The AR-15 is a versatile and popular firearm for various purposes, including hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. Many AR-15 owners reload their ammunition to save money and customize their loads for maximum performance. One way to achieve optimal results is by using once-fired brass.

What Is Once Fired Brass?

Once-fired brass is brass that has been fired from a firearm one time and then collected and sold to be reused. Reloaders often prefer this type of brass because it has already been formed to fit a particular firearm and has been expanded to the correct size for a specific caliber. This makes it easier to work with and can result in more consistent results.

Benefits

One of the key advantages of using once-fired brass is cost savings. Purchasing new brass can be expensive, and using once-fired brass can significantly reduce the cost of reloading. Additionally, once-fired brass is often readily available and can be purchased in bulk, making it an attractive option for reloaders who need a large quantity of brass.

In addition to cost savings, using once-fired brass can result in better performance. Because the brass has already been fired once, it has been expanded to fit the specific chamber of the firearm. This can result in a tighter fit between the brass and the chamber, improving accuracy and reducing the risk of malfunctions. In addition, once-fired brass often has a better surface finish than new brass, resulting in enhanced lubricity and better feeding.

Improving Performance

To maximize the performance of once-fired brass, it is essential to consider several factors. First, inspecting the brass for any signs of damage or wear is important. This includes checking for cracks, splits, or bulges in the brass. It is also crucial to check the primer pockets for signs of damage or wear, as this can affect the reliability of the primer.

Next, it is recommended that you clean the brass thoroughly before reloading. This includes removing any dirt, debris, or residue from the brass. Several methods for cleaning brass include tumbling, ultrasonic cleaning, and hand cleaning. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose the method that works best for your needs.

Once the brass has been cleaned, it must be resized to ensure a proper fit in the firearm's chamber. This involves using a resizing die to compress the brass to its original size. Make sure to use the correct resizing die for the specific caliber and firearm being used, as using the wrong die can result in improper fit and reduced performance.

After resizing, it is vital to trim the brass to the correct length. Over time, brass can stretch and become longer than the recommended length for the caliber. Trimming the brass to the correct length ensures that it will fit properly in the chamber and can improve accuracy.

Contact a company such as Precision Brass near you to learn more about the benefits of once-fired brass.