Ammo GURUS... got some questions

[biggiesmalls]

what's the difference between the wolf black box and the military classic? is one better than the other?

also, why is it generally less desirable to shoot steel cased rounds? is it bad for the gun? it can't just be because they're not reloadable, can it?

 

[Rubber_Duck]

Wolf black box -> sealant around primer.
Wolf Military Classic -> sealant around primer and case neck

See: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=405985

As to whether or not steel cases are bad, it depends on the gun. My AR shoots them just fine, though some people avoid them like the plague.

 

[biggiesmalls]

so for long term storage MC is better?

does the steel casing only affect reliability or is it actually harming the gun? if it's just not as reliable, then i don't mind shooting some thru my AR just for plinking. but if it harms the gun i'll go with other stuff.

and is it just wolf ammo that burns dirty or does steel casing have anything to do with how messy the rifle will be afterwards?

 

[Rubber_Duck]

For long term storage either should go bang after sitting around for a few years (unless you store your ammo in a swamp, then all bets are off). But the MC does have the extra insurance against moisture.

Well it won't harm or damage the gun in any way, shape, or form. The absolute worst case scenario is that after several thousand rounds of steel cases, your extractor may take a toll. But extractors are cheap, with the money you save on even one case of steel vs. brass ammo, you can buy several extractors.

If you plan on mixing brass- and steel-cased ammo during your next trip to the range, keep the steel-cased stuff for the end of the session. Don't shoot brass-cased ammo after shooting Wolf without cleaning the chamber. This link will explain why: http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu18.htm

 

[Ignition Override]

That might be the same link whereby a gunsmith described how the Mini 30's chamber needed good cleaning, and the lacquer (contrary to popular opinion)was not as much of a culprit causing stuck shells as powder residue.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

Yes, most people thought the lacquer was the culprit, claiming that it "melts" when fired, gluing the case and chamber together. Simply not true.

 

[biggiesmalls]

thanks for being very helpful rubber duck. i think i understand now.