Brass weight differences and starting charge weights

[BsChoy]

I started reloading for my 223 a little while back and bought 300 once fired Federal from Ebay. Now I have unlimited access for federal 223 brass as my department now has patrol Ar's. I scooped up about 600 cases last time and for grins and giggles decided to check the wieght of the ebay cases to the departmental cases. Now mind you the dept cases aren't marked FC 223 Rem they are FC 05. To me it sounded like possible military cases but they were all Federal American Eagle brand stuff? Now when I wieghed them the dept cases were 3 grains heavier on average then the ebay civi marked brass?

1st- Is 3 grains alot?
2nd- Should I start at the begining with the dept brass?

Thanks guys

 

[hoghunting]

The FC 05 is the same ammo that Federal uses for military contracts. That brass has less internal capacity than the stamped Federal. You need to reduce your loads about 10% and don't try to use the max listing with that brass. You will hit max pressure sooner than the listed max amounts of powder.

Just separate your brass, FC and Federal, and load away.

 

[30Cal]

Keep an eye on the pressure required to seat primers. Fed brass is pretty soft and they may start falling out after 1 or 2 reloads.

Ty