gathering brass at the range

[Charles L. Cotton]

We have the sorting trays. Definitely helps with the first sorting, but you still have to hand sort after because of cases that nest inside each other (9mm in 40S&W, etc).

We have been looking at that other contraption with the metal rods and the variable speed motor, but it is QUITE an investment.

So for now, its me, the Reloading Wizard, and sometimes our son (when he gets hungry enough). And the weiner dog, but she really isn't much help.

So anyone who wants to earn extra money, or extra brass to feed your own habit, is welcome to come and try out the sorting trays, anytime!

I see no reason for Marty to invest in another brass sorter, when the one he has is working fine.

Chas.

[Crossfire]

[Pinkycatcher]

If you feel that sad about it, I'll come help! It's always been my dream to sort brass!!

[TDDude]

I found a brass catcher at AIM a few weeks ago that works fairly well. However, it's not on their website anymore so I can't give any links. It bascially has a velcro strap that wraps around the forestock. The frame is attached to the velcro and the fishnet bag is attached to the frame. It cost around $10.00

It actually catches 2/3rds of the brass and stops all of it. I'll post a picture later.

When shooting on a bench, the brass is either caught in the bag or falls right there by the rifle. It's well worth the $10.00.

[KBCraig]

An exception would be Berdan primed brass and rimfire brass. Those would be ideal for scrap sale.

That depends; there are people who reload Berdan brass (I have, although it's a pain). I have the RCBS Berdan decapper, which is a claw-like device that pierces the primer and levers it out. Sometimes.

For unusual calibers where original brass is very hard to find, reloading Berdan is worth the trouble. If you can buy commercial brass, it's not.

This is a good point to insert a warning about reloading scavenged brass: make sure it's not Berdan before you snap off a decapping pin!

As for rimfire brass, yeah, it's scrap. There's usually a whole lot more of it, but it takes a whole lot more of it to make a pound of scrap.

[thelurker]

that also begs the question... how can one simply eyeball brass and identify whether it's reloadable or not. Is there a harry potter style incantation that makes them glow?

Brass and nickel cases are reloadable. Aluminum and steel are not.

So, if it looks like brass and a magnet won't pick it up, it's reloadable. If it's silver colored and shiny, it's probably nickel, and reloadable. If it's silver colored and has a dull finish, then it's steel or aluminum, and not reloadable.

BTW, I am not the reloader in the family. I am just the brass sorter. And I need help. Anyone in north Texas who wants to sort endless buckets, PM me. Really. Will pay in cash or brass.

So that's why ya'll don't allow wolf ammo at the range...I knew something was up, and it smelled like a re-loader!

Now, I'll kindly take my cut of all the brass I left laying on the ground beside I-35

[MyNameIsPaul]

I work at a Custom Perforated Metal Shop in Houston. We can punch ANY size slot,hole,hex, etc. in Steel,Alum,Etc...

If you have any ideas for your own sorter, let me know and I'll see if I can hook you up.

[ddcarter3]

I bought a http://www.nutwizard.com/ to pick up brass. It works amazingly well. On almost any surface. It really saves my knees.

[agbullet2k1]

I bought a http://www.nutwizard.com/ to pick up brass. It works amazingly well. On almost any surface. It really saves my knees.

From the website:

This simple tool will pick up Pecans, Black Walnuts, Butternuts, Apples, Hickory Nuts, Acorns, Chestnuts, Oranges, Lemons, Golf Balls, Buckeyes, Sweet Gum Balls, Hedge Apples, pistol and shotgun shells...

...wait, what? Reminds me of the old Sesame Street "one of these things is not like the others" bit.

[redoregon]

They have a specialized model...

http://www.thenutwizard.com/ammovideo.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[juggernaut]

...wait, what? Reminds me of the old Sesame Street "one of these things is not like the others" bit.

Yeah. Why would anyone pick up stray golf balls? Leave em. They make good reactive targets for a 22.

[Oldgringo]

Ledjedi wrote:

...I know the Winchester White Box says on the side that it's not suitable for reloading (i wonder why...?).

It do?

[MechAg94]

I used to shoot at an indoor range in Houston that didn't allow picking up brass. It was cheap to shoot though. I bet they would raise prices if they didn't do that.
I just set my range bag up on the right side of the bench so I always caught a few. Revolver brass never hit the floor in the first place.

That sorter looks pretty cool. I use a bunch of those clear plastic buckets from Lowes to store brass, but sorting even a small bucket of pistol brass takes a while.

[striker55]

I gave up reloading because I did not think it was very economical and picking up the brass was a pain. Low and behold right after I sold everything the ammo shortage hit. Second guessing my decision now!