Introduction
Finding the right brass for reloading can be crucial for accuracy and consistency. This guide delves into the specifics of 308 small primer brass, exploring its characteristics, advantages, and considerations for reloaders. Understanding 308 small primer brass is key to successful reloading for calibers like the .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO. We'll cover everything from sourcing to proper preparation for optimal performance.
Understanding 308 Small Primer Brass
The term "308 small primer brass" refers to brass cartridge cases designed for calibers that use a small rifle primer. This contrasts with large rifle primers used in other calibers. The small primer pocket size is a key distinguishing feature.
Advantages of Small Primer Brass
- Consistent Ignition: Small rifle primers are known for their reliable and consistent ignition, crucial for consistent bullet velocities and accuracy.
- Reduced Pressure Spikes: Compared to large primers, small primers often contribute to smoother pressure curves, potentially reducing stress on the firearm and brass.
- Suitable for High-Volume Reloading: The durability of the brass, combined with consistent ignition, makes it suitable for large-scale reloading projects.
- Wide Availability: 308 Winchester is a very popular round, leading to wider availability of small primer brass from various manufacturers.
Disadvantages of Small Primer Brass
- Primer Pocket Issues: While generally robust, repeated reloading can sometimes lead to primer pocket issues like expansion or damage. Proper sizing and careful handling are essential to extend the life of your brass.
- Specific Primer Selection: Small rifle primers only work in small primer pockets and attempting to use a large rifle primer will damage the case.
Sourcing and Choosing 308 Small Primer Brass
Several reputable manufacturers produce high-quality 308 small primer brass. The best choice will depend on your budget and reloading needs.
Top Brass Manufacturers
This is not an exhaustive list, and other manufacturers provide quality brass as well. Always check reviews and compare prices before committing to a large purchase.
| Manufacturer | Reputation | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | Excellent, consistent | Medium to High |
| Lapua | Premium, top accuracy | High |
| Norma | Excellent, high quality | Medium to High |
| Hornady | Good, reliable | Medium to High |
| PMC | Good, value-oriented | Medium to Low |
Factors to Consider When Selecting Brass
- New vs. Once-Fired: New brass is typically more uniform but more expensive. Once-fired brass can offer excellent value, but requires more careful inspection.
| Factor | New Brass | Once-Fired Brass |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Uniformity | High | Can vary |
| Condition | Pristine | Requires Inspection |
- Headstamp: The headstamp indicates the manufacturer. This is important if you're sourcing brass from multiple sources. Consistent headstamps can help maintain uniformity.
Preparing 308 Small Primer Brass for Reloading
Proper case preparation is essential for reliable reloading. This process involves several crucial steps:
Essential Steps in Brass Preparation
- Cleaning: Remove any residue from the case. This might include using a tumbler with media and a cleaning solution, or a wet-cleaning process.
- Inspection: Check each case for damage, including dents, cracks, or excessively damaged primer pockets. Discard damaged cases.
- Sizing: Use a suitable sizing die to ensure uniform case dimensions.
- Deburring: Removing burrs from the case mouth ensures smooth feeding and prevents damage to the bullet.
- Trimming: Trim cases to a uniform length using a case trimmer.
- Chamfering: Chamfer the case mouth to prevent damage to the bullet and ensure consistent seating depth.
Case Studies: Optimizing 308 Small Primer Brass Performance
Case Study 1: A reloader experienced inconsistent ignition with once-fired 308 small primer brass. After careful cleaning and inspection, he noticed some primer pockets were slightly expanded. By using a small base primer pocket swager, the issues were resolved, yielding much improved performance.
Case Study 2: A competitive shooter found that using new Lapua brass improved accuracy. The tighter tolerances and consistent case dimensions of the premium brass eliminated variations, which ultimately translated to superior accuracy.
Conclusion
Choosing and preparing 308 small primer brass is critical to successful and safe reloading. Understanding the characteristics, sourcing options, and preparation steps ensures consistent results and optimal performance. By carefully selecting and properly preparing your 308 small primer brass, you can maximize accuracy, consistency, and the lifespan of your brass. Remember always to prioritize safety and follow all relevant reloading guidelines.