Understanding .38 Super Brass
History and Benefits
The .38 Super: a cartridge with a rich history, a dedicated following, and a reputation for power. For those who enjoy this round, the prospect of reloading can be incredibly appealing. It offers the opportunity to tailor ammunition to your exact needs, potentially saving money and achieving peak performance. A key ingredient in the reloading process is the brass. This guide delves into the world of .38 Super brass once fired, exploring how to acquire it, prepare it, reload it, and ultimately, optimize your .38 Super ammunition.
What is “Once Fired”?
Reloading is about more than just enjoying a hobby; it’s about taking control of your ammunition. This offers multiple benefits. One of the most significant is cost savings. By purchasing components individually – brass, primers, powder, and bullets – you can often significantly reduce the per-round cost compared to buying factory-loaded ammunition. Furthermore, reloading allows you to tailor your ammunition to your specific needs. This level of customization is impossible with factory-loaded rounds. You can fine-tune powder charges, bullet weights, and other variables to achieve optimal accuracy, velocity, and performance for your firearm. Reloading enables you to experiment with various loads to find the “sweet spot” that produces the tightest groups on the range.
Quality of Brass
The term “once fired” refers to brass casings that have been used only one time. This distinction is crucial. Once-fired brass is generally superior to brass that has been fired multiple times. The repeated firing and resizing process can work-harden the brass, making it more prone to cracking, splitting, and ultimately shortening its lifespan. Once-fired brass, having experienced only a single firing cycle, is often in excellent condition. It’s usually already sized and ready for the reloading process, saving you time and effort.
The quality of .38 Super brass can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific history of the cases. Brands like Starline and Nosler are often praised for their high quality and durability. The brand of brass is an important factor to consider. When inspecting brass, look for signs of damage. The better the condition of the brass, the longer it is likely to last. Always sort your brass by headstamp if you want to be as accurate as possible.
Sourcing .38 Super Once-Fired Brass
Finding the Right Brass
Finding .38 Super brass once fired is generally quite straightforward. There are several avenues to explore.
Online retailers are a convenient source. Websites specializing in reloading components, such as Starline and Brassman Brass, typically offer brass in various quantities. These retailers often provide detailed descriptions of the brass, including its condition and whether it has been cleaned. This is a great way to acquire your starting materials.
Local gun stores and shooting ranges are other excellent resources. Many gun stores sell once-fired brass, and shooting ranges often collect brass from their firing lines. Be sure to check with your local stores and ranges. They can sometimes offer competitive prices, and you can often visually inspect the brass before purchasing it.
Gun shows and online forums dedicated to reloading or shooting can also be valuable sources. These venues provide a chance to connect with other reloaders and often find good deals. Be mindful of the conditions of the brass before you purchase, but these can often provide good opportunities.
Evaluating Brass
When evaluating once-fired brass, a careful inspection is crucial. Begin with a visual assessment. Look for any visible damage, such as dents, dings, or cracks. These can compromise the integrity of the case and make it unsafe to reload. Pay close attention to the case head. The case head is the area that houses the primer and is critical for containing the pressures generated during firing. Examine the primer pocket. Is it clean and free of obstructions? A damaged primer pocket can lead to ignition problems or compromised performance.
Cleaning Brass
Cleaning once-fired brass is an essential step in the reloading process. Clean brass not only improves the appearance of your ammunition but also removes any dirt, debris, or carbon buildup that could interfere with the reloading process. The most common methods for cleaning brass involve tumbling or ultrasonic cleaning. Tumbling involves placing the brass in a vibrating tumbler with a cleaning media, such as corn cob or walnut shells. Ultrasonic cleaning uses ultrasonic waves to dislodge dirt and debris. A good cleaning is the best way to preserve the integrity of your brass.
Preparing .38 Super Once-Fired Brass for Reloading
Inspection and Sorting
Before loading your .38 Super rounds, the process begins with careful preparation of the brass.
After cleaning, the first step is another thorough inspection. Sort the brass by headstamp if you want to maintain consistency in your loads. Inspect each case again for any signs of damage that might have been missed during the initial assessment. Discard any cases that show evidence of cracks, bulges, or other defects.
Sizing and Priming
The next crucial step is sizing and priming. This process typically involves the use of a full-length sizing die. This die resizes the entire case to its original dimensions, ensuring that it will chamber properly in your firearm. This is also where you deprime the case. In the next step, you will prepare the primer pocket for the new primer. The primer pocket will be cleaned of the debris from the previously used primer. Ensure it is free of obstructions for proper seating.
Case Trimming
Case trimming is necessary. The .38 Super brass cases, after repeated firings, can stretch. Trimming the brass back to its specified length ensures consistency in your reloaded ammunition. Consistency is a key component to achieving the accuracy desired when reloading. To trim, use a case trimmer designed for .38 Super cases. Measure the case length using a caliper. Trim the case to the correct length, following the manufacturer’s specifications for your specific bullet and reloading data.
Chamfering and Deburring, and Primer Pocket Prep
Chamfering and deburring the case mouth is an important step. This smooths the inside and outside edges of the case mouth, making it easier to seat the bullet and reducing the risk of damaging the bullet or case during the loading process.
