Finding high-quality brass is crucial for precision reloading, and once-fired 22-250 brass offers a great balance of cost-effectiveness and reliability. This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about sourcing, preparing, and utilizing once-fired 22-250 brass for your reloading endeavors.
Why Choose Once-Fired 22-250 Brass?
Compared to new brass, once-fired 22-250 brass presents several compelling advantages:
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Cost Savings: The most significant benefit is the reduced cost. Once-fired brass is considerably cheaper than brand-new brass, allowing you to stretch your reloading budget further. This is especially beneficial for high-volume shooters or those who frequently practice.
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Proven Quality: You're getting brass that has already undergone one firing cycle, proving its structural integrity. This minimizes the risk of case failures during your reloading process.
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Readily Available: Once-fired 22-250 brass is widely available from various online retailers and gun shows, making it accessible to reloaders across the country.
Sourcing High-Quality Once-Fired 22-250 Brass
The quality of your once-fired brass directly impacts the consistency and accuracy of your reloaded ammunition. Here's how to ensure you're getting the best:
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Reputable Suppliers: Purchase from reputable suppliers with a history of providing clean, well-maintained brass. Check online reviews and forums for recommendations. Look for vendors who clearly state the condition of their brass (e.g., minimal dents, no cracks).
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Inspect Thoroughly: Upon receiving your brass, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage: deep dents, cracks, crimped primers, or excessively corroded cases should be discarded.
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Bulk vs. Sorted: You'll often find once-fired brass sold in bulk or sorted. Sorted brass usually commands a higher price, but it saves you time and effort in cleaning and inspecting.
Preparing Once-Fired 22-250 Brass for Reloading
Before you can reload your once-fired 22-250 brass, it needs proper preparation:
1. Cleaning:
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Tumbling: The most efficient method is using a media tumbler with walnut or corncob media. This removes dirt, carbon fouling, and other debris.
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Ultrasonic Cleaning: For stubborn fouling or particularly dirty brass, ultrasonic cleaning can be effective, but it's typically more expensive than tumbling.
2. Inspection:
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Visual Check: Carefully examine each case for dents, cracks, or any other imperfections that could compromise its structural integrity. Discard any damaged cases.
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Primer Pocket Inspection: Ensure primer pockets are clean and free of obstructions. A primer pocket uniformer can help to remove any excess material.
3. Sizing:
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Full-Length Sizing: This process resizes the entire case, restoring it to its original dimensions. It's crucial for ensuring consistent chambering and proper headspace.
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Neck Sizing: Neck sizing only resizes the neck of the case, preserving case life and reducing the need for case trimming. However, this method requires more careful attention to avoid issues with case head separation.
4. Trimming:
- Case Length: Over time, cases will stretch slightly. Trimming to the correct length is essential for maintaining consistent headspace and preventing malfunctions. Using a case trimmer gauge helps to ensure accurate trimming.
Reloading 22-250 with Once-Fired Brass: Best Practices
Once your brass is prepared, you can proceed with the standard reloading process:
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Choosing Your Components: Select high-quality bullets, primers, and powder appropriate for your specific load. Consult reloading manuals for safe and accurate load data.
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Consistent Process: Maintain consistency throughout your reloading process to achieve optimal accuracy and performance.
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Safety First: Always prioritize safety when reloading ammunition. Consult reputable reloading manuals and follow all safety precautions.
By following these steps, you can successfully utilize once-fired 22-250 brass to produce high-quality, cost-effective ammunition for your shooting activities. Remember, thorough preparation and attention to detail are key to successful reloading.
