For many reloading enthusiasts, the pursuit of cost-effective and high-quality components leads directly to once fired military brass components. These components offer a unique blend of durability, availability, and economic advantage, making them a popular choice for both recreational shooters and competitive marksmen. Understanding how to properly select, process, and reload with these specific components is crucial for achieving optimal results and ensuring safety.
What Are Once Fired Military Brass Components?
Once fired military brass components are spent cartridge cases that were originally manufactured for military use and have been fired a single time. Unlike many commercial brass cases, military brass is often designed for robust performance under demanding conditions, leading to certain characteristics that differentiate it.
These components are typically sourced from military training grounds, ranges, or surplus operations. Their single-use history means they have not undergone the stress of multiple reload cycles, offering a fresh starting point for reloaders.
Distinguishing Military Brass from Commercial Brass
There are several key differences that set once fired military brass components apart. Military brass often features thicker case walls and a crimped primer pocket. The crimp is a manufacturing technique used to secure the primer more firmly, preventing it from backing out during the extreme pressures of military operations.
Headstamps on military brass usually include a two-digit year of manufacture and an arsenal code, such as ‘LC’ for Lake City or ‘TW’ for Twin Cities. These markings help identify the origin and often the quality of the once fired military brass components.
Advantages of Using Once Fired Military Brass Components
The appeal of once fired military brass components extends beyond mere availability; they offer tangible benefits to reloaders.
- Cost-Effectiveness: One of the primary drivers for choosing once fired military brass components is the significant cost savings compared to purchasing new, unfired brass. This makes high-volume shooting and reloading more accessible.
- Durability: Military brass is often constructed with thicker walls and stronger bases to withstand the rigors of automatic firearms and harsh environments. This inherent strength can translate to longer case life through multiple reloading cycles, provided they are properly processed.
- Consistency: While mixed headstamps are common, brass from a single military lot or manufacturer often exhibits excellent consistency in terms of weight and internal volume once sorted and processed. This consistency is vital for developing accurate loads.
- Availability: Due to continuous military training and operations, once fired military brass components are regularly available in large quantities, making them a sustainable resource for reloaders.
Key Considerations When Acquiring Once Fired Military Brass Components
While advantageous, acquiring once fired military brass components requires careful attention to detail.
Source Reliability and Inspection
Always purchase once fired military brass components from reputable suppliers. Upon receipt, a thorough inspection is paramount. Look for:
- Dents and Dings: Minor cosmetic dents can often be resized out, but severe damage may indicate compromised structural integrity.
- Cracks: Inspect the case mouth, neck, and shoulder for any hairline cracks, which render the brass unusable.
- Primer Pockets: Ensure primer pockets are not excessively enlarged or damaged, as this can lead to primer seating issues or even dangerous gas leaks.
- Corrosion: Avoid brass with significant corrosion or pitting, as this weakens the case.
Sorting and Caliber Identification
Once fired military brass components often come in mixed batches. Sorting by headstamp and caliber is a critical first step. This ensures uniformity in your reloading batches and helps identify any stray cases that don’t match your intended caliber.
Processing Once Fired Military Brass Components for Reloading
Proper preparation is the most critical step when working with once fired military brass components.
Cleaning the Brass
Before any other processing, the brass needs to be clean. This can be achieved through:
- Tumbling: Dry tumbling with media like corn cob or walnut shells effectively removes external grime and polishes the cases.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: This method uses a liquid solution and ultrasonic waves to clean both inside and outside the case, including the primer pocket.
Depriming and Resizing
After cleaning, deprime the spent primers and full-length resize the cases. Military brass often comes from machine guns, which can stretch cases significantly. Full-length resizing restores the case to its proper dimensions, allowing it to chamber correctly.
Swaging or Reaming Primer Pockets
This step is absolutely essential for once fired military brass components. Military primers are crimped in place, and this crimp must be removed before new primers can be seated safely. Failure to remove the crimp will result in crushed primers or an inability to seat them properly.
- Swaging: A swaging tool pushes the crimp out from the inside, reforming the primer pocket. This is generally preferred as it creates a smoother pocket.
- Reaming: A reaming tool cuts away the crimp. Care must be taken not to remove too much material, which could lead to loose primer pockets.
Trimming to Length
Full-length resizing can cause cases to lengthen. Measure each case and trim any that exceed the maximum specified length for your caliber. This prevents the case mouth from crimping into the bullet during chambering.
Chamfering and Deburring
After trimming, chamfer the inside of the case mouth to aid in bullet seating and deburr the outside to remove sharp edges. This ensures smooth bullet seating and prevents damage to the bullet or case.
Reloading Best Practices with Military Brass
When loading ammunition with once fired military brass components, a few best practices can enhance safety and performance.
- Start Low with Load Data: Due to potentially thicker case walls, the internal case capacity of military brass might be slightly less than commercial brass. This can lead to higher pressures with the same powder charge. Always start with the minimum recommended powder charge and work up carefully.
- Primer Selection: Ensure you use the correct size and type of primer for your military brass. Small Rifle primers are common for .223/5.56, and Large Rifle for .308/7.62.
- Monitor for Pressure Signs: Pay close attention to pressure signs such as flattened primers, ejector marks, or sticky bolt lift.
Where to Find Quality Once Fired Military Brass Components
Finding reliable sources for once fired military brass components is key to a successful reloading experience.
- Online Retailers: Many specialized online vendors offer processed or unprocessed once fired military brass components in various calibers. These sources often provide sorted and cleaned brass, saving you initial processing time.
- Gun Shows and Local Shops: Sometimes, local gun shops or vendors at gun shows will have bulk once fired military brass components available.
- Shooting Ranges: Some commercial ranges sell or allow collection of spent brass, which may include military calibers.
Conclusion
Once fired military brass components offer a compelling option for reloaders seeking durability, consistency, and cost savings. By understanding their unique characteristics and committing to proper processing, you can transform these surplus components into high-quality, reliable ammunition. Always prioritize safety, meticulously prepare your brass, and adhere to established reloading practices to get the most out of your once fired military brass components. Begin exploring the world of military brass today and enhance your reloading journey.