Lake City 308 brass is highly sought after by reloaders for its consistent quality and superior performance. This guide delves into the reasons behind its popularity, explores its key features, and offers advice on sourcing and utilizing this premium brass.
Why Lake City 308 Brass Stands Out
Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) produces military-grade ammunition, renowned for its exacting standards. This translates to Lake City 308 brass exhibiting several key advantages over commercial brass:
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Exceptional Consistency: Uniformity in dimensions and wall thickness is paramount in reloading. Lake City brass consistently delivers on this, leading to more reliable case life and improved accuracy. The reduced variation minimizes the need for extensive case preparation.
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Durable Construction: Built to withstand the pressures of military applications, Lake City brass is known for its toughness and longevity. It can withstand numerous reload cycles before showing signs of wear, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
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Clean Composition: The manufacturing process employed by LCAAP results in brass that is generally cleaner and less prone to contamination than some commercial alternatives. This contributes to smoother reloading and improved overall performance.
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Superior Headstamp Identification: The clear and easily identifiable headstamp aids in sorting and organizing your brass inventory efficiently.
Sourcing Lake City 308 Brass
Finding Lake City 308 brass can sometimes be challenging, as it's often highly sought after. However, several avenues exist:
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Online Retailers: Numerous online retailers specialize in selling once-fired brass, including Lake City. Be sure to carefully review seller reputations and customer reviews before making a purchase. Pay close attention to descriptions to ensure you're purchasing genuine Lake City brass, not commercial imitations.
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Gun Shows: Attending local gun shows can present opportunities to source Lake City brass from private sellers. This often offers competitive pricing, but requires careful inspection of the brass to ensure quality.
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Recycling Spent Cases: If you have access to shooting ranges that utilize Lake City ammunition, responsible recycling of spent cases can be a rewarding approach. However, this method requires significant sorting and cleaning.
Preparing and Using Lake City 308 Brass
While the inherent quality of Lake City brass reduces the need for extensive preparation, standard reloading practices still apply:
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Cleaning: Thorough cleaning removes any remaining residue from previous firings. This is crucial for consistent performance and to extend case life.
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Inspection: Careful inspection for cracks, dents, or other damage is essential before loading. Discarding damaged cases prevents potential safety hazards.
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Sizing: Proper sizing ensures the case fits snugly within the chamber and prevents pressure issues.
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Primer Pocket Uniformity: Check and ensure primer pockets are consistently sized for proper seating depth.
Conclusion: A Reloader's Preferred Choice
Lake City 308 brass represents a premium option for serious reloaders. Its consistency, durability, and overall quality contribute to superior accuracy and performance. While sourcing may require some effort, the advantages far outweigh the challenges. By following proper preparation and reloading techniques, reloaders can maximize the lifespan and benefits of this exceptional brass, producing ammunition of the highest standard.
