Brass shelf life

[maganoo82]

I am still fairly new to handloading, only been doing it about 6 years. Have a question about older brass. A friend just gave me around 1500 rounds worth of 30-06 brass. All seem to be headstamped LC match '53 and FA match '61. I've loaded countless rounds of LC and I know its exellent brass, but I have no experiance with frankford. Is FA equal to LC? Better? Worse? It all looks just fine, no cracks, nothing but a little age tarnished so am I safe to assume older brass is safe for loading? Thanks much.

Happy shooting.

 

[Cop Bob]

Absolutely, load it shoot it, enjoy it... I'm still reloading LC, and WRA brass in 45acp and the 30-06 head-stamped in the 40's 50's and 60's... If is is not split, or separating, enjoy it... I have a friend that is reloading some 50BMG that is WWII surplus as well... no problems...

 

[maganoo82]

Sweet. My heavy shilen barreled mod 70 is gonna love match brass for lunch. Thanks!

Happy shooting.

 

[USSR]

Is FA equal to LC? Better? Worse?

FA 61 Match was the last year M72 Match ammo was made at Frankford Arsenal. It is good brass, no better or worse than LC. In 1962, M72 Match ammo production was moved to Lake City Arsenal. It is also good brass. However, in most instances, USGI brass will not hold a candle next to quality commercial brass in regards to accuracy.

Don

 

[MachIVshooter]

Brass shelf life

Longer than your natural life.

Unless it's been exposed to ammonia or another chemical that attacks the alloy, brass stored in a dry place is good pretty much forever.