Once-fired 300 Blackout brass is a popular choice for reloaders, offering a cost-effective way to produce high-quality ammunition. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about sourcing, processing, and utilizing once-fired 300 Blackout brass for your reloading endeavors. We'll cover the benefits, potential drawbacks, and best practices to ensure consistent and safe reloading.
Sourcing Once-Fired 300 Blackout Brass
Finding quality once-fired 300 Blackout brass is the first step. Several avenues exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
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Online Retailers: Websites specializing in reloading supplies often sell bulk quantities of once-fired brass. This is generally convenient, but prices can vary significantly based on the seller and condition of the brass. Look for reputable vendors with positive reviews. Check for descriptions specifying the condition – some might be "mixed headstamps," indicating a variety of manufacturers.
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Gun Shows and Forums: Local gun shows and online reloading forums are excellent places to connect with other reloaders and potentially find deals on once-fired brass. This option allows for more direct interaction, enabling you to inspect the brass before purchasing.
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Shooting Ranges: Many shooting ranges allow the collection of spent brass. This can be a free or low-cost option, but be aware that range brass is often mixed headstamps, may be dirty, and might contain damaged cases. Always check local regulations regarding brass collection at ranges.
Table 1: Comparison of Sourcing Methods
| Sourcing Method | Cost | Convenience | Quality | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Retailers | Moderate | High | Variable | Variable |
| Gun Shows/Forums | Variable | Moderate | Variable | Variable |
| Shooting Ranges | Low/Free | Low | Variable | Often Poor |
Processing Once-Fired 300 Blackout Brass
Before you can reload once-fired 300 Blackout brass, it needs proper processing. This involves several steps:
1. Cleaning:
Thoroughly cleaning the brass removes debris, carbon fouling, and potentially corrosive residues. This extends the brass's lifespan and ensures consistent reloading performance. Many reloaders use a vibratory tumbler with media like corncob grit or walnut shells for effective cleaning. Ultrasonic cleaners are another option for more thorough cleaning, especially for stubborn fouling.
2. Inspection:
Careful inspection is crucial. Look for:
- Case Cracks: Tiny cracks, especially near the case mouth or base, can lead to catastrophic failures. Discard any cases with visible cracks.
- Dents and Imperfections: Significant dents can affect case neck sizing and create inconsistencies. Cases with severe damage should be discarded.
- Primer Pockets: Examine primer pockets for damage or excessive enlargement. Poor primer pockets can lead to misfires or primer leakage.
3. Sizing:
After cleaning and inspection, size the cases using a proper sizing die. This resizes the case to the correct dimensions for your reloading setup, ensuring consistent chambering and proper headspace. Choose between full-length sizing or neck-sizing depending on your reloading practices. Full-length sizing is generally used for first-time reloading and when brass has been significantly stretched. Neck-sizing is often preferred for subsequent reloads to preserve brass life.
Reloading Once-Fired 300 Blackout Brass
Once the brass is processed, you can begin the reloading process. This typically involves:
- Preparing Cases: This includes deburring the case mouth and flash hole, and possibly trimming cases to a consistent length.
- Charging Cases: Carefully measure and add the appropriate amount of propellant to each case. Use a powder scale for precise measurement.
- Seating Bullets: Seat bullets to the correct depth, ensuring proper bullet seating depth for optimal accuracy and performance.
- Crimping: Crimp the case mouth to securely hold the bullet in place.
Benefits of Using Once-Fired 300 Blackout Brass
- Cost Savings: Once-fired brass is significantly cheaper than new brass.
- Consistent Quality: When sourced correctly and processed properly, once-fired brass can perform just as well as new brass.
- Environmental Responsibility: Recycling spent brass contributes to a more sustainable reloading practice.
Potential Drawbacks
- Condition Variability: The condition of once-fired brass can vary significantly depending on the source.
- Processing Time: Cleaning and inspecting brass can be time-consuming.
- Potential for Damage: Damaged cases can cause safety hazards if not properly inspected.
Conclusion
Reloading with once-fired 300 Blackout brass offers significant cost savings and environmental benefits. By carefully sourcing, processing, and inspecting the brass, reloaders can produce high-quality ammunition that performs as well as – or even better than – factory loads. Remember always to prioritize safety and follow best practices throughout the entire process.