Cleaning: Remove any dirt, debris, or fouling using a suitable brass cleaning method (e.g., ultrasonic cleaner, tumbler).
- Deburring: Remove any sharp edges or burrs that may have formed during previous firings.
- Sizing: Resize the cases to their original dimensions using a suitable sizing die. This ensures consistent chambering and safe pressure.
- Trimming: Trim the cases to the correct length to maintain consistency.
- Primer pocket cleaning (if necessary): If primer pockets are swollen, they may need special attention before they can be used.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Reloading Experience with Once-Fired Brass
Utilizing once-fired 308 Win brass offers a practical and cost-effective approach to reloading. By carefully sourcing, inspecting, and preparing your brass, you can ensure the safety and performance of your ammunition while significantly reducing your reloading expenses. Remember that safety should always be your top priority, and a thorough inspection process is crucial.
