What is a recommended step when preparing used brass before reloading?

When preparing used brass before reloading, checking the headstamp for caliber designation is a crucial step. The headstamp, which is typically located on the base of the cartridge case, provides essential information about the caliber and manufacturer of the brass. Ensuring that the headstamp matches the desired caliber for reloading is vital for safety and performance. This step prevents the potential hazards of using mismatched brass, which could lead to disastrous malfunctions in the firearm.

While polishing brass can improve its appearance, inspecting for scratches is also important for assessing the condition of the brass, it does not replace the fundamental need to confirm the caliber. Additionally, while resizing marks indicate that a cartridge has been resized, they do not impact the safety or suitability of the brass as directly as confirming the caliber does. Therefore, checking the headstamp is the most critical and recommended step in the reloading preparation process.