Which rifle cartridges are most in demand for reloading?

[Bacchus]

I have access to a public range where there are lots of hunters who sight in their rifles but leave the brass. I usually police the brass and so have a lot of brass in hunting calibers that I don't use, such as 243, 270, 308, and 30-06.

Which calibers are most in demand (to reloaders) and which should I toss?

Thanks.

 

[Black Snowman]

You just named the big 4 Are you going to try selling them I guess?

 

[Bacchus]

Yes, I'd like to sell them, although I only have about 50 of each. Thinking long term...

unless you have an offer--

 

[NavajoNPaleFace]

Bacchus,

That's sort of hard to generically answer and my answer following is just my personal opinion.

I say it's hard because a lot depends on what the round is intended for; whether it's game hunting (in relationship to the game in various locations nationwide), target shooting, competition shooting, etc.

Here in Arizona we have only three main types of game; elk, deer and javelina (some shoot coyotes but, technically it's illegal for the most part). There are some antelope in some areas and .243-.270 is plenty for those.

Most people I know use 30.06, 8MM and some .308 for elk although there are some that use larger calibers. Deer here are fairly small so .270 is enough and 30.06 may be a tad heavy. For javelina .243 is sufficient.

If I were to rate the calibers you listed, according to folks I know shooting it, I'd say 30.06 and .308 are pretty much the same in popularity. The .270 is next and then the .243. Although more and more are shooting the Swede 6.5 X55 which is between the .243 and .270.

Please keep in mind I'm not counting the countless numbers of .223, 7.62 X39 and etc. that are burned up with the popular ARs and SKSs around. I'm referring to most common bolt action calibers.

Personally, I make it a habit of keeping all popular brass I come across. I figure I never know when I might want them some day and they take up relatively little space.