Once-fired AA shotgun hulls are a popular choice among reloaders for several reasons. Their consistent quality, availability, and affordability make them a cost-effective alternative to buying new hulls. This guide delves into the world of once-fired AA hulls, exploring their benefits, drawbacks, and everything you need to know before incorporating them into your reloading process.
Understanding Once-Fired AA Shotgun Hulls
What are they? Once-fired AA hulls are spent shotgun shells from the renowned Remington Gun Club brand, specifically the "AA" (American Arms) line. These hulls have been fired only once, ensuring they retain much of their structural integrity. This makes them ideal for reloading, saving you money compared to purchasing brand new hulls.
Why choose them? There are several compelling reasons why reloaders opt for once-fired AA hulls:
- Cost-Effectiveness: The most significant advantage is the lower price. Buying once-fired hulls is significantly cheaper than buying new hulls, especially when reloading large volumes of ammunition.
- Consistent Quality: Remington AA hulls are known for their high-quality construction, even after being fired once. This consistency leads to more reliable reloading and better performance.
- Wide Availability: Numerous sources supply once-fired AA hulls, from online retailers to local gun clubs and shooting ranges. This makes them readily accessible to reloaders.
- Durability: Properly cleaned and inspected, these hulls can withstand multiple reloading cycles, further enhancing their cost-effectiveness.
Key Features of AA Hulls:
- High Brass: AA hulls are typically high-brass, meaning they have a taller, thicker brass base, contributing to increased durability and reliability during reloading.
- 6-Point Crimp: The 6-point crimp is a hallmark of the AA hull, offering a secure and consistent closure for the shot and powder.
- Various Gauges: AA hulls are available in various gauges, including 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and others, catering to different shotgun types.
Sourcing and Preparing Once-Fired AA Shotgun Hulls
Finding once-fired AA hulls is relatively straightforward. Many options exist:
- Online Retailers: Websites dedicated to reloading supplies often stock bulk quantities of once-fired AA hulls. Prices vary depending on gauge and quantity.
- Local Gun Clubs and Ranges: These locations often have reloaders who sell their spent hulls, providing a convenient and local source.
- Shooting Events: Larger shooting competitions or events sometimes have individuals selling once-fired hulls.
Preparing the Hulls for Reloading:
Before reloading, carefully inspect and prepare the once-fired AA hulls:
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the hulls to remove any residue from previous firing. A hull cleaning brush is a useful tool for this purpose. Remove any remaining primer residue.
- Inspection: Examine each hull for any cracks, dents, or other damage that could compromise its structural integrity. Discard any damaged hulls.
- Sizing (Optional): Some reloaders prefer to size their hulls to ensure consistent dimensions before reloading. This is particularly helpful after multiple reloading cycles. A hull resizing tool is required for this step.
Reloading with Once-Fired AA Shotgun Hulls
Reloading with once-fired AA hulls is very similar to reloading with new hulls. Follow these basic steps:
- Primer Seating: Insert the new primer into the hull's primer pocket using a primer seater.
- Powder Charging: Use a powder measure to add the correct amount of powder to each hull. Accuracy is crucial here.
- Shot Charging: Charge each hull with the appropriate amount of shot using a shot measure.
- Wadding: Use the correct wadding to create a seal and prevent shot leakage.
- Crimping: Use a crimping tool to create a tight and secure seal.
Advantages and Disadvantages: A Balanced Perspective
While once-fired AA hulls offer significant advantages, it's important to acknowledge potential drawbacks:
Advantages:
- Cost Savings: The primary benefit is reduced reloading costs.
- Reliability: Remington AA hulls are known for their quality and consistency.
- Readily Available: Many sources supply these hulls, ensuring easy access.
Disadvantages:
- Condition: The condition of once-fired hulls can vary, requiring careful inspection.
- Potential Damage: Some hulls might be damaged during shipping or handling.
- Cleaning Time: Cleaning used hulls takes time and effort.
Case Study: Cost Comparison
Let's consider a hypothetical example:
| Item | Cost per 100 units (USD) |
|---|---|
| New AA Hulls | $30 |
| Once-Fired AA Hulls | $15 |
This example demonstrates the potential cost savings using once-fired hulls – a 50% reduction in this scenario. Remember that prices vary depending on supplier and market conditions.
Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions
Once-fired AA shotgun hulls provide a cost-effective and reliable option for reloaders. By understanding their benefits and drawbacks and following proper preparation and reloading techniques, you can maximize the advantages while minimizing potential problems. Remember to prioritize careful inspection and cleaning to ensure safe and reliable reloading. The cost savings over time make them a smart choice for many shotgun enthusiasts.