Another Brass Lesson Learned

MacD · Last edited by MacD on Tue Apr 24, 2012 9:02 am; edited 1 time in total

Now I know you old guys already know this and I must admit I have read about it in my reloading books. I speak of the differences in batches of brass from the same manufacturer. This weekend I lucked in to some once fired Lake City milsurp brass at the local range. I know it is once fired because I saw it being shot by a guy with an AR. He gave me all his empties and they still were crimped with the sealer around the primer. The head-stamps ranged over several years so obviously they were different batch lots. My routine is to measure cases after I have deprimed, sized and cleaned them. To my surprise they ranged in length from 1.758 to 1.788. My trimmer is set to the standard of 1.760 so I got some nice curls off the long ones. Length and year of manufacture didn't correlate as you might expect. I post this for the newer reloaders who I believe visit the site. This just reinforces the lesson that you should not assume anything. Check it all and be sure and safe.

Elvis · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 12:28 am Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

those preset case trimmers are just the bees knees for sorting it out. good to hear you are still getting to the range.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 4:45 am Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

MacD wrote:

No I know you old guys already know this

We prefer "seasoned shooters"...much more politically correct. Elvis...bee's knees??? You're not helping here!

You bring up a very good point. Even something as seemingly simple as case length could ruin a new loader's experience...or firearm! Good post.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 6:27 am Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

I usually size and trim even new brass so it will be consistent with MY set up. I might skip the trimming for plinking pistol loads.

Bushmaster · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:33 am Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

I trim everything. Just LOVE all the shinny brass shavings all over my bench.

New (unfired) brass should be treated just like once fired brass. Resized, trimmed to length, tumbled and then loaded.

Ominivision1 · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:47 pm Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

I agree with all of the above, good post Mac.

Elvis · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:24 pm Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

the bees knees=the cats pajamas=ducks nuts=just the ticket=best thing since spice racks/sliced bread= a very good/handy thing.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:40 am Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

Elvis wrote:

the bees knees=the cats pajamas=ducks nuts=just the ticket=best thing since spice racks/sliced bread= a very good/handy thing.

Yep - but that feeds into MacD's crack about "you old guys"! Wink

Bushmaster · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:42 am Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

O K...Back on subject. Knock off the "old" jokes. I'm gettin' tired of the palaver...

MacD · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 12:10 pm Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

Okay how about Mature and Experienced Gentlemen. BTW I am past 60 myself.

Bushmaster · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:21 pm Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

Young'un...

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:28 pm Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

When dirt was invented Bushy was there to help spread it around...

Ominivision1 · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 4:09 am Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

Pumpkinslinger wrote:

When dirt was invented Bushy was there to help spread it around...

RePete · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 4:44 am Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

Pumpkinslinger wrote:

When dirt was invented Bushy was there to help spread it around...

Nah, Bushy's older than that.

He remembers dirt when it was a rock! Laughing

Bushmaster · Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:30 am Post subject: Re: Another Brass Lesson Learned

And my job isn't complete yet. I have more dirt to spread around here. Fillin' in holes. It's hell when you have to lite up the four wheeler to pull the John Deere lawn mower out of one of these holes around here...We WILL let you guys continue to spread the [horse] manure though.

Glad I have my waders on. It sure gets deep on here.