Military Brass (not the kind you salute to)

[Krustyklimber]

My question is about military brass...

What are the pros and cons?

I aready know about dealing with the "crimped primer thing", but I have heard military brass is thicker and more durable (not to mention cheaper), does this make it worthwhile or should I just buck up and get the good stuff.

Oh yeah, this is in regards to the brass we use for 30.06, .284, and .256 we shoot. I'll shoot anything in my .222 'cause there just ain't a big enough explosion to hurt/wear out the cases.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[Fatelvis]

I think M14s (308) and M1 Garands (30-06) need Mil brass, due to thier "aggressive" extraction. Thinner, softer brass, doesnt hold up to the abuse as well. All other rifles I would use commercial, due to the greater case capacity, and the softness of the brass lends itself to better chamber obturation. (26 cent word there!)

 

[1badmagnum]

see jeff at gibrass for all your questions and great prices on ammo, brass, and powder.highly knowledgeable and has quality stuff.

 

[Art Eatman]

For the crimped-in GI primers, use the little punch tool for the first decapping. Ream the primer pockets. Then, fageddaboutit.

The only thing to remember in reloading '06 and .308 is that GI case capacity is about three or four grains-weight less powder, so reduce your max loads accordingly.

IOW, don't mix GI brass in with commercial brass.

Simple enough?

, Art

 

[cheygriz]

The only reason that I will ever use commercial brass is if I'm loading for a calibre where milsurp brass isn't available.

Get a Dillon Super Swage, and convert to milsurp exclusively.

I use milsurp brass exclusively in .38 Special, 9MM, .45ACP, .223, .308, .30-06, and .303.

It lasts forever.

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

GI Brass is Great

I have sold tens of thousands of GI brass sorted by maker and year in lots of a thousand for top competitive shooters as they are MILSPEC as lives depend on their reliability. Also all military calibers were designed to fire military ammo. Not the thin civilian stuff.

Gi brass will last longer as part of an identical lot of ammo for competition to have the same point of impact no matter when used. Star Reloaders hold the gi primer pocket crimped cases so accurately that they can be decapped and reprimed without removing the crimp as long as only Federal or Winchester primers are used in the Star.

After depriming in the regular fashion a deburring tool mounted in a drill can zip the crimp off or the crimp can be swaged off leaving you with the best possible brass available. Next in quality is Federal and Winchester brass and lastly is Remington brass which is the thinnest and comes on sale the most often.

Just some comments from an old commercial reloader.
author of
"How To Live With And Love Your Progressive Reloader"
Paul "Fitz" Jones

 

[Southla1]

prolly 75% of my brass is GI. Only when I cant get it do I use others.

 

[ocabj]

Where can you purchase milsurp brass?

 

[BigG]

Also a consideration is that mil brass needs to function thru belted machineguns. Lot more demanding than your usual once a year hunter's needs. Mil brass (USA) is good.

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Location when joining the list

It helps to have your location listed under your name when posting to the list. Choose the largest city nearby that has a recognizable name to the most people.

Nearby shooters can advise you of local sources and if you will state your weapon and caliber that would help also.

There might be a shooting group nearby that you could join if your location was known.

Paul Fitz Jones Co-Moderator