How to tell a reload from factory?

[firemachine69]

Hi guys. A hypothetical question here, but how can one tell a reloaded cartidge from a factory load?


All the reloads I've ever seen had some red stuff seep from where the primer is affixed (onto the cartridge). Is case lube something else?

Or is a "well done" reload practically impossible to tell from factory stuff?

 

[CanAm]

Generally you will see sizing marks from the die down to about 1/8" from the rim on reloads

 

[303carbine]

Hi guys. A hypothetical question here, but how can one tell a reloaded cartidge from a factory load?


All the reloads I've ever seen had some red stuff seep from where the primer is affixed (onto the cartridge). Is case lube something else?

Or is a "well done" reload practically impossible to tell from factory stuff?

The stuff you see around the primer is a factory sealer not a lube.

 

[firemachine69]

Thanks for the info guys. I was curious, I bought an old .303 ages ago, and was sent a box of ammo with it, and some empty cases. Went to Wal-Mart to look at the (supposedly) same ammo, the bullet was no-where near what the ones I received look like (and yes, they were the same weight. )

 

[stormbringer]

You also should be able to find an extractor mark on the rim of a reloaded round

 

[CanAm]

Thanks for the info guys. I was curious, I bought an old .303 ages ago, and was sent a box of ammo with it, and some empty cases. Went to Wal-Mart to look at the (supposedly) same ammo, the bullet was no-where near what the ones I received look like (and yes, they were the same weight. )

The bullet can be the same weight and a different style, RN, JSP, FMJ, etc.

 

[curtmg]

Generally you will see sizing marks from the die down to about 1/8" from the rim on reloads

That'd be the easiest way to tell. So long as they F/L resized, if they neck sized, that wouldn't be there, but the cartridges might not fit in your rifle, if they weren't fired in your rifle. After you fire them, and decap the primers, look at the pocket, if you see three clear places, it was probably new ammo (or they cleaned the primer pockets). So, yeah, there are things you could look for, but it wouldn't be that hard to pass off good reloads as factory. Most wouldn't go to that much effort, if they were lying, it'd probably be fairly evident. Does the bullet type match?

 

[firemachine69]

You also should be able to find an extractor mark on the rim of a reloaded round

Even from a BA? When I rip through my .22 mag's, all I can see is the dent from the firing pin on the rim.


Maybe I need to pay closer attention.



Both supposedly 168gr. FMJ. Keep in mind, I was holding the exact same box at Wal-Mart as the one I had at home. The bullets DON'T match. Now, I was never told these were factory loads, I just assumed since they came in a retail package, I got what was inside.

 

[Aries-]

also noticed most factory loads will have a primer the same color as the case. factory will also have the red sealer around the primer.

 

[t-star]

also noticed most factory loads will have a primer the same color as the case. factory will also have the red sealer around the primer.

not anymore- while cci and others use a nickel coated copper cup, winchester and others have skipped the nickel wash step and are using a straight copper/brass/whatever- the last 2 boxes of factory 180 308's i got were 1 federal and 1 winchester( there was only the 1 of each) and , no red sealer either- either they've gone to a transparent sealer or it's just plain not there- i noticed this as this was for my shtf box and made a mental note not to get it wet as there was no sign of a sealer of any sort on the primer or on the bullet/neck of the case-i would hazard a guess it's a cost cutting measure