Novice brass question?

GaryO7 · January 6, 2014, 12:13 PM

I was able to find a bag of 50, new, unfired 7-08 Winchester brass. What is the suggested steps that I need to go through to be ready to dump powder into them? Do you mess with the primer pocket and flash hole? What say you? Thanks...

Jay24bal · January 6, 2014, 12:58 PM

You should always full length size new brass that is unprimed.

If it is primed, then it should be good to go from the manufacturer.

Other than that, treat it like you would all your once fired brass (trimming if needed, chamfering, de-burring, etc).

GaryO7 · January 6, 2014, 01:16 PM

Do you mess with the primer pocket and flash hole?

myfriendis410 · January 6, 2014, 01:30 PM

Only if that is a step you would normally do, or if it has a crappy looking flash hole.

mnoirot64 · January 6, 2014, 01:37 PM

I only work on the flash hole when it is starting to look bad. I clean, de-burr and make the primer pockets uniform on brass I have shot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryO7

Do you mess with the primer pocket and flash hole?

Does anyone run into issues with the flash hole in new brass? I typically buy Hornady, Nosler or Starline and the flash holes always appear to be fairly uniform and clean.

mikld · January 6, 2014, 01:51 PM

I say get a copy of The ABCs of Reloading. All the basic steps are covered in there. If you're asking what to do with new brass, most get by with a good inspection and full length sizing. Sometimes cases get dinged in shipping and by sizing, you know exactly what you're starting with. Inspection will tell you if the flash hole needs deburring, and the condition of the primer pocket.

AllenJ · January 6, 2014, 01:54 PM

It really depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you are shooting a target rifle you'll want to do full brass prep, i.e. uniform primer pockets, debur the flash hole, turn necks, trim to length, etc. If you are just trying to reload some rounds for you sporter rifle you should check case length, trim if needed, neck size (if the brass is in good shape, otherwise you may want to full length size), and load. I've loaded many new cases after only neck sizing 2/3's of the neck and never had a problem.

Mike38 · January 6, 2014, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Do you mess with the primer pocket and flash hole?

I ream the flash hole on all my brass, even pistol loads. It’s a one time thing. As for primer pockets, not needed on new brass, only after firing.

Quote:

Does anyone run into issues with the flash hole in new brass?

I commonly buy “lower end” brass such as Remington or Winchester. I have on occasion found Remington brass with burrs large enough to cover 50% of the hole. Many times it covers 10% to 20%. Not so much on Winchester, but sometimes there. All would still fire I’m sure, but taking that extra step makes for more consistent hand loads, and consistency equals accuracy.

mnoirot64 · January 6, 2014, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike38

I ream the flash hole on all my brass, even pistol loads. It’s a one time thing. As for primer pockets, not needed on new brass, only after firing.

Funny. I have found the flash holes on my Nosler and Hornady to be clean and free of burrs. However, I have almost always had to run a primer pocket uniformer through them. If I did not, I would very seldom ever get the primer fully seated.

January 6, 2014, 12:13 PM	#1
GaryO7 Member Join Date: November 14, 2007 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 48	Novice brass question? I was able to find a bag of 50, new, unfired 7-08 Winchester brass. What is the suggested steps that I need to go through to be ready to dump powder into them? Do you mess with the primer pocket and flash hole? What say you? Thanks... __________________ Gary NRA Member Last edited by GaryO7; January 6, 2014 at 01:20 PM.

January 6, 2014, 12:58 PM	#2
Jay24bal Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2011 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 735	You should always full length size new brass that is unprimed. If it is primed, then it should be good to go from the manufacturer. Other than that, treat it like you would all your once fired brass (trimming if needed, chamfering, de-burring, etc). __________________ I like guns. Once Fired Brass, Top quality, Fast shipping, Best prices. http://300AacBrass.com/ -10% Coupon use code " Jay24bal "

January 6, 2014, 01:16 PM	#3
GaryO7 Member Join Date: November 14, 2007 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 48	Do you mess with the primer pocket and flash hole? __________________ Gary NRA Member

January 6, 2014, 01:51 PM	#6
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	I say get a copy of The ABCs of Reloading. All the basic steps are covered in there. If you're asking what to do with new brass, most get by with a good inspection and full length sizing. Sometimes cases get dinged in shipping and by sizing, you know exactly what you're starting with. Inspection will tell you if the flash hole needs deburring, and the condition of the primer pocket. __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

January 6, 2014, 01:30 PM	#4
myfriendis410 Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2011 Location: Lompoc California Posts: 274	Only if that is a step you would normally do, or if it has a crappy looking flash hole.

January 6, 2014, 01:54 PM	#7
AllenJ Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,766	It really depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you are shooting a target rifle you'll want to do full brass prep, i.e. uniform primer pockets, debur the flash hole, turn necks, trim to length, etc. If you are just trying to reload some rounds for you sporter rifle you should check case length, trim if needed, neck size (if the brass is in good shape, otherwise you may want to full length size), and load. I've loaded many new cases after only neck sizing 2/3's of the neck and never had a problem.