If you’re working with brass that previously contained military primers, you may need to address any crimp present in the primer pocket. This involves removing the crimp. You can use a primer pocket swaging tool or a reamer to remove the crimp, allowing the new primer to seat properly.
Reloading .38 Super Ammunition
Component Selection
With the brass prepared, the next phase is the actual reloading of your .38 Super rounds.
Component selection is the foundation of a successful reloading process. Choose the right components for your loads. Primers play a crucial role in igniting the powder. Consult your reloading manual for recommendations. Consider using small pistol primers.
Powder selection is another crucial choice. Different powders have different burn rates, and the choice of powder will significantly impact the velocity, pressure, and performance of your ammunition. Popular powders for .38 Super include powders known for their good performance and versatility. Choose powders that are compatible with the bullet weight and intended use of your ammunition.
Bullet selection is another important consideration. Bullet weight will affect the velocity and trajectory of your loads. There are many types of bullets available for .38 Super, from full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds to hollow points. Select the bullet weight and design that best suits your shooting needs, whether that’s target practice, self-defense, or competition.
Powder Charging
Precise powder charging is paramount. Use a powder measure to accurately dispense the powder into each case. This ensures that each round receives the correct amount of powder, which is crucial for consistency and safety. Weigh each charge using a digital scale. This allows for the highest degree of accuracy. Use a powder trickler to add small amounts of powder until you achieve the desired weight.
Bullet Seating and Crimping
Bullet seating is an essential step. The bullet must be seated to the correct depth within the case. Bullet seating depth affects the overall cartridge length. The seating depth will affect the pressure in the round. Consult your reloading manual for guidance on the appropriate seating depth for your chosen bullet.
Crimping secures the bullet in the case, preventing it from moving during firing. This is especially important for semi-automatic pistols, where the round must withstand the forces of the recoil and cycling of the action. The type of crimp will vary depending on the bullet type. A taper crimp is typically used for .38 Super ammunition.
Load Development and Optimization
Safety First
Reloading offers the opportunity to refine your loads. This requires a careful approach.
Prioritize safety at all times. Always consult reputable reloading manuals. These manuals provide detailed load data and safety information. Before you begin, make sure your work area is clean and organized. Wear safety glasses and other protective equipment.
Consult the reloading manuals. They provide starting loads based on your chosen powder, bullet, and other components.
Working Up Loads
Working up your loads requires a careful and methodical approach. Start with the recommended starting load provided in your reloading manual. Gradually increase the powder charge in small increments, such as 0.2 or 0.3 grains. After each increase, carefully inspect the loaded rounds and fire them.
As you increase your powder charge, carefully monitor the ammunition for any signs of excessive pressure. These signs can indicate that the load is too hot or unsafe. Signs include flattened primers, case bulging, or difficult extraction. If you observe any of these signs, immediately stop increasing the powder charge and consult your reloading manual.
Accuracy and Performance
Chronographing your loads is a valuable step. A chronograph measures the velocity of the bullets as they leave the muzzle. By measuring the velocity of your loads, you can ensure consistency and optimize performance. Consistent velocity can lead to improved accuracy.
After you have completed your load development, the final step is to fine-tune your loads to achieve optimal accuracy and velocity. Grouping your shots at the range is a great way to check the accuracy of your rounds. Observe your target. If you are looking for the tightest groups, then the next step is load development. Continue to refine your loads by making small adjustments. If you are looking for a specific velocity, continue to incrementally increase or decrease the powder charge until you achieve your desired velocity.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Even with careful attention, reloading problems can occur.
If you experience ignition problems, there are a few possible causes. Check your primers. Ensure that you are using the correct primers. Ensure that the primers are properly seated in the primer pocket. Check your powder charge. Ensure you have used the proper amount of powder.
If you experience difficult ejection of your rounds, this is often an indication of excessive pressure. Inspect your cases for any signs of damage. Reduce the powder charge.
Inconsistent velocities can be frustrating. This can be caused by various factors. If you have any variations in your powder charge, this may be a factor. Also, check your seating depth. These can affect the internal ballistics and lead to velocity variations.
Sticking cases can be an indication of excessive pressure. Ensure you have correctly prepared the brass and used the proper amount of powder. Check your dies.
Safety Considerations
Essential Precautions
Reloading is a rewarding hobby, but it is not without its risks. Following safety procedures is crucial.
Always wear safety glasses. Read and understand your reloading manuals thoroughly. Reloading manuals provide critical safety information. Store ammunition and components in a secure and organized manner. Ensure children and unauthorized individuals do not have access to these materials. Never reload while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Conclusion
Reloading .38 Super brass once fired offers a pathway to customizing and optimizing your ammunition. By carefully sourcing brass, preparing the cases, reloading them with precision, and developing loads, you can create ammunition that is tailored to your needs and shooting style. By taking the time to understand the process and follow safe reloading practices, you can safely create high-quality, accurate ammunition.
If you’re considering reloading .38 Super, take the leap and start experimenting. The rewards of tailored ammunition and increased shooting pleasure are well worth the effort.
Resources and References
The Complete Reloading Manual (Various publishers)
Reloading manuals from powder and bullet manufacturers.
Online reloading forums and communities.
Websites of reloading component suppliers.
