Once used 40 brass

[Kentucky Jelly]

Sorry if I'm hijacking this thread - but why would someone spend a premium on new brass when it cost as much (if not more) than fully loaded rounds of Federal/Winchester from Walmart?

This is an honest question - I'm new to reloading (and to this forum) and have been wondering about new brass vs boxed ammo. It SEEMS silly to spend the same amount of money on new brass when I could have fun "making" once fired brass from my Walmart purchase for the same price.

Am I missing something? Is the brass from Walmart sub-par to newly bought brass?

BTW - great site for a new reloader!

Where are you buying 1,000 rounds of .40 S&W for $130?

 

[aaronled]

Where are you buying 1,000 rounds of .40 S&W for $130?

I'm not....

I suppose I'm talking more about the "premium" brass such as Remington brass @ midwayusa. I believe 1k is $250ish.

Even so - 1k count of brass at $130 (which is a great price btw) seems excessive when you factor in the cost of powder/primers/bullets.

This is more of a question of quality of brass. Is it really worth the extra coin to buy new brass? In other words, would I be able to get the same amount of reloads out of a cheap box of federal from walmart ($15/box)? This seems to be the most cost effective way to build a brass collection for reloading. Though, I'm new to this so I thought I'd ask.

 

[Ghostcloak]

I got a mixture of brass from a friend and I was curious on what you guys would reload and what you wouldn't.

As far as I know, Blazer and Federal are the same and have the reinforced webbing. Now I also know about the Federal NT, which I have about 100 cases of. I see that the primer discharge pocket is much larger than on the Federal/Blazer. Also, there was some mention that Federal NT primers are a bit harder to remove and reseating a new primer can be a pain. So, is it still worth while to reload Federal NT, or should I discard them? With the pocket discharging hole being larger, how will this affect my loadout?

I also have Remmington and Winchester cases. I believe Remmington have slightly thinner case heads and are often less desireable for reloading compared to Federal/Blazer brass. Anyone know if the Winchesters are just as reliable as Federal brass?

I plan on primarily sticking with Federal/Blazer brass and when my brass looks worn, I'll buy more Federal at Wal-Mart and save the brass for reload again. If anything I've mentioned is incorrect, please let me know as I'm learning about these cartridges...

 

[BeerSleeper]

This is an honest question - I'm new to reloading (and to this forum) and have been wondering about new brass vs boxed ammo. It SEEMS silly to spend the same amount of money on new brass when I could have fun "making" once fired brass from my Walmart purchase for the same price.

There's labor involved in that. Not all of us can afford a progressive unloader, to make once-fired's in a time efficient manner.

There are brass brands (starline?) that are said to be made extra tough, for reloading, to withstand multiple loadings/firings. Factory brass is designed to be tough enough to withstand a single loading. The fact that we get more than that out of factory brass is just bonus.

I'm not aware of there being any quality difference between the F.C./Win brass in walmart ammo, or any other Fed/Win brass.

 

[GLOOB]

This is more of a question of quality of brass. Is it really worth the extra coin to buy new brass? In other words, would I be able to get the same amount of reloads out of a cheap box of federal from walmart ($15/box)? This seems to be the most cost effective way to build a brass collection for reloading.

Nope. Take a look on the forum and/or your local classifieds. The cheapest way to start a brass collection is to buy range pickups. No sense in "saving money" by trying to shoot your way to a collection if you already plan to reload. Purchase used brass, and you'll still make ammo cheaper than BoxMart.

 

[BeerSleeper]

Brass is available too many places, for free, for those willing to pick it up. The Bass Pro nearest me has a four lane indoor range. There's a reason I take an empty 5 gallon bucket with a lid, as my range bag, and not my range bag. I always ask, they never care, and I dump their bucket into mine on the way out.
The first time there, I dumped the bucket into my range bag. Yuck. That's a mess.
The last time, I left with a 5 gallon bucket full. That's heavy!
The calibers I don't shoot get cleaned up, and sold for component funds.

 

[kingmt]

Now I also know about the Federal NT, which I have about 100 cases of. I see that the primer discharge pocket is much larger than on the Federal/Blazer. Also, there was some mention that Federal NT primers are a bit harder to remove and reseating a new primer can be a pain. So, is it still worth while to reload Federal NT, or should I discard them? With the pocket discharging hole being larger, how will this affect my loadout?

I have had no problems reloading the NT small pistol primers. Since you already have the brass go ahead & reload it. Not only is it good practice you can decide for your self if you like it. If you don't like reloading it just leave it lay at the range for the next guy.