I reloaded everything from 9 mm to 45 ACP to wild cat, and 22-250 to .308 for over 50 years on a single stage RCBS Rock Chucker. I had to stop reloading for several reasons, I have had several shoulder surgeries from military injuries that was the main cause. So now I buy my ammo, but I know about the American brass issue as I used RP the most and was easiest to find. I never did mix brass as this does make a difference, especially in competition, the best bullet for reloading competition is Sierra by far, next would be Hornady either on could be used to calibrate your scale. Hunting was Winchester and Nosler, of course with anything it is expensive, it just depends on how serious your are and the the type of matches you shoot. I shot NRA and IDPA. but I never used my reloads for self defense and this is why I like to shoot with factory made ammo. Practice with what you shoot for self defense, so my question about Brown Bear was if anyone used this brand. I usually buy UMC or Winchester.