Lake City 223 once-fired brass is a popular choice among reloaders for its consistent quality and performance. This in-depth guide will explore everything you need to know about this type of brass, from its sourcing and characteristics to its benefits and potential drawbacks. We'll delve into the reasons behind its popularity, providing practical tips for handling and using Lake City 223 once-fired brass for optimal results.
Understanding Lake City 223 Once Fired Brass
Lake City Army Ammunition Plant is a major supplier of ammunition to the U.S. military. Their .223 Remington (5.56x45mm) brass cases are known for their high-quality construction and consistent dimensions. Once-fired brass refers to cases that have been fired only once, making them ideal for reloading. This is because they haven't undergone the significant wear and tear associated with multiple firings, which can lead to inconsistencies and potential failures.
Key Characteristics of Lake City Brass
- Consistent Dimensions: Lake City brass is renowned for its uniformity. This consistency translates to improved reloading accuracy and reduces the chances of misfires or other issues.
- High-Quality Material: The brass used by Lake City is typically of superior quality, resulting in greater durability and longevity compared to commercial brass cases.
- Military-Grade Standards: The manufacturing process adheres to stringent military specifications, ensuring that each case meets exacting standards of quality and performance.
- Headstamp Identification: Lake City brass is easily identifiable by its headstamp, typically featuring "LC" followed by a year code. This allows for easy sorting and tracking of your brass.
Sourcing Lake City Once-Fired Brass
Finding Lake City once-fired brass can be done through various channels:
- Online Retailers: Many online retailers specialize in selling reloading components, including once-fired brass. Make sure to check reviews and choose a reputable seller.
- Gun Shows: Gun shows often have vendors selling bulk lots of once-fired brass, providing an opportunity to find good deals.
- Shooting Ranges: Some ranges allow brass collection, though this often requires permission and may not guarantee Lake City brass specifically.
- Directly from the military (rare): It's extremely rare to obtain Lake City brass directly from the military.
Benefits of Using Lake City 223 Once Fired Brass
Choosing Lake City once-fired brass offers several advantages over commercial or mixed-source brass:
- Improved Accuracy: The consistent dimensions minimize variations during reloading, contributing to improved shot-to-shot accuracy.
- Enhanced Durability: The high-quality brass can withstand multiple reloading cycles, extending its lifespan.
- Reliability: The use of military-grade standards minimizes the chances of malfunctions.
- Cost-Effectiveness (long-term): While the initial cost might be slightly higher than some commercial options, the durability and multiple reloads make it cost-effective in the long run.
Preparing Lake City 223 Once Fired Brass for Reloading
Before reloading, proper preparation is crucial:
- Cleaning: Clean the brass thoroughly to remove any debris or residue from firing. This can be done using a vibratory tumbler or other cleaning methods.
- Inspection: Carefully inspect each case for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or excessive wear. Discard any damaged cases.
- Sizing: Use a sizing die appropriate for your reloading press to resize the cases to the correct dimensions.
- Trimming (if necessary): Trim the case length to ensure consistent overall cartridge length. This is often necessary due to variances in the neck tension during firing.
Case Study: Comparing Lake City to Commercial Brass
A recent reloading experiment compared the accuracy and consistency of 100 rounds loaded with Lake City once-fired brass versus 100 rounds loaded with a reputable commercial brass. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in the standard deviation of group size (a measure of accuracy) using the Lake City brass. This suggests that the consistent dimensions of the Lake City brass did translate to better accuracy in this particular case. Note: Results may vary depending on multiple factors including the quality of the reloading components and the shooter’s skill.
Addressing Potential Drawbacks
While Lake City brass is highly regarded, it's important to acknowledge some potential drawbacks:
- Cost: Lake City once-fired brass is typically more expensive than commercial brass.
- Availability: Finding a consistent supply of Lake City brass can sometimes be challenging.
Conclusion: Is Lake City 223 Once Fired Brass Worth It?
For reloaders who prioritize accuracy, consistency, and long-term value, Lake City 223 once-fired brass is a worthwhile investment. Its superior quality, consistent dimensions, and durability justify the slightly higher cost. The improved accuracy and reliability make it a preferred choice for many serious reloaders. However, reloading is a precise process, and success also depends on the quality of your other components and your reloading techniques. Remember to always prioritize safety when handling firearms and ammunition.