Spring punch to identify # of firings?

[vonb]

I have seen in the past where other have posted using a spring punch to identify the number of firings. Where are you punching your brass? I think the rebated section of the rim would be best as it won't interfere with changing dimension of headspace nor mess with leaving marks on side of brass that may cause galling with sizing die. Any info and pics appreciated.

 

[Ringostar]

Not sure on the punch, but I've heard of using a small fine file to make slight grooves on the edge of the rim.

 

[smoooth]

Sounds like WAY too much work! How about keeping them in boxes and write on the box or a piece of tape how many times they have been fired?

 

[Joe Salt]

+1 on just keeping it on a piece of paper and keep it with the brass! Just don't forget to mark it each time.

Joe Salt

 

[bobm]

Marking your brass sounds pretty silly to me. Some lots of my brass will go 20 firings. Twenty plus marks to count or miscount? ??? I mark the inside of the box with a grease pencil. K.I.S.S.

 

[fdshuster]

That's part of the load data information, so why not add it as a note to the label that lists the powder, charge, bullet wt. seating depth, primer?

Making punch marks in the brass? No thank you.

 

[bobm]

OK..I had to try this marking method. First, I needed my decent glasses to see good. Then got my Starrett auto punch and set it for light impact. Barely enough room for 20 hits. Funny, it still fits in the shell holder. ;D

 

[expiper]

spend more time watching the wind flags and less time fiddlein at the reloading table,,,,I dont see how you would have enuff time at a match to mark them ?!!.....work your way thru the whole box (20-40-50-100-whatever ) that way they all have been loaded the same ammount ,,,just a simple mark in your notes on the box,,,,I am amazed how folks complicate life,,,Roger

 

[djtjr]

Not sure on the punch, but I've heard of using a small fine file to make slight grooves on the edge of the rim.

I've done this for marking brass that isn't perfect but can work for spoilers etc. probably would work fine but why not just keep track in the box with a pen

 

[tenring]

You gotta be kiddin - punch the brass, noway.

For over 50 years I have done the same thing - I load 40 and put them in a cartridge caddy with a tape strip - one stroke for each time they are loaded. Rember-

KISS

 

[ireload2]

Each punch mark is a defect that detracts from the integrity of the brass.

 

[M-61]

Each punch mark is a defect that detracts from the integrity of the brass.

+1

 

[CatShooter]

If making a note in the box is not working, why not mark the cases with a Sharpie Magic Marker - far less destructive.

 

[Lapua40X]

The unsolvable conundrum. I load fifty rounds of once fired brass for the match and toss in another ten for sighters. Only needed 48. Now I've got 12 to include in my next set. But that set includes brass that has three firings and, because I usually maintain my sets in fifty round lots, I'll have to find some way to use the once fired brass I didn't need today without "contaminating" it with the twice fired pieces or the set that has been fired three times. This is a war without winners.
Although I do try to maintain some record of the number of firings when processing brass, I don't obsess about it. If they're weighed, cleaned, inspected, checked for runout, OAL, etc. I use 'em. I'd rather spend time at the range. To that, I try to spend no more time at the bench than absolutely necessary. :

 

[Geronimo Jim]

I shoot matches that require anywhere from 30 to 40 shots. I load in boxes of 50. I am anal about how many times the brass has
been reloaded. To solve the problem, I simply file a notch in the last 20 round in the box. Very simple and easy to keep the brass
all the same number of firing.