A brass prep station is a reloading tool that helps clean and prepare brass cases for reloading. It can remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants from brass case necks, as well as chamfer and debur them. Prepping brass is crucial for consistent accuracy, as case neck tension and case-to-case uniformity are what attribute most to consistent groupings.

Chamfering brass cases is important because it helps create a smooth, uniform opening for bullets to be seated in. This results in more consistent and accurate ammunition, as when a case mouth has a sharp edge and scratches a the side of a bullet bearing surface when seating, negatively affects it ballistic coefficient and so the consistency from shot to shot. Deburring brass cases removes any sharp edges that could damage bullets or cause them to deform upon firing.
A brass prep station can save you time and hassle when reloading brass cases. It is a valuable tool for any reloader, especially those who are reloading large quantities of brass at once, like when prepping 223 brass for reloading. If you’re looking to get the most out of your brass cases, a brass prep station is worth considering.
Let us look at the various brass prep stations available on the market and how they compare.
Hornady Case Prep Trio Review
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Prep Trio has three active stations and is designed to make case preparation a breeze. It’s capable of chamfering primer pockets, cleaning the case, and deburring the case walls. The included case prep tools also come with storage compartments for optional accessories. While the reloading bench is no place to leave your tools, you can store them here to save space.
The Case Prep Trio is a unique design that combines the benefits of three quality tools into one compact unit. It has three separate output shafts that allow it to carry out three different operations on each piece of brass. This allows you to easily prepare brass for your ammunition in the most efficient manner. And, unlike other case prep tools, the Trio is compact enough to fit on a benchtop. Moreover, it’s affordable, with free UK delivery.
Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Center Review
With its four Powered Tool Stations, the Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Center has everything you need to properly prepare your brass. Each tool is made of Hardened High Speed Steel (HSS) and is capable of lasting thousands of rounds. Its eight-32 threaded output shafts allow for the use of a wide variety of after-market case prep tools. The center’s aluminum construction and large primer pockets make it very durable.
The Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Center is similar to the Case Trim and Reload Center, except it includes four powered tool stations that allow you to work on four different tools at once. These tools include a chamfer tool, an outside deburring tool, and a small primer pocket scraper. This unit is able to prep brass quickly, thanks to its 200-rpm output shafts. The Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Center is easy to use, saving you countless hours reloading ammunition.
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Prep Center includes a variety of tools that help you finish your work quickly and easily. Aside from the two tools, you’ll also find a number of accessories that will make your job easier. For instance, the center’s two-sided chamfering tool is great for cleaning the inside of the case’s primer pockets, while the case trimmer is great for trimming bottleneck cartridges.
Lyman Case Prep Xpress Review
The Lyman Case Prep Xpress is an all-in-one case preparation system, containing five gear-driven heads, a high-torque motor, and a dump pan for brass shavings. It performs all the usual tasks for case prep, including priming the case, cleaning the primer pocket, removing the military crimp, and uniforming the flash hole. It is a great time saver and has many benefits.
The machine’s features are impressive, especially for the price. The 5-piece machine takes up a square section of the bench, and the workspace is a circle, which rotates simultaneously when the machine is powered on. The unit comes with a heavy-duty power cord and a pair of six threaded brass bushings, as well as a lubricant and stiff-bristled brush for cleaning.
The Case Prep Xpress features a vertical layout that allows users to use the tools that are most commonly used for case prep. It features a side-mounted inside neck lube station, four case neck brushes, Mica lube, and a removable dump pan. Unlike other case prep tools, this machine is easy to clean and includes many accessories. A few of these accessories are included, as well as a case neck brush for varying calibers, and a cleaning brush for the cleaning process.
The RCBS Brass Boss
The RCBS Brass Boss is a case trimming station that includes six rotating stations with variable speeds, four of them at 350 rpm, and two at 550 rpm. It has eight interchangeable tools and has a dual speed motor. This is an essential tool for any gunsmith’s arsenal. Its small size makes it easy to store and transport. It is available in a black or stainless steel finish and costs approximately $600.
This unit is easy to use and comes with six rotating stations. It includes case neck brushes, a military crimp remover, and a primer pocket cleaner. It also has storage compartments for all the necessary tools. Once assembled, the unit takes only a few minutes to clean each case, and you can have it ready to use immediately. Its hefty price tag is a testament to its quality and value.
Frankford Arsenal Case Trim and Prep System
A Frankford Arsenal Case Trim and Prep System helps machine cases in a matter of seconds. Its innovative case holder indexes the shoulder and uses a bushing and collet system to align the brass with the cutting edge. The cutting tool contacts the mouth of the case and trims it until it touches an internal bushing. It comes with three adjustable collets and six bushings for precise trimming.
Brass Case Prep Guide
If you’re reloading brass casings, you’ll need to do some prep work before you can start loading them with ammo. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to do:
1. Clean the brass casing. You’ll want to remove any dirt, debris, or oils that may be on the surface of the brass. One way to do this is to soak the brass in a cleaning solution for a few minutes, then scrub it with a brush.
2. Deburr the brass casing. The edges of the brass can be sharp, so you’ll want to deburr them before you start reloading. This can be done with a file or a deburring tool.
3. Resize the brass casing. Once you’ve cleaned and deburred the brass, you’ll need to resize it so that it will fit properly in the chamber of your firearm. This can be done with a reloading die or a resizing tool.
4. Trim the brass casing. If the brass is too long, it can cause problems when you’re trying to chamber a round. You’ll want to trim the brass down to the proper length using a brass trimmer.
Your brass is now ready to prime and load.
Prepping 223 Brass for Reloading
1.Start with clean brass. Once you’ve fired your 223 rounds, it’s important to start with clean brass when reloading. This means running the brass through a tumbler to remove any dirt, debris, or residue that may be on the surface.
2.Trim the brass. The next step is to trim the brass to ensure that all of the rounds are the same length. This is important for accuracy and consistency when firing.
3.Deburr the trimmed brass. Once you’ve trimmed the brass, it’s important to deburr the edges to remove any sharpness. This can be done with a deburring tool or a file.
What is a brass prep station?
A brass prep station is a tool that helps you prepare brass casings for reloading. It typically includes a cleaning solution, a deburring tool, and a resizing die. Some brass prep stations also include a trimming tool and a primer tool.
New Lapua Brass Prep
Prepping new Lapua brass before first loading, is not really too essential, as the brass is already annealed and the case mouth is not sharp or need chamfering. I would recommend just loading them and firing them, as this will fire-form the brass to the dimensions of your rifle chamber, then only do the first brass prep.
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