Brass sizes, questions.

[The Grand Baboon]

To start off, I have just started reloading, so please bear with me.

I've read that it isn't' advised to use military surplus brass for reloading because of the smaller volume due to thicker walls.

What I'm wondering if there is enough difference between two manufacturers of brass (In this case, R-P and W-W Super [308. Win]) that I should load them with separate loads.

 

[jcwit]

I've read that it isn't' advised to use military surplus brass for reloading because of the smaller volume due to thicker walls.

/

Say what? I've been reloading surplus cases for years and years. But then I don't load to max, but for accuracy.

 

[LiveLife]

I reload military LC .308 cases along with thinner walled commercial cases. I weigh the once fired cases to verify the case weight and sort them by weight group for load development.

The military cases are kept separate from commercial cases for reloading as I conduct separate work up and use different powder charge.

 

[FROGO207]

Yep I load them all, just make sure to separate them by headstamp and if the weight is a lot different work up a separate load for each type. Most generally the difference will not be that great until the cases get smaller. Say in a 223 or something that size. What you read on the internet including this post you should note for knowledge and prove or disprove for yourself. Not all internet advice is good or safe. Do remember to follow the published data from manufacturers and start load development 10% below max to stay safe.
Oh, also welcome to the madness that we all call reloading.

 

[cfullgraf]

I've read that it isn't' advised to use military surplus brass for reloading because of the smaller volume due to thicker walls.

Boxer primed military brass is reloadable. I am not sure about 308 Winchester, but it is a myth that all military 223 Remington brass (5.56x45) is thicker walled than the commercial brass.

So, the blanket statement that all military brass has less volume than the commercial equivalent is not true.

Work up your loads accordingly by headstamp.

There can be some Berdan primed military brass out there. While it is reloadable, Berdan primers are difficult to find at best and darn near unavailable at worst. It is not worth reloading Berdan cases unless you have a rare rifle and it is the only source of brass.

 

[918v]

RP is going to be heavier with less capacity.