Brass Hunting

[hollowpoint67]

Ive noticed that at some ranges and random plinking spots in the desert have large quantities of shells, brass, etc.

is any of this salvageable? if so whats the time limit on brass, shells, and steel being reusable for reloading when its been exposed to the elements?

also if im shooting once shot reloaded brass can it be reused? and what is the limit for reusing brass?

[five.five-six]

most all I ever see left is steel or Berdan prrimed

[xxdabroxx]

Depends how long it has been out there and if it is crushed. If it looks like crap it probably is.

[Brasspolisher]

Aahh, the joys of "free" brass!

is any of this salvageable? if so whats the time limit on brass, shells, and steel being reusable for reloading when its been exposed to the elements?

As five.five-six said, make sure it's brass-cased and boxer-primed. If so, there are two additional things to keep in mind:

1. Corroded brass can be weak
2. Grungy brass can ruin your dies

If it cleans up to shiny brass color in the tumbler (may take a while), you should be good to go to the next step. If it's any color other than what you're used to (pinkish, for instance), crush it with pliers and move on. (A case that tears apart in a sizing die can ruin a reloading session; one that comes apart in a barrel can ruin a lot more.)

Shine a light down each case mouth to make sure it's not full of sand or something. Rub the outside of the case with your fingers - anything that feels scratchy, crush. Anything that doesn't "feel right" running through the press, same thing. (A single grain of grit embedded in a case wall can scratch a die; a scratched die will scratch every case you run through it after that.) If we're still OK, lube/decap/size and tumble again. Inspect again, especially the primer pocket. Scrub in there with a pocket reamer or a brass-bristle brush. Again, anything not brass-colored is bad.

If you have any cases (and any patience) left at this point, they should be ready to reload as normal, bringing up Part II of your question:

also if im shooting once shot reloaded brass can it be reused? and what is the limit for reusing brass?

It depends on the cartridge and how it was loaded: low-pressure pistol rounds like .38 Spl can go until the primer pocket wears out - 10 or 15 cycles, maybe. A stoutly-powered bottleneck rifle cartridge, maybe three or four times MAX - and you'll need to trim the necks each time. Reading pressure signs is a whole semi-mystical art best covered by going over a good reloading manual (Lyman covers this well, though more pictures would be nice, IMHO).

Sorry to write a book - hope it helps!

[hollowpoint67]

Aahh, the joys of "free" brass!



As five.five-six said, make sure it's brass-cased and boxer-primed. If so, there are two additional things to keep in mind:

1. Corroded brass can be weak
2. Grungy brass can ruin your dies

If it cleans up to shiny brass color in the tumbler (may take a while), you should be good to go to the next step. If it's any color other than what you're used to (pinkish, for instance), crush it with pliers and move on. (A case that tears apart in a sizing die can ruin a reloading session; one that comes apart in a barrel can ruin a lot more.)

Shine a light down each case mouth to make sure it's not full of sand or something. Rub the outside of the case with your fingers - anything that feels scratchy, crush. Anything that doesn't "feel right" running through the press, same thing. (A single grain of grit embedded in a case wall can scratch a die; a scratched die will scratch every case you run through it after that.) If we're still OK, lube/decap/size and tumble again. Inspect again, especially the primer pocket. Scrub in there with a pocket reamer or a brass-bristle brush. Again, anything not brass-colored is bad.

If you have any cases (and any patience) left at this point, they should be ready to reload as normal, bringing up Part II of your question:



It depends on the cartridge and how it was loaded: low-pressure pistol rounds like .38 Spl can go until the primer pocket wears out - 10 or 15 cycles, maybe. A stoutly-powered bottleneck rifle cartridge, maybe three or four times MAX - and you'll need to trim the necks each time. Reading pressure signs is a whole semi-mystical art best covered by going over a good reloading manual (Lyman covers this well, though more pictures would be nice, IMHO).

Sorry to write a book - hope it helps!

Thank you Brasspolisher, your story kind of made me think twice if reloading is worth the extra effort...

anyone ever do the math on the cost savings etc? or the break even point of reloading after buying all the supplies and equipment?

[Chris M]

Thank you Brasspolisher, your story kind of made me think twice if reloading is worth the extra effort...

anyone ever do the math on the cost savings etc? or the break even point of reloading after buying all the supplies and equipment?

It depends on what you plan to reload. Something like 9mm will take a lot longer to recoup your investment than some rare, expensive, rifle cartridge.

It also depends on the components you use, and how many shots you can get out of each piece of brass.

It also depends on how much you pay for the components...buying in bulk will cost you more initially, but will save you money over time.

For instance, If you load Hornady 150gr BTSP in 30-06 with ~50 grains of H-4895 powder and Wolf primers, and can get 5 shots of of the Winchester Brass, it costs about $0.52 a round. This is a little less than 1/2 of the cost of factory ammo.

Now, if you want to make some lead-free ammo, which would be around $2.50+ per round for factory ammo, it costs only $1.20 per round - using Winchester Brass, Federal primers, ~54 grains of H-414, and Barnes 180gr TSX bullets...again, a little less than 1/2 the cost.

Both examples are based on full retail price of all components - not purchased in bulk. Buy in bulk and you cost per round goes down considerably.

