Full Brass Shotgun Shell Guide: Reload & History

The allure of the full brass shotgun shell persists, fueled by its historical significance and unique reloading properties. Primarily manufactured by companies like Dominion in the early 20th century, these robust casings stand in stark contrast to modern plastic hulls. Reloading full brass shotgun shells demands specialized knowledge and tools, differing significantly from techniques used with contemporary ammunition. Understanding the metallurgy and design considerations employed by historical figures like George Hoyt is crucial for safely and effectively utilizing these durable, yet potentially challenging, shotshells.

Crafting the Ultimate "Full Brass Shotgun Shell Guide: Reload & History" Article

To create a truly comprehensive and engaging article on full brass shotgun shells, the structure needs to be carefully planned. We’ll focus on balancing the historical context with the practical aspects of reloading, all while keeping the reader informed and interested.

I. Introduction: Setting the Stage

• Hook: Begin with a captivating anecdote or a surprising fact about full brass shotgun shells. This could relate to their historical use, their unique properties, or a specific application.

• Defining the Subject: Clearly define what constitutes a "full brass shotgun shell." Address any common misconceptions and clarify the distinction between full brass and standard shotshells. Consider including a high-quality image of a full brass shell for visual clarity.

• Article Overview: Briefly outline the topics that will be covered in the article (history, advantages/disadvantages, reloading specifics, etc.). This provides a roadmap for the reader.

II. A Journey Through History: The Evolution of Full Brass

1. Early Origins: Trace the origins of the full brass shotgun shell. Explore its role in the early days of shotgun development, referencing inventors and key historical figures.

2. Transition to Paper/Plastic: Detail the reasons behind the shift from full brass to paper and later plastic hulls. Consider factors like cost, manufacturing ease, and advancements in propellant technology.

3. Niche Revival: Explain the resurgence of interest in full brass shells, especially among competitive shooters, historical reenactors, and those seeking increased reloadability and durability.

III. The Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

• Advantages of Full Brass Shells:

  • Durability & Reloadability: Emphasize the primary benefit: the significantly longer lifespan of full brass compared to other materials. Detail the number of reloads achievable under optimal conditions.
  • Resistance to Swelling: Explain how brass resists swelling due to moisture or high pressures, ensuring consistent performance.
  • Historical Accuracy: Highlight their importance for historical reenactors and black powder shotgun enthusiasts.
  • Aesthetics: Acknowledge the visual appeal and craftsmanship associated with full brass shells.

• Disadvantages of Full Brass Shells:

  • Cost: Clearly state the higher initial cost compared to conventional shells.
  • Reloading Complexity: Explain that reloading full brass shells can be more involved and require specialized tools and techniques.
  • Availability: Discuss the limited availability of certain gauges and components.
  • Weight: Note that full brass shells are heavier than their plastic counterparts.

• Table: Pros vs. Cons Summary

  Feature	Full Brass Advantage	Full Brass Disadvantage
  Durability	Significantly longer lifespan, many reload cycles	Initial cost is higher
  Reloadability	Superior for repeated loading	Requires specialized tools and techniques for reloading
  Resistance	Less susceptible to swelling from moisture/pressure	Availability of components might be limited
  Cost	Long-term savings due to reloadability	Higher initial investment

IV. Reloading Full Brass Shotgun Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Essential Equipment:

   • List all necessary reloading equipment: reloading press, specific dies for full brass, powder scale, shot measure, wads, primers, etc.

   • Include brand recommendations where appropriate (but avoid being overly promotional).

   • A well-placed image of the reloading setup can be very helpful.

2. Component Selection:

   • Brass Hulls: Discuss the different manufacturers and quality levels.

   • Primers: Specify appropriate primer sizes and types for full brass.

   • Powder: Provide a general overview of suitable powders and sources for load data. Emphasize the importance of following established reloading manuals.

   • Wads/Shot Cups: Describe the types of wads/shot cups that work well with full brass, considering internal hull dimensions.

   • Shot: Explain the different types of shot (lead, steel, bismuth) and their suitability for various applications.

3. Reloading Process (Step-by-Step):

   • Depriming: Illustrate the process of removing the spent primer.

   • Resizing (If Necessary): Explain when resizing is required and the appropriate techniques.

   • Priming: Describe the proper insertion of the new primer.

   • Powder Charging: Emphasize the importance of accurate powder measurements and safe handling.

   • Wad/Shot Cup Insertion: Detail the correct placement of the wad/shot cup.

   • Shot Loading: Explain the proper loading of the shot charge.

   • Crimping/Roll Crimp: Describe the process of crimping or roll crimping the shell to secure the components. Roll crimping is far more common in full brass.

   • Inspection: Highlight the importance of visually inspecting each loaded shell for defects.

4. Safety Precautions:

   • Emphasize safety above all else. Warn against exceeding published load data.

   • Stress the importance of wearing safety glasses and following all manufacturer instructions.

   • Remind readers to store reloading components securely.

V. Applications and Use Cases

• Competitive Shooting: Highlight the use of full brass in Cowboy Action Shooting and other competitive disciplines.
• Historical Reenactment: Explain the importance of full brass for accurately recreating historical firearms and ammunition.
• Hunting: Discuss the suitability of full brass for specific hunting applications (e.g., black powder hunting).
• Specialty Loads: Explore the use of full brass for creating custom or specialized loads.

VI. Maintenance and Storage

• Cleaning: Describe proper cleaning techniques for full brass shells to prevent corrosion.
• Storage: Provide recommendations for storing loaded and unloaded full brass shells to ensure longevity and prevent damage.

So, whether you’re a history buff fascinated by the evolution of shotshells or a seasoned reloader looking to experiment with full brass shotgun shells, hopefully, this guide has provided you with a solid foundation. Now get out there, be safe, and enjoy the range!