questions

[jkkfam89]

i stopped by the local gun shop. The guy let me take a huge box of spent brass. I am new to reloading and want to make sure it is cool to tumble and reload the brass. Should I worry about anything. It is thosands of brass. Happy, but want to make sure

1: things to look for

 

[Adam B]

Re: questions

I would tumble the brass and then sort by caliber and head stamp

 

[desertHK]

Re: questions

Would definitely tumble and clean it well. After that inspect each one carefully. Look for signs of wearing on the casings. Separate the good ones from definite may be, to absolute rejects. Discard the rejects.

Full length resize them all, trim to correct length, deburr primer hole and all the good stuff if they tickle your fancy. Then sort out by the brands and headstamp.

Prime them, a pinch of powder as calls for, seat bullets and head to the range. BTW, don't forget to have fun...

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: questions

What caliber? If it's mixed calibers, you may want to sort before you tumble. Sometimes smaller cases will get stuck inside bigger one's, and are a PITA to get unstuck.

 

[desertHK]

Re: questions

Right on Chad. I was assuming that they are all the same caliber, but different brands.

 

[jkkfam89]

Re: questions

it is 38 spl, 380, 9mm, 40 and 45 acp mostly. I am pretty excited, he gave me these for nothing.. I am sorting them by caliber now.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: questions

Give them a close visual inspection after they are cleasned. Most pistol brass is good to go. Watch the 9mm stuff closely for split case mouths. If you get a hand full and shake them as they come out of the tumbler you can find a split mouth or cracked case by the sound. Good cases have a metallic bell sound. A split case mouth with make a dull thud sound.

Good luck on checking them out. Remember, it only takes a second to visually inspect a case every time you pick one up.

Congratulations on scoring the free brass.

 

[jkkfam89]

Re: questions

OK,
Have the majority of the brass sorted. Started tumbling the 45 this morning.

1. Best powder for practice shooting, which can be used for multiple calibers? I am thinking WIN 231
2. Some brass has crimps and or spots, do I throw them out (this is after tumbling)?
3. DO I get rid of manual scale for a digital one?
4. I am addicted!

 

[jkkfam89]

Re: questions

Keep or not to keep? Here is an example of one coming out of the tumbler, which has surface imperfections. WOuld you toss it or keep it.
Finally, the ones that are going to be tossed, is there a place that takes the rejects?
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh135/jkkfam891/IMG_4338.jpg

 

[superyota]

Re: questions

toss

 

[Chiller]

Re: questions

If you can find anybody in your area that uses the SS method I would let them take a run at those.....

Might get some great results.

 

[KHOOKS]

Re: questions

I would load that case if that all you see wrong with it. just make sure the spot are not eating into the case. I have a dental pick I would scrap on a couple of the bigger spot and make sure you can't push to thru the case. It looks like tarnish build up.


As for as what to do witht he reject brass, get a box and keep it when you fell like you have enough that them to a scrap metal yard and sell the brass. Use the money as you need.

 

[sawgunner2001]

Re: questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jkkfam89</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Keep or not to keep? Here is an example of one coming out of the tumbler, which has surface imperfections. WOuld you toss it or keep it.
Finally, the ones that are going to be tossed, is there a place that takes the rejects?
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh135/jkkfam891/IMG_4338.jpg
</div></div>

I personally would have no problem with loading a piece of brass that looks like that.

 

[sawgunner2001]

Re: questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jkkfam89</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK,
Have the majority of the brass sorted. Started tumbling the 45 this morning.

1. Best powder for practice shooting, which can be used for multiple calibers? I am thinking WIN 231
2. Some brass has crimps and or spots, do I throw them out (this is after tumbling)?
3. DO I get rid of manual scale for a digital one?
4. I am addicted! </div></div>

1. I use Unique. A little dirty, but very versatile.
2. If they're still dented up after sizing, throw 'em. I'm not worried about the "spots" in the photo you provided.
3. I would.
4. Congrats!

 

[jkkfam89]

Re: questions

I hit a few on a polish wheel and the tarnish went bye-bye. I am more excited now.

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: questions

For plinking ammo for personal use, that case is fine. If the aesthetics bothers you, toss it.
Also, look at Titegroup for powder. It meters good, gives low charge weight, and burns clean.