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Visual differences reload vs factory
buffalobo
Member Posts: 2,348 ✭✭✭✭✭
Rumor has it we have a guy in the area who is passing off reloaded Winchester brass as new factory loads. Repacking them in factory boxes.
A fellow range member had some of these at the range today and they show slight color variation(as in fired and tumbled/polished) on the upper 2/3 of the case, also head stamp not as crisp and clear as when compared to fresh opened box from factory. Also slight(very slight) difference in radius on edge of primer(possible difference in primer lot and not indicative of anything?????)
Any other visual indicators to look for?
Any sure fire way to tell visually or having round pulled apart to tell if reload?
I talked the guy who bought them out of a box to take to experienced reloader and ammo guys for further inspection and disassembly if needed. He is concerned about backlash if accusation made and not substantiated, as the guy he bought them from is bigshot at his work.
Opinions and info appreciated.
A fellow range member had some of these at the range today and they show slight color variation(as in fired and tumbled/polished) on the upper 2/3 of the case, also head stamp not as crisp and clear as when compared to fresh opened box from factory. Also slight(very slight) difference in radius on edge of primer(possible difference in primer lot and not indicative of anything?????)
Any other visual indicators to look for?
Any sure fire way to tell visually or having round pulled apart to tell if reload?
I talked the guy who bought them out of a box to take to experienced reloader and ammo guys for further inspection and disassembly if needed. He is concerned about backlash if accusation made and not substantiated, as the guy he bought them from is bigshot at his work.
Opinions and info appreciated.
Comments
I suppose those signs could be eliminated if a person cared to go to the trouble.
It would be interesting to hear the results of your investigation.
The exposed brass would tarnish over time due to the exposure to air. S-A would fit tighter than revolvers.
Pull a bullet on one. If they are fired cases it will be asy enough to tell by the appearance of the inside.
+1
Pull a bullet on one. If they are fired cases it will be asy enough to tell by the appearance of the inside.
Not if he uses an ultrasonic cleaner like I do. Clean as a whistle in & out.
If the bullets where taken out of the box and handled, they may have a tarnish to them after being on the shelf for a while.
Hope this guy isn't doing what he is rumored to do, that would require a hell of alot of insurance.[B)]
+1. Almost all of my handgun reloads are easy to tell because of these small marks. Many can be seen without a glass or microscope.
You could break a round down and identify the components used. There are differences in anvil construction and the color of priming compounds, as well as in powders and bullets from the various makers. Something like two-legged Remington primer anvils, Hornady bullets, or Alliant powder in Winchester cases, would be a dead giveaway.