Old 308 Brass safe?

[gnihcraes]

I purchased some used 308 brass thinking it was LC 99 and 76, but turns out I was looking at it wrong, it's 66 and 67. All says Match or NM (national match?)

Any opinions on if it's safe to fire being so old. Unknown if once or more fired. Looks good though, no cracks or buldges, reasonably clean and bright.

thanks for any input anyone might have.

kc.

[laportecharlie]

If it is once fired I would use it in a minute! I have reloaded 22 hornet brass for my hunting partner that his dad bought before World War II.
Charlie

[gnihcraes]

yep, unknown firing, could be once, could be many. Just don't know the history of it, supposedly came from an estate sale...

[Pancho Villa]

I am just a novice reloader, so take my opinion for what it is worth.

I would investigate every case for any obvious damage, dents, case splits, etc. and discard those. Then I would trim any that were too long to be the proper OAL. And then I would load on the low end of the scale - ie, start with the minimum powder load.

I kind of like to load light anyway, for 100 yard shots it makes no real difference and it extends brass life by quite a bit, is my understanding. Some of the old reloaders claim that they get 40 and 50 reloadings out of gently used cases, and if so that really brings the cost of brass down for me.

[gnihcraes]

Sounds like a plan. They all look in great shape... appreciate the feedback.

kc.

[10x]

If they look OK, no splits or obvious signs of too many loadings, use them.
I have a some from that era and they are very, very good cases.

NM does mean national match.

These are GI cases so are thick (durable) with less powder capacity than commercial cases.

[gnihcraes]

thanks for the tips and information... I'll just keep them and use them. Kc.

[sagebrush]

Nope Its Not Safe..send It All To Me Quick ! [rofl2]

[gnihcraes]

Nope Its Not Safe..send It All To Me Quick ! [rofl2]

Um, no. :) But if I don't get a rifle for it, then we'll talk.[Beer]