When using "range brass" for reloading, what is a crucial aspect to check?

When using "range brass" for reloading, a crucial aspect to check is how many times it has been fired. This is important because the number of firings directly affects the brass's structural integrity and safety during reloading. Each time brass is fired, it undergoes stress that can lead to fatigue, cracking, or other failures. If brass has been fired too many times, it may not be safe to reload, as it could pose a risk of case rupture or other malfunctions during firing.

Monitoring the number of firings helps reloaders determine the proper number of times a piece of brass can be safely resized, operated on, and reloaded. Brass that has been fired only a few times is typically in better condition and can be reloaded more safely than brass that has been fired extensively. This insight into brass longevity ensures improved reliability and safety in ammunition performance.

While the other factors like whether the brass is aluminum or brass (which affects reloading capabilities), the size of the case (which needs to fit the chamber), and the brand of brass (which can influence quality), are also relevant, they do not carry the same level of immediate concern in terms of safety and functionality as the number of times the brass has been fired.