Unless my math is wrong, if your initial investment for all the tools was $600, you would have to load about 1,500 rounds (example #1) or 500 rounds (example #2) to recoup your cost

[Chris M]

Also...from a cost-savings standpoint, when reloading you probably won't be spending any less money in the long run, because you're probably going to be sending A LOT more lead downrange.

From an accuracy standpoint, you can build your ammo to match your firearm, making it the most accurate that it can possibly be. You can't get that from factory ammo.

[bohoki]

just like the sticker on my toilet if its yellow let it mellow if its brown flush it down

[juelz919]

Depends how long it has been out there and if it is crushed. If it looks like crap it probably is.

This guy has the best avatar on this whole website.

and like people have said before you might not save enough money to make it worth it. But it is a great hobby but be prepared to become obsessed.. If you shoot alot you will be able to shoot alot more for the same amount of money

[hollowpoint67]

Thanks for the advice guys, are there any threads or books out there you guys recommend that highlight what I need to get started equipment and work place wise, precautions, guidelines etc??

[jimmyleost]

Thanks for the advice guys, are there any threads or books out there you guys recommend that highlight what I need to get started equipment and work place wise, precautions, guidelines etc??

ABC's of Reloading I'm reading it, it feels like its writting in the 70s, but it gives you a good background of all of the components of reloading including precautions that need to be taken to stay safe! I got my copy for 16 bux and some change. I hope this helps!

[Brasspolisher]

Thank you Brasspolisher, your story kind of made me think twice if reloading is worth the extra effort...

Oh, man, that was definitely NOT the message I was trying to convey! Glad to see you're still interested enough to keep reading, and hopefully I can pump up your enthusiasm, rather than deflate it!

What you were supposed to hear (and Bohoki put it quite concisely!) is that reloading is fun/rewarding/etc. (like everybody else on the thread said) but there are places where extreme economy is best avoided -- like really grungy brass that's been laying on an outdoor range for months/years...

If you start with brass from factory rounds you fired yourself, or collect it from fellow shooters, or get brass from an indoor range, etc. (your empty cases are covered in soot, but still shiny), you can skip the cautionary parts of my tale and get right to the fun part! You'll still need to (fairly briefly) clean the fired cases in a tumbler, do the size-and-decap thing, and inspect (and possibly trim) 'em, but it's not nearly the chore of trying to "restore" brass that really should be scrapped. In fact, it's really my favorite part of reloading (thus my nickname...).


ABCs is a great book to start with (as jimmyleost already mentioned -- and accurately described); Lyman #48 (not the current version, but still available on Amazon) is the other one I always recommend, but most of the big names will get you through if you read them carefully. Not sure where you're located, but there are a few threads on this forum discussing regional reloading clinics -- if one comes up that's convenient for you, these are an excellent place to start!

[hollowpoint67]

ABC's of Reloading I'm reading it, it feels like its writting in the 70s, but it gives you a good background of all of the components of reloading including precautions that need to be taken to stay safe! I got my copy for 16 bux and some change. I hope this helps!

Other people have recommended that as well, guess Ill have to look into getting that book.

Oh, man, that was definitely NOT the message I was trying to convey! Glad to see you're still interested enough to keep reading, and hopefully I can pump up your enthusiasm, rather than deflate it!

What you were supposed to hear (and Bohoki put it quite concisely!) is that reloading is fun/rewarding/etc. (like everybody else on the thread said) but there are places where extreme economy is best avoided -- like really grungy brass that's been laying on an outdoor range for months/years...

If you start with brass from factory rounds you fired yourself, or collect it from fellow shooters, or get brass from an indoor range, etc. (your empty cases are covered in soot, but still shiny), you can skip the cautionary parts of my tale and get right to the fun part! You'll still need to (fairly briefly) clean the fired cases in a tumbler, do the size-and-decap thing, and inspect (and possibly trim) 'em, but it's not nearly the chore of trying to "restore" brass that really should be scrapped. In fact, it's really my favorite part of reloading (thus my nickname...).


ABCs is a great book to start with (as jimmyleost already mentioned -- and accurately described); Lyman #48 (not the current version, but still available on Amazon) is the other one I always recommend, but most of the big names will get you through if you read them carefully. Not sure where you're located, but there are a few threads on this forum discussing regional reloading clinics -- if one comes up that's convenient for you, these are an excellent place to start!

haha thanks brasspolisher again for the tips.

now for another question: theres a police/swat range near me, who should I talk to or how would I approach this place and inquire about picking up their brass? and is this a common practice? i feel like a peasant doing it and dont really want to piss off any LEOs that may not like my presence scoring free brass.

[rockdogz]

Randall took the time to put together a great (stickied) post - did you read it yet?

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=229221

Here's another good URL to calculate savings:

http://www.10xshooters.com/calculators/Handgun_Reloading_Cost_Calculator.htm

[pdq_wizzard]

Other people have recommended that as well, guess Ill have to look into getting that book.







haha thanks brasspolisher again for the tips.

now for another question: theres a police/swat range near me, who should I talk to or how would I approach this place and inquire about picking up their brass? and is this a common practice? i feel like a peasant doing it and dont really want to piss off any LEOs that may not like my presence scoring free brass.

All the LEO Ranges around me recycle there brass in 55gal drums, I have seen the recycle trucks come and get it. (makes me cry a little everytime)