Dumpster diving

Gil Martin · Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 5:53 pm Post subject: Dumpster diving

We are blessed with a public shooting range nearby on a state gamelands. It gets a lot of use in warm weather and as we approach the hunting seasons. Last year, I collected so much once-fired commercial brass that I filled a bookcase. The assorted calibers are stacked neatly and are mostly Winchester, Remington or Federal brass. This is my lifetime stash.

This year I will repeat the collection process and then offer brass for trade or sale. Hope those good folks keep coming out. All the best...
Gil

The Big Dog, Ed Coffey · Guest

Hi Gil,

I do the same thing during Hunter Sight In down at out club range. Like you said, I could fill a garbage can with the once fired brass. I load and help load for several people and try and keep several types of brass on hand but I also have some friends who sell used brass I give them the excess. They keep me stocked with the harder to find brass when I need it. I'm pretty much set for my own personal brass.

Catch you later. The Big Dog

WildHorse · Member Joined: Feb 17, 2005 Posts: 184 Location: Nebraska

I would be interested some 222 Rem if you run into any. Just let me know what you have to get for it.
thanks

Gil Martin · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 6:46 am Post subject: Re: Dumpster diving

Wildhorse,
I was out at the range this morning and picked up several hundred green Remington 12 gauge cases, some 9mm and .40 S&W. I did have some .222 and gave it away. If I come across any more .222, you are welcome to it for the shipping costs. All the best...
Gil

Guest · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:36 am Post subject: Re: Dumpster diving

Hey thats great, I would be more than happy to pay the shipping costs. Thank you very much.

Blaine · Member Joined: Feb 24, 2005 Posts: 260 Location: Maine

Just a reminder to those new in hand loading that read these posts.....be sure that any brass you pick up at the firing range is indeed "once fired". Loading brass that you don't know how many times it has been loaded can be very dangerous. I realize that most discarded brass is probably "once fired" (most hand loaders don't throw away brass at the range - even if it is old), but if you have any doubt about how many times it has been loaded, don't risk it. All the best............

Blaine

7mmMagnum · Rookie Member Joined: Apr 07, 2005 Posts: 17

Ahhhh,... Blaine you beat me to it!

Be very careful with used components that you have no idea about the history behind them. I too sometimes search for the left behind discarded brass however keep them separate from your own and when you get them home clean and inspect each one for any signs of stress. I will go over every piece that I bring home and mike each carefully after cleaning and visually inspecting.

That brass you find could be someone else's discarded for a reason.

(3-5 loading using hot loads, stretched out or cracked rounds, etc.)

Check the primers also for any abnormal pressure signs. If I find any bad brass I make sure that I pinch the mouth openings closed with pliers so no one else might try to reload them. Wink

Gil Martin · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 4:04 pm Post subject: Once-fired brass

Good point, folks. I am very careful when picking up brass and the factory boxes. Usually, I watch the folks shoot it off and walk the line picking up their cases or they come up and give them to me. The better ones even box it up. Still, every case gets a close visual inspection. It is possible to detect resizing marks on brass that has been reloaded. Any suspect brass goes back into the trash can. All the best...
Gil