When to cull brass

[7000grain]

Another follow on because I had some folks ask.

When to Cull Brass in Reloading
Culling brass is an essential part of the reloading process for those seeking optimal accuracy and consistency. Here’s a guide on when to cull your brass:
Visual Inspection
1. Cracks and Splits: Immediately discard any brass with visible cracks or splits, especially around the neck or shoulder area.
2. Dents: Remove cases with significant dents, particularly in the neck or shoulder regions.
3. Off-Center Flash Holes: Cull brass with noticeably off-center flash holes, as these can affect ignition consistency.
Dimensional Issues
1. Case Length: Cull cases that are too short to be safely trimmed to the proper length.
2. Neck Thickness: For precision shooting, consider culling cases with neck-wall thickness variations exceeding .001 or .002 inches.
3. Primer Pocket Condition: Remove cases with loose or damaged primer pockets that can’t be properly resized.
Performance-Based Culling
1. Fliers: After shooting, set aside brass from rounds that produced unexplained fliers or poor accuracy.
2. Inconsistent Shoulder Bump: Cull cases that show inconsistent shoulder bump measurements, indicating work hardening.
Weight Sorting
1. Initial Sorting: For precision loads, consider culling cases that fall outside your desired weight range.
2. Periodic Checks: Regularly weigh cases to identify those that have lost significant mass through multiple reloadings.
Brand-Specific Considerations
1. Mixed Headstamps: In precision shooting, consider culling brass from different manufacturers to maintain consistency.
2. Known Issues: Be aware of potential issues with specific brands or lots and cull accordingly.
Reloading History
1. Number of Reloads: Consider culling brass that has been reloaded multiple times, especially for high-pressure cartridges.
2. Pressure Signs: Remove any brass showing signs of excessive pressure, such as flattened or cratered primers.
Additional Factors
1. Neck Tension: Cull cases that consistently produce inconsistent neck tension despite proper sizing.
2. Corrosion: Discard any brass showing signs of significant corrosion or discoloration.
Remember, the level of culling depends on your specific needs. Competition shooters may have stricter standards than those reloading for general target practice. Always prioritize safety and consistency in your reloading process.