Understanding Lake City Brass: A Foundation of Quality
History and Background
Before delving into the specifics of once-fired brass, it’s crucial to understand the reputation of Lake City. The story begins at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP), a government-owned, contractor-operated facility in Independence, Missouri. For decades, LCAAP has played a pivotal role in supplying the United States military with high-quality ammunition. This facility isn’t just a factory; it’s a symbol of precision and reliability, producing millions of rounds annually for our armed forces. The stringent quality control standards employed at the LCAAP ensure that every component, including the brass casings, meets the demanding requirements of military use. This history translates directly to the quality of the brass we see available in the civilian market.
Characteristics of Lake City 223 Brass
Lake City 223 brass, in particular, is known for its inherent qualities. The cases are typically made from a copper and zinc alloy, specifically formulated to withstand the pressures generated during firing. This alloy selection is no accident; it’s a balance of durability and flexibility, enabling the brass to expand upon firing and then contract back to shape, crucial for extracting the fired case and preparing it for the next loading. The annealing process, a crucial heat treatment, softens the brass at the neck and shoulder to allow the case to be resized and reloaded. This contributes to longer brass life and helps with the precision of your reloads.
Identifying and Reputation
Identifying Lake City brass is often straightforward. The headstamp, the markings on the base of the casing, is your key. Look for “LC” (Lake City) followed by the year of manufacture. This stamp is the identifier. The brass itself is usually a distinctive golden hue, a testament to the alloy and the rigorous manufacturing standards.
Why is Lake City brass so highly regarded? The answer lies in the interplay of several factors. First and foremost, the brass is known for its exceptional durability and strength. These cases are built to handle the pressures involved in firing, making them less prone to failures like case head separations. This reliability is a significant benefit, especially for reloaders who want to maximize their brass’s lifespan and maintain consistency with their reloads. Secondly, Lake City brass, if properly prepared and reloaded, can potentially contribute to improved accuracy. Consistency in case dimensions and wall thickness can have a positive effect on ballistic performance. Finally, the availability of Lake City brass makes it an attractive option for reloaders. The US military uses massive volumes of .223 ammunition, ensuring a ready supply of once-fired cases.
The Meaning Behind “Once Fired”
The term “once fired” holds great importance for reloaders. In the context of ammunition, “once fired” means a brass casing has been used in a firearm once and subsequently extracted. It has been through the heat and pressure of the firing process but is still in good enough condition to be reloaded. This is often a cost-effective way for shooters to keep their hobby alive as the price of brass, especially these days, is getting expensive.
When a round is fired, the propellant (gunpowder) ignites, generating high pressure that forces the bullet out of the barrel. This same pressure expands the brass casing to fill the chamber, sealing the gases and ensuring the bullet’s proper trajectory. After the bullet leaves the barrel, the pressure drops, and the brass casing contracts slightly, allowing it to be extracted from the firearm.
So, what does “once fired” mean in practical terms? The brass will already be in the shape of the chamber of the firearm it was fired in. The primer pocket will have been “formed” and ready to be cleaned out or reamed out, depending on the process, and the neck will have been exposed to the heat and pressure of the firing process. The case itself has a history, a story of use. The visual inspection of the brass, after that first firing, is very important to the life of a brass casing.
Advantages of Choosing Lake City 223 Once Fired Brass: Cost and Quality Combined
One of the most compelling advantages of using Lake City 223 once fired brass is its cost-effectiveness. Buying new brass can be a significant expense, especially for shooters who enjoy plinking, competitive shooting, or simply like to shoot a lot. Once-fired brass provides a significant cost saving. This can mean a lot to a new reloader, or someone trying to keep the cost of their hobby in line with the times. Because the brass is already used, it is usually significantly cheaper than new brass. Reloading is a great way to customize your ammunition.
Beyond cost, the quality and reliability of Lake City once fired brass are substantial. Reloading with quality brass provides a good foundation for accurate ammunition. The consistent performance offered by these cases is another key benefit. They are designed to withstand the rigors of multiple reloading cycles, provided the brass is well-cared for and the reloading process is performed correctly.
