If you’ve been in the hunting or shooting community for a while, you’ve probably heard the term “rifle brass.” But what exactly is rifle brass, and why does it matter as part of your hunting or gun gear? Well, rifle brass is a critical component of ammunition. It’s the casing that holds the bullet, gunpowder, and primer together. 

Different types of rifle brass are available, each with unique features and benefits. Some types are better for precision shooting, while others are great for hunting or casual target practice. And ultimately, the type of rifle brass you choose can greatly impact your shooting experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a novice to the sport, understanding rifle brass is a step towards becoming a more informed and effective marksman. So, let’s dive in and learn more about rifle brass, including rifle brass manufacturers and how to find rifle brass for sale online (hint: you can find it at diamondkbrass.com).

Rifle Brass Manufacturers

Rifle brass is an essential component of every rifle round. As mentioned, it’s the casing that holds the bullet, powder, and primer, and it is usually made of brass, a durable and malleable material.

Different rifle brass manufacturers use various methods to create their rifle casings. However, they all aim to produce high-quality casings that are precise and reliable.

At Diamond K Brass, we offer rifle brass from different top manufacturers, including Winchester, Remington, Federal, and Magtech (among others). Each of these companies has a unique approach to brass production, which results in different properties and characteristics of their casings.

Winchester

Winchester is one of the most well-known names in the ammunition industry, and their rifle brass is no exception. They use high-quality brass to make their casings and conduct strict quality control tests throughout production. This testing ensures the consistency and reliability of their casings, making them a popular choice.

Remington

Remington is another reputable brand that has been producing rifle brass for over 200 years (they’re America’s oldest gun maker). They use top-quality brass and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to create brass that is accurate and dependable. They also offer various calibers and casings to meet every shooter’s needs.

Federal

Federal is a brand known for its precision and attention to detail. They use specialized equipment and brass that is carefully extruded to produce casings that are uniform in thickness and dimension. This uniformity makes their casings more reliable and easier to handle during reloading.

Magtech

Magtech is a Brazilian-based manufacturer that produces high-quality rifle brass for shooters worldwide. They use advanced manufacturing techniques and a proprietary heat treatment process to create strong and durable casings, providing consistent performance.

Types of Rifle Brass

Each rifle brass manufacturer creates different types for different calibers. This is because different calibers have unique characteristics, and using the appropriate rifle brass can improve accuracy and performance. Here are some of the different types of rifle brass you’ll come across (all of which we carry for purchase).

.270 Winchester

The .270 Winchester is a popular hunting cartridge that was introduced in 1925. It has a flat trajectory, long-range accuracy, and devastating terminal ballistics. The .270 WIN is compatible with many bullet types, making it ideal for hunting a variety of game.

.30 Carbine

The .30 Carbine is a light rifle cartridge developed for the M1 Carbine during World War II. Its low recoil makes it easier to handle than many other rifle calibers. The .30 Carbine is ideal for small game hunting and plinking.

.350 Legend

The .350 Legend is a newer rifle cartridge that was introduced in 2019. It was designed to be a straight-walled cartridge that complies with deer hunting regulations in states where bottleneck cartridges are prohibited. The .350 Legend is ideal for hunting medium game, such as deer and wild hogs.

.444 Marlin

The .444 Marlin is a powerful rifle cartridge that was developed in 1964. It has a significant amount of recoil, but it’s an effective cartridge for hunting large game, such as bear and elk. The .444 Marlin has a high velocity and substantial kinetic energy, giving hunters a quick and humane kill.

.50 BMG

The .50 BMG is a massive rifle cartridge developed following World War I as governments decided they needed to invest in anti-aircraft weaponry. It has enormous power and accuracy, making it ideal for long-range sniping and anti-materiel use. The .50 BMG is not recommended for hunting, as it’s both overkill and illegal in many states.

6.5 Grendel

The 6.5 Grendel is a relatively new rifle cartridge developed in 2003. It’s known for its long-range accuracy and flat trajectory, making it ideal for hunting and long-range shooting with AR-15 rifles. The 6.5 Grendel is a good choice for hunting medium-sized game and varmints.

