Lake City 308 brass is highly sought after by reloaders for its consistent quality and performance. This in-depth guide will explore everything you need to know about this popular brass, from its origins and characteristics to proper preparation and use. We'll cover why it's favored, common issues, and how to get the most out of your Lake City 308 brass.
Understanding Lake City 308 Brass: Quality and Consistency
Lake City ammunition, produced at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, is renowned for its high standards. This translates to their 308 Winchester brass, which is prized for its uniformity. This means consistent dimensions, weight, and overall quality, leading to improved accuracy and reduced variations in your reloads. The consistent dimensions reduce the likelihood of case head separation or other problems that can occur with less uniform brass.
This consistency translates directly to better accuracy on the range. Because each case is so similar to the others, your reloading process is simplified and your final rounds are more predictable. The reduced variability reduces the amount of fine-tuning needed for optimal performance, saving both time and effort.
Key Characteristics of Lake City 308 Brass:
- High-quality material: Lake City uses premium brass alloys resulting in increased durability and longevity. You can expect to reload these cases many times before needing to replace them.
- Consistent dimensions: Precision manufacturing ensures minimal variations in case dimensions, leading to improved reloading accuracy and reduced work.
- Proper annealing: This process softens the brass, making it more workable and less prone to cracking during resizing. This extends the life of the brass considerably.
- Crimp: Lake City brass often features a consistent crimp, streamlining your reloading process, especially if you prefer a crimped bullet.
Sourcing and Identifying Lake City 308 Brass
Finding Lake City 308 brass can sometimes be challenging. It's often sold as once-fired or even twice-fired cases. Because it's so popular, it can command a higher price compared to commercial brass.
Identifying genuine Lake City brass is crucial. Look for the following markings:
- LC: This headstamp is the most reliable indicator of its origin.
- Year of manufacture: The headstamp often includes a date code. This isn't essential for quality but can be useful for tracking.
- Condition: Examine the brass for damage. Look for dents, cracks, or excessive corrosion, as these will negatively affect the reloading process.
Preparing Lake City 308 Brass for Reloading
Proper preparation is key to maximizing the life and performance of your Lake City brass. The following steps are crucial:
- Cleaning: Remove any dirt, carbon, or other debris using a case tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner. This ensures that your cases are clean and ready for further processing.
- Inspecting: Carefully inspect each case for dents, cracks, or other damage. Discard any damaged brass immediately. Even small defects can lead to failure at high pressure. This careful inspection is more crucial with once-fired military brass than with commercial brass.
- Deburring: Use a case deburring tool to remove any sharp edges from the case mouths and flash holes. Removing these burrs will prevent damage to your sizing die and improve overall case life.
- Sizing: Resize the brass using a suitable sizing die. This ensures proper chambering and accurate performance. For Lake City brass, which is often a bit harder than commercial brass, use a good quality lube to ease the sizing process and prevent damage.
- Trimming: Trim the cases to a uniform length. This is crucial for consistent performance. Inconsistencies in case length can impact accuracy.
- Deburring (again): After trimming, deburr the case mouths again to ensure smooth, clean edges.
Reloading with Lake City 308 Brass: Tips for Success
Once prepared, Lake City 308 brass is ready for reloading. Remember these tips for optimal performance:
- Use high-quality components: Don't compromise on primers, powder, or bullets. Your final product is only as good as its components.
- Start with a proven load data: Begin with published load data and follow the manufacturer's recommendations precisely. Don't start by making your own loads; it's risky.
- Observe safety precautions: Always use appropriate safety measures while reloading, including eye protection, ear protection, and working in a well-ventilated area.
Case Studies and Data (Illustrative):
While providing specific data on Lake City brass requires rigorous testing, the following table presents illustrative values based on commonly observed characteristics:
| Characteristic | Typical Value (Illustrative) | Range of Values (Illustrative) |
|---|---|---|
| Case Weight (grains) | 175 | 173-177 |
| Case Length (inches) | 2.01 | 2.00-2.02 |
| Number of Reloads | 5-8 | 3-10 |
Note: These values are illustrative and may vary depending on the specific lot of Lake City brass and the manufacturing year. Always confirm load data with your chosen bullet manufacturer.
Conclusion: The Value Proposition of Lake City 308 Brass
Lake City 308 brass represents a high-value proposition for serious reloaders. Its consistency, durability, and overall quality make it a worthwhile investment. While it might demand a slightly higher initial cost, the improved accuracy, extended case life, and reduced reloading effort ultimately make it a smart choice for those seeking top-tier results. By following the preparation and reloading guidelines outlined in this guide, you can maximize the potential of your Lake City 308 brass and enjoy the benefits of high-quality, consistent ammunition.