harrell

picked up some brass at the camp range. one of the rifles put a small dent in the side of the brass. the dent is very small can this brass be reloaded? thanks

DDMPrecision

It would depend on two things...
One, the severity of the dent...
Two, the location of the dent.
If it's an extraction mark, that's one thing.
If it's a true dent in the wall of the case, perhaps not.
If the neck is a little bumped, that's another thing still.
Post a photo so we can get a better idea of what you're talking about.
THe general rule of thumb is to toss dented brass.

bigcountry

You can fire form it back, but not worth it to me.

Is it a dent or a crease? Dent, wouldn't worry too much. Crease, nope.

rjhans53

Ridgerunner, I'm glad you feel that way, leaves more for me. 95% of the reloading I do is from brass picked up at the range. I will grant that if I was trying to shoot sub 1/2 moa I'd use new brass but I'm content with 1 1/2" @ 100 so it works for me. You just have to keep an eye on it use a feeler gauge and look for case expansion issues. Make sure you full size it hard the 1st time as there is no way of knowing the size of the chamber it was fired in.

bigcountry

Both you guys are right. Shooting range brass can be like russian roulette. I have had one piece fail, rim came right off. I have to say I am guilty.

I need to get a feeler gauge of some sort.

Big Uncle

I never use brass that I don't know it's history. I know guys that shoot super hot loads and discard their brass (sometimes at the range) after a few reloadings. It may only be one mistake that creates a big problem.

falcon

Over ninety percent of my brass is once fired stuff that comes from rifle ranges. Have never has any problem with it.

Big Uncle

That's great if you have some way of being sure that it really is once fired.

DDMPrecision

I get piles of once fired brass from a local range. Can't say which range, as people could get in trouble, but rest assured it's once fired.
I'd stake my life on it.
And, every time I fire one of my reloads from that brass, in effect I do.
I don't load maxed out loads, I use them solely for plinking and "play" time.
Business, IE hunting and target shooting for "money", I ONLY use brass of known origin (NEW that I bought) for safety's sake and peace of mind.
I see both sides of the coin, and respect each for their benefits and drawbacks.
But, if you choose to take that route, know what you're dealing with, the potential risks and potential rewards.
Weigh them deeply too.
The risk is yours to take or not take, based on what you know and have seen.

skb2706

Depends on what I'm using the brass for. But I have and do pick up range brass. If the guy next to me at the range buys a new box of ammo with brass I want. I'll take it all.
Honestly I have had just as bad experiences with brand new brass as I would ever expect to have with range brass.