6.8 SPC

The 6.8 SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge) was developed to improve the 5.56 NATO cartridge. It has better accuracy and stopping power, making it a good choice for hunting and tactical applications. The 6.8 SPC is ideal for hunting medium-sized game, such as deer and antelope.

7MM Remington Magnum

The 7mm Remington Magnum is a popular hunting cartridge introduced in 1962. It has high velocity, flat trajectory, and excellent long-range accuracy. The 7mm Rem Mag is ideal for hunting medium to large-sized game, such as elk, moose, and caribou.

7.62x39MM

The 7.62x39mm cartridge was developed for use in the AK-47 rifle. It has a diameter of 0.311 inches and delivers impressive stopping power. The 7.62x39mm is an affordable and widely available round that is popular with target shooters and hunters alike.

Why Consider Reloading Brass

It’s important to note that the different calibers described and linked above refer to both new and once-fired rifle brass cases. Once-fired brass is also often called “reloading brass” and refers to reusing spent cases with new components, and there are numerous reasons to consider reloading brass. It could be for:

• Cost-effectiveness
• Enhancing accuracy
• Better performance
• Ammunition shortages

Some simply find pleasure in reloading their cartridges. Let’s explore the practical reasons for reloading. By the end, you might be eager to browse our reloading rifle brass. We offer a selection of Winchester, Remington, Federal, and Magtech, among others, in the most common calibers.

Financial Considerations

The rising cost of ammunition has made it less accessible for many. A significant portion of the expense when purchasing casing lies in the brass casing. If you opt for once-fired rifle brass, you can reuse it multiple times instead of being discarded at the range.

The amount you save can vary greatly depending on the caliber of your ammunition. For instance, you may only see a 10-20% cost reduction with a common caliber, like 9mm.

However, for pricier calibers like match grade .308, savings can exceed 50%. For example, making .308 brass might cost around 70 cents per round, compared to nearly $2 for gold match brass.

Supply Availability

Frequent brass shortages are a compelling reason to consider reloading. Plus, if you’re using an outdated firearm or cartridge, finding the right ammunition might be challenging. In this case, reloading brass is going to be your best option. 

Wildcatting Activities

These custom cartridges, known as wildcats, require great precision and attention to detail to craft. They can be designed for specific purposes like long-range target shooting or hunting. Wildcatters must experiment with different powders, bullets, and primers combinations to find the perfect balance that achieves the desired results.  

Regulatory Constraints

Handloading ammunition becomes necessary due to strict regulations, particularly in states like California, where registering for ammunition purchase is mandatory. In such scenarios, people turn towards creating their own as an alternative, using brass cartridges collected from shooting ranges.

Key Elements of the Reloading Process

Interested in reloading rifle brass? If so, it pays to learn about the reloading process. Namely, it’s helpful to know that you can reuse the brass case, the priciest part of a cartridge, multiple times. This ultimately gives you more control over costs.

Bullets, however, cannot be reused and must be bought or handmade. The type of bullet you need also obviously varies depending on the firearm. 7MM Rem Mag bullets are different than .30 carbine bullets, with the former being better for larger game.

Another key component is the fuel or gunpowder, with the type chosen based on the cartridge’s size and caliber. A reloading manual becomes essential here, offering guidance on the correct type and quantity of powder needed. 

Cartridge cases must be inspected for damage before reuse. Always avoid those that are dented, cracked, or bulged, and learn about cleaning rifle brass while you’re at it. Lastly, primers, typically the most affordable component, are usually purchased in bulk.

Get Rifle Brass From Diamond K Brass

At Diamond K Brass, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional rifle brass for reloading enthusiasts. Our brass is meticulously collected, cleaned, and sorted by hand. We go the extra mile by including a 1% over-ship in every shipment to account for potential non-reloadable pieces. 

Our commitment to service is reflected in our readiness to accommodate even the most challenging orders involving rare or unusual rounds of rifle brass. We strive to enhance your reloading and shooting experience through our top-tier products and optional tumble polish service.

Contact us today for a superior reloading experience.