Finding quality once-fired 45-70 brass can be a challenge for reloaders and collectors alike. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about sourcing, inspecting, and preparing this sought-after brass for reuse. Whether you're a seasoned handloader or just starting your journey with the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge, this information will prove invaluable.
Understanding the Demand for Once-Fired 45-70 Brass
The .45-70 Government cartridge, with its rich history and potent stopping power, enjoys enduring popularity among shooters and enthusiasts. This translates to a high demand for quality brass cases, particularly once-fired examples. New brass is readily available, but many reloaders prefer once-fired cases because they:
- Often cost less: Once-fired brass typically sells for a lower price than brand-new brass. This can be a significant savings, especially for high-volume reloaders.
- Are already sized: New brass often requires sizing before loading, while once-fired cases may only need a light resizing.
- Show signs of prior use: This gives you some assurance that the case has already successfully withstood the pressures of firing. This is important for identifying potential flaws that may have been missed in factory testing.
Sourcing Your Once-Fired 45-70 Brass
Several avenues exist for procuring quality once-fired 45-70 brass:
1. Online Retailers and Forums:
Numerous online retailers specialize in selling reloading components, including once-fired brass. Online forums and communities dedicated to reloading and shooting often feature classified sections where individuals sell their spent brass. Be sure to check seller reviews and ratings before making a purchase. Look for reputable sellers with a history of providing high-quality brass.
2. Local Gun Ranges and Clubs:
Many local gun ranges and shooting clubs allow collectors to recover spent brass. This can be a great way to source brass at a low cost or even for free. Always check the range's rules and regulations regarding brass collection before beginning your search.
3. Private Sales:
Connecting with other shooters and collectors directly through local gun shops, shooting events, or online forums can lead to opportunities to purchase once-fired brass. This allows for more personalized interactions and can sometimes result in better pricing or bulk discounts.
Inspecting Your 45-70 Brass: Identifying Quality Cases
Before loading any once-fired brass, thorough inspection is crucial to ensure its integrity and suitability for reloading. Look for the following:
- Case Head Damage: Check for cracks, dents, or excessive wear on the case head. Any damage in this area compromises the structural integrity of the case and should render it unsuitable for reloading.
- Body Damage: Examine the case body for any significant dents, bulges, or cracks. These imperfections can indicate excessive pressure during previous firings, putting safety at risk.
- Primer Pocket Condition: Inspect the primer pocket for any damage, such as cracks or expansion. A damaged primer pocket can lead to difficulty seating primers or even primer failure.
- Mouth Condition: Check the case mouth for excessive erosion or damage. This area is subject to wear, and significant damage can impact the reliability of the reload.
Cases exhibiting any significant damage should be discarded immediately; reloading damaged brass risks catastrophic failure.
Preparing Once-Fired 45-70 Brass for Reloading
Once you've inspected and selected suitable brass, you need to prepare it for reloading. This typically involves:
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the brass to remove any residual powder, primer residue, and carbon build-up. Many reloaders use an ultrasonic cleaner, but manual cleaning is possible as well.
- Sizing: Resize the brass to restore its original dimensions. This ensures proper chambering and prevents excessive pressure during reloading. You may need to use a full-length sizing die or a neck sizing die, depending on your reloading process and the condition of the brass.
- Trimming: Trim the case to the correct length. This ensures consistent overall case length which helps to maintain consistent pressure across your loaded rounds.
By following these steps, you'll ensure your once-fired 45-70 brass is ready for safe and reliable reloading.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your 45-70 Brass Investment
By understanding the nuances of sourcing, inspecting, and preparing once-fired 45-70 brass, you can save money and obtain high-quality components for your reloading endeavors. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when handling firearms and reloading ammunition. Always adhere to safe reloading practices and consult reloading manuals for specific instructions and guidelines. Happy reloading!