The availability of Lake City once fired brass is also an advantage. Because of its military use, a constant stream of it enters the market, available through numerous sources, from specialized retailers to online marketplaces. This accessibility ensures that reloaders can readily find and acquire the brass they need.
Reloading Lake City 223 Once Fired Brass: The Process
Reloading is a craft. Preparing and reloading Lake City 223 once fired brass involves several steps.
Cleaning
Start with the cleaning process. Brass casings accumulate residue, grit, and grime during firing. Cleaning is essential to remove these contaminants and ensure proper sizing. Methods include a tumble cleaner, which uses a rotating container and cleaning media (like walnut shells), or an ultrasonic cleaner. Ultrasonic cleaners can be more efficient and remove dirt that a tumbler cannot.
Inspection
Next, meticulous inspection. Before the brass enters the resizing process, inspect each case thoroughly. Look for any signs of damage such as cracks, dents, or splits. Any compromised cases should be discarded. You are making ammo, so you want it to be safe.
Resizing
Resizing. This process brings the case back to the correct dimensions. Full-length resizing brings the case back to factory specs, while neck sizing only sizes the neck of the case. The method you choose depends on your goals and the specific firearm you’re reloading for.
Primer Pocket Cleaning
Primer Pocket Cleaning. The primer pocket needs to be cleaned out as well, as it has likely been exposed to primer residue. Using a primer pocket brush helps remove any remaining carbon buildup or corrosion, ensuring reliable primer seating.
Priming
Priming. This is the process of inserting a new primer into the primer pocket. Some reloaders use a separate priming tool, while others prime as part of their reloading press operations. A properly seated primer is crucial for consistent ignition.
Powder Charging and Bullet Seating
Powder Charging and Bullet Seating. This is where you select and measure the correct charge of powder and seat the bullet. This process requires a powder scale for accurate measurement. Consult a reloading manual for recommended powder charges and bullet seating depths for the specific bullet weight and powder you are using.
Crimping
Crimping (if applicable). Some reloaders prefer to crimp their ammunition, securing the bullet in the case. This isn’t always necessary, but some rifles require it.
Load development is also an essential part of reloading. Consult a reloading manual. Follow recommended starting loads and work up gradually, observing for any signs of excessive pressure. This includes the brass, the primer pockets, and, ultimately, your own senses.
Potential Issues and Considerations: Safety First
Although Lake City 223 once fired brass is generally very durable, some issues can arise. Inspect your brass thoroughly.
Look out for head separation. This is a serious issue, where the case head separates from the rest of the case during firing. Any brass with a head separation should be discarded.
Case cracks can occur, particularly at the neck and shoulder of the case, usually after many reloadings. Examine the brass and discard if you see any.
Some Lake City brass may have crimped primers, and the primer pockets may need to be swaged. This process removes the crimp and ensures proper primer seating.
Safety is paramount. Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your reloading manual.
Store your brass in a clean, dry place to avoid any corrosion.
Sourcing Your Lake City 223 Once Fired Brass: Where to Begin
Purchasing Lake City 223 once fired brass is usually fairly straightforward.
Browse reputable online retailers. Look for sellers with established reputations and positive reviews. You can find it on many gun supply websites, and gun-related marketplaces.
Visit your local gun stores and reloading supply shops. Often, these stores carry once-fired brass, and you can inspect the brass before buying.
Consider the shipping costs and legal considerations. Ensure that the supplier ships to your location and that the product complies with local and federal laws.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey of Reloading
Lake City 223 once fired brass offers a unique combination of quality and affordability for reloaders. It opens up a world of customization and cost savings, and provides the opportunity to deepen your understanding of ammunition and the processes involved.
By carefully selecting and preparing your Lake City once fired brass, and following safe reloading practices, you can enhance your shooting experience. Reloading is a journey, so enjoy it.
