Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default Mil-Surp Brass Question

    I'm in the process of talking myself into reloading for my Garand.
    I have about 500 once fired Mil-Surp casings.
    My question is how many times can I safely reload them?

    I'm sure as I go on I'll have quite few more questions.
    P.S I already read the stickies about 15 times.
    Thanks

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Mil-Surp Brass Question

    It varies quite a bit. Some you might only get one reload while others you could see 10.
    ““Liberty is the right to choose. Freedom is the result of the right choice.””

    -Anonymous

    Jeff

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Mil-Surp Brass Question

    check the cases, look for cracks and other damage. Toss them if you see any
    Honesta Mors Turpi Vita Potior ~ 3%

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Mil-Surp Brass Question

    I don't load "hot" for my plinking in my FAL's or Garands, that helps with brass longevity. I load what I would consider mild plinking loads, depending on the powder, some are at the "start" for grains (depending on the reloading book) some loads are a grain above or so.

    10 or more loadings are not out of the question, I toss when I get cracks or they otherwise fail inspection.

    I have had pretty good results myself.

    I'm sure as I go on I'll have quite few more questions.
    I am a firm believer in the adage "There is no such things as a stupid question." and when it comes to questions about reloading even more so.

    Ask away....glad to help if I can.
    Last edited by 762xIan; January 18th, 2010 at 08:31 PM.
    "Disperse you Rebels! Damn you! Throw down your Arms and Disperse!" British Major Pitcairn at Lexington April 19, 1775

    "Sometimes reasonable men must do unreasonable things" Marvin Heemeyer

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Mil-Surp Brass Question

    Thanks guys and reps sent. I was wondering if it was a matter how many vs. condition.
    I don't want to get all set up for reloading to only use my brass once.
    I'll just stock up when CMP finally gets there shipment in.
    Which I'll probably do anyway and reload as well

  6. #6
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    (Lebanon County)
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    Default Re: Mil-Surp Brass Question

    I have a set of .308 Lake city brass, that I have loaded 20+ times (I lost count after 20 ). Though I have only neck sized these brass I expect them to last quite a while. I think you will get a lot of use out of those cases.



    Brad

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Mil-Surp Brass Question

    I can reload the cases for my M-1 about 4 times at the most. I use Remington brass,150 grain FMJ bullets with IMR 4064. I won't tell you how much powder I use but it is not near the max load. I should probably get the headspace checked, this M-1 has Korean writing on the stock and most of the parkerizing is worn off. Maybe someone with a cleaner, less hammered rifle has better luck than me. The rim gets torn up by the M-1. That should give you some concern. The surplus brass is thicker than what I use. All you have to do is swage the primer pocket as an added step in reloading any G.I, brass. You should give it a try.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Mil-Surp Brass Question

    In case you didn't know, DO NOT use typical 30-06 load data for loading the Garand. You will need less podwer=less pressure to keep your M1 from destroying itself. You can get an adj gas plug to use standard factory ammo or standard homemade ammo, but thats a different animal.
    Look around on the web to find some starting loads.

    As stated above, you will more than likely have to swage the primer pocket with the surplus brass to remove the crimp/stake of the primer. Dont be suprised if you break a de-capping pin.
    Last edited by Nate7667; January 19th, 2010 at 08:41 AM.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Mil-Surp Brass Question

    OT just a little -

    Scope out the latest Hornaday reloading book for the M1. They have a specific section JUST for the Garand. It is immediately after the 30-06 Springfield load data.

    And yes, it is very different!

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Mil-Surp Brass Question

    Makes sense now that Hornady is making factory M1 Garand ammo.
    Glad to see they are adding the info their reloading manuals.

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