Once fired 243 brass is a popular choice for reloaders, offering a cost-effective alternative to new brass. Understanding its properties, sourcing, and preparation is crucial for successful reloading. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about once fired 243 brass, ensuring you get the most out of your reloading efforts.
Sourcing Once Fired 243 Brass
Finding quality once fired 243 brass is the first step. Several avenues exist, each with its advantages and disadvantages:
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Shooting Ranges: Many shooting ranges allow brass collection. This can be a great source of free or inexpensive brass, but be prepared to sort through a mix of calibers and conditions. Expect to find a fair amount of damaged or unusable cases. Thorough inspection is a must.
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Online Retailers: Numerous online retailers specialize in selling once fired brass. This offers convenience and often a more consistent quality, though it comes at a higher price than scavenging at ranges. Look for reputable sellers with detailed descriptions of their brass condition.
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Private Sales: Connecting with other reloaders through forums or local gun clubs can lead to private sales of once fired brass. This can offer good prices and the opportunity to ask specific questions about the brass's history.
Important Note: Regardless of the sourcing method, always thoroughly inspect the brass before purchasing or collecting. Look for signs of damage like:
- Cracks: Examine the case head, neck, and body for any cracks or splits. These are often signs of over-pressure and render the case unusable.
- Dents: Significant dents can affect case capacity and potentially lead to problems during reloading.
- Corrosion: Rust or other corrosion will weaken the brass and should be avoided.
- Cases with Primer Pocket issues: Look for crimped or damaged primer pockets. These are difficult to repair and will not function properly.
Preparing Once Fired 243 Brass for Reloading
Proper preparation is key to successful reloading with once fired brass. This process involves several steps:
1. Case Inspection:
A meticulous inspection is critical. Discard any cases exhibiting the damage mentioned above. This ensures safety and consistent reloading results. Use a good light and a magnifying glass if necessary.
2. Deburring and Cleaning:
Remove any burrs or imperfections from the case mouth and flash holes. Use a case trimmer to ensure uniform case length. Thoroughly clean the brass using a case tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner to remove any residual powder, primer residue, and debris.
3. Sizing:
Sizing is essential to restore the brass to its original dimensions and ensure proper chambering. Use a full-length sizing die for the first sizing after firing. Subsequent reloads might benefit from neck sizing only to minimize brass wear.
4. Primer Pocket Cleaning:
Clean the primer pockets using a primer pocket cleaner tool. This removes any hardened primer residue and ensures proper seating of new primers.
Reloading with Once Fired 243 Brass: Best Practices
Once your once fired 243 brass is prepared, the reloading process is similar to using new brass. However, keep the following in mind:
- Case Life: Once fired brass will have a shorter lifespan than new brass. Expect to reload it fewer times before discarding due to wear.
- Consistent Sizing: Maintain consistent sizing throughout the reloading process to prevent issues.
- Careful Inspection: Always inspect the loaded rounds for any defects before firing.
Table 1: Typical Case Life of Once Fired 243 Brass
| Reloading Cycle | Condition |
|---|---|
| 1st | Excellent |
| 2nd | Good |
| 3rd | Fair |
| 4th+ | Discard (potential for failure) |
Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits
Using once fired 243 brass offers significant cost savings compared to new brass. It's also an environmentally friendly practice, reducing the demand for new brass production.
Conclusion
Reloading with once fired 243 brass is a rewarding and economical practice for experienced reloaders. By following the steps outlined in this guide and paying close attention to detail, you can ensure safe and successful reloading, maximizing the life and performance of your once fired brass. Remember, safety is paramount. Always adhere to safe reloading practices and consult your reloading manual for specific guidance.