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Reloading your own ammunition can be a rewarding and cost-effective hobby for shooting enthusiasts. It allows you to customize your loads, experiment with different bullet types and weights, and ultimately achieve greater accuracy. However, before diving into the reloading process, it's essential to understand the different types of reloading brass available on the market.

Pros & Cons of Each Type of Reloading Brass

Each type has its pros and cons, and choosing the right brass can significantly impact your reloading experience. In this article, we will explore the various types of reloading brass and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.

New Reloading Brass

New brass is manufactured specifically for reloading purposes. It is brand new and has never been fired. One of the significant advantages of new brass is its consistency. Since it is manufactured to precise specifications, you can expect uniformity in dimensions, weight, and overall quality. This consistency can lead to more reliable and accurate reloads. Additionally, new brass usually requires minimal preparation, as it doesn't need extensive cleaning or resizing.

On the downside, new brass tends to be more expensive compared to other types. If you're reloading on a tight budget, investing in new brass might not be the most cost-effective option. However, the upfront cost can be justified by the longer lifespan and multiple reloads you can get from high-quality new brass. It's important to note that some calibers may have limited availability of new brass due to demand or market factors.

Once-Fired Reloading Brass

Once-fired brass refers to cases that have been fired once by a factory-loaded round. These cases are often collected at shooting ranges or purchased from specialized retailers. Once-fired brass can be a great middle ground between new brass and range brass. It offers cost savings compared to new brass while maintaining a good level of quality and reliability.

The primary advantage of once-fired brass is its affordability. It can be significantly cheaper than new brass, making it an attractive option for reloaders who want to save money without compromising on performance. Moreover, once-fired brass has already been fired and resized once, which means it may require less resizing during reloading. This can save you time and effort.

However, one potential drawback of once-fired brass is its variability. Cases fired from different firearms may exhibit variations in length, capacity, and condition. Therefore, it's crucial to inspect and sort once-fired brass carefully. Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or splits, and discard any questionable cases. Additionally, be prepared to spend some time on case preparation, including cleaning, resizing, and trimming, to ensure consistent results.

Range Reloading Brass

Range brass, also known as "picked-up brass," refers to cases collected from shooting ranges. It is often a mix of different brands, calibers, and conditions. Range brass is usually the most affordable option for reloaders, as it can often be obtained for free or at a very low cost. It's an excellent choice for beginners who are still experimenting and learning the reloading process.

The main advantage of range brass is its accessibility and low cost. If you're on a tight budget or just getting started with reloading, range brass allows you to practice and gain experience without breaking the bank. It also provides an opportunity to test various loads and bullet types without committing to a large quantity of expensive brass.

However, range brass comes with its challenges. Since it's collected from shooting ranges, it can be in various conditions, including dirty, corroded, or damaged cases. This means that range brass requires thorough cleaning, inspecting, and sorting before it can be used for reloading. It's essential to remove dirt, debris, and any potential contaminants to ensure safe and reliable ammunition. Usually, after years of experience this entire process come easy.

Trust the Experts at Bitterroot Brass for Reloading Brass

Shop reloading supplies and reloading brass online at Bitterroot Brass. They have a large inventory of pistol brass and rifle brass available on their website. Each brass piece is hand-picked by experts so you know it's top quality for shooting. Instead of trying to find reloading supplies anywhere else, trust the professional to do the work for you.

Bitterroot Brass - Reloading Supplies

 Shop at Bitterroot Brass - Your Home for Reloading Supplies