If the cases have crimped in primers and the crimp is still there, it is probably once fired.
But, crimped primers are pretty much limited to military cartridges and there is a good chance the rifle cases were fired in a full auto gun. So, variety of availability of different cartridges is limited.
I've stopped buying cases that I do not know their history. More aggravation than the benefits.
You can't which is why you want to deal with a reputable distributor. I liked dealing with Brass Bombers as did several others but they are gone. When buying in large bulk and getting headstamps like LC or WCC you can pretty much it is once fired. Just try and choose your supplier wisely and highly recommended.I see ads for Once Fired Brass for sale a lot. My question is how can anyone tell if it's once fired brass and hasn't been fired several times? Unless you bought the brass new yourself.
No, actually you can tell the difference between once fired vs fired several times with most magazine fed semi-auto pistol brass, by carefully inspecting the case rim for extractor marks and case mouth/neck for center slide rib scrub marks (If not tumbled) under magnification.I see ads for Once Fired Brass for sale a lot. My question is how can anyone tell if it's once fired brass and hasn't been fired several times?
Can't really tell is what I'm reading.
Only in certain calibers out of certain guns. Not all guns leave marks on brass that are obvious or can be detected without going into forensics. Revolvers in particular come to mind.Multiple fired brass will have MULTIPLE extractor marks on case rim, MULTIPLE scrub marks on case mouth/neck from center slide rib, rounder/less sharp case mouth edges and looser primer pocket internal dimensions.
Good point as my post was for magazine fed semi-auto pistol brass.You can't for sure.
Only in certain calibers out of certain guns. Not all guns leave marks on brass that are obvious or can be detected without going into forensics. Revolvers in particular come to mind.
With my recent foray into 300 Blackout I'm finding that crimped primers are very common. Hornady, Federal, and CBC all crimp the primers in their 300 Blackout ammo.
Yes, there are some cartridges not generally used by military concerns that have crimped primers. And, the numbers are increasing as time goes by. My original comment was not meant to indicate that only military used cartridges have crimped primers.
When your primer pocket becomes loose, you can use metric primers like Fiocchi SP with slightly larger cups to extend the life of your brass.I load a lot of 38 special ... I load them until the ]primers] don't have a tight feel
I load a lot of 38 special. I've got cases that have been loaded well over 10 times and you can't tell the difference in once fired cases.