Brass shotshells, specifically in 12 gauge, represent a niche but fascinating area within the shooting and reloading world. While not as common as their standard plastic counterparts, they offer several unique advantages and drawbacks that appeal to specific types of shooters and reloaders. This comprehensive guide explores the world of 12 gauge brass shotshells, delving into their benefits, drawbacks, reloading considerations, and overall suitability for various shooting applications.
The Allure of Brass 12 Gauge Shotshells
The use of brass in shotshell construction is not merely aesthetic. It offers several key advantages, primarily centered around reusability and durability.
Reusability and Cost Savings (Long-Term)
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Multiple Uses: Unlike once-fired plastic hulls, brass shotshells can be reloaded numerous times, significantly reducing long-term ammunition costs. This reusability is particularly attractive for high-volume shooters and reloaders.
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Reduced Waste: The environmental impact of using reusable brass hulls is considerably lower than that of disposable plastic hulls, appealing to environmentally conscious shooters.
Enhanced Durability and Longevity
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Resistance to Damage: Brass is inherently more durable than plastic. It's less prone to cracking, crushing, or other damage from repeated use and handling. This robustness makes brass shotshells ideal for demanding shooting conditions or situations where the shells might experience rough handling.
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Consistent Performance: The inherent strength and rigidity of brass ensures consistent shell dimensions and performance over multiple reloads, reducing the chance of malfunctions.
Superior Performance for Specific Applications
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Blackpowder Reloading: Brass shells are often preferred for blackpowder reloading, as they better withstand the unique pressures and corrosive nature of black powder.
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Specialized Loads: Some reloaders utilize brass shells for specialized ammunition loads, requiring precise dimensional tolerances or enhanced durability not achievable with plastic hulls.
Drawbacks of Brass 12 Gauge Shotshells
While offering considerable benefits, brass shotshells also come with certain drawbacks.
Higher Initial Cost
- Premium Price: Brass shotshells are significantly more expensive to purchase initially than their plastic counterparts. This higher upfront cost needs to be considered in relation to the long-term cost savings from reusability.
Increased Reloading Complexity
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Specialized Tools: Reloading brass shotshells often requires specialized tools and techniques different from those used for reloading plastic hulls. This added complexity can be a barrier for some reloaders.
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Time Investment: The process of resizing, cleaning, and preparing brass shells for reloading can be more time-consuming than working with plastic hulls.
Weight Considerations
- Heavier Shells: Brass shotshells are heavier than their plastic equivalents, potentially affecting carrying capacity and overall shooting comfort during extended shooting sessions.
Reloading Brass 12 Gauge Shotshells: A Step-by-Step Guide
Reloading brass shotshells involves several crucial steps.
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Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the spent brass shells, removing any residue from primer or powder.
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Sizing: Properly size the brass shells to restore their original dimensions, ensuring consistent performance. This step often requires a specialized sizing press.
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Priming: Install new primers carefully, ensuring proper seating.
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Powder Charging: Measure and add the correct amount of powder based on the desired load.
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Shot Charging: Carefully measure and add the appropriate shot charge.
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Crimping: Crimp the shell firmly to securely seal the shot and powder within the brass hull.
Choosing the Right Brass Shotshells: Factors to Consider
Several factors influence the selection of brass shotshells.
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Manufacturer: Different manufacturers produce brass shells with varying levels of quality and consistency. Researching manufacturer reputations is essential.
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Gauge: While we're focused on 12 gauge, brass shells are available in various gauges, each with its own specifications and applications.
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Intended Use: The type of shooting (e.g., hunting, sport shooting, blackpowder) will influence the choice of brass shell.
Case Study: Comparing Brass and Plastic Hulls over 500 Rounds
A hypothetical case study comparing the long-term cost of using brass vs. plastic hulls over 500 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition reveals significant cost savings with brass over the long haul, provided the brass shells are properly cared for and reloaded multiple times. This cost comparison is heavily dependent on the initial cost of brass shells, the cost of reloading components, and the number of times the brass shells are reloaded.
Conclusion: Are Brass Shotshells Right for You?
Brass 12-gauge shotshells offer significant advantages in terms of reusability, durability, and environmental impact, particularly for reloaders. However, the higher initial cost and increased reloading complexity must be weighed against these benefits. Whether or not brass shotshells are the right choice depends largely on the individual shooter's needs, budget, and reloading capabilities. For those who prioritize long-term cost savings, environmental consciousness, and consistent performance, brass shells represent a compelling option. For casual shooters, the increased investment and complexity might not be worthwhile.