Difference between new and older Win AA's?

[msta999]

I am just getting into reloading 12 ga and have been reading the older Winchester AA hulls are better than the new ones. How do you tell the difference? Is there any markings? or ?

 

[NuJudge]

The older are compression formed

The older ones are compression formed ("CF"), and usually a dull finished red (but can be silver and other colors). If you look inside the case you will see no separate basewad, just the smooth curve left by compression forming.

The new ones are grey, and are assembled from a basewad (that is curved to match the internal contour of the CF case), and a straight tube. These are referred to as "High Strength."

There is talk about the basewads in early High Strength cases coming free, migrating down the barrel and being loose in the bore. This would constitute an obstruction and would cause a problem the next shot.

I have so many of the old CF cases I've used very few of the HS cases, and had no problem with them.

What I use, more than anything else lately, is any of the Remington Compression Formed cases, even the cheap black ones. Most Skeet and Trap ranges have them lying everywhere, free to pick up. Beware, there are some Remington brand cases that are built up with a flat base wad that are actually European and very different. Results and data between the various Remington CF cases are nearly indistinguishable. It's hard to see any difference in data and results between the Remington CF cases and the old Winchester CF AA cases.

 

[oneounceload]

The older ones also seemed to be more consistent in length and therefore give you a better crimp. This especially true in 28 gauge

 

[HOWARD J]

I have been reloading the new high strenth cases-they come in grey & red--bright shinny
color. If you run your baby finger down the tube--on the new HS cases you will feel a sharp edge---no edge on the old AA cases.
I had to change the setting a little on my MEC reloader for the new cases--once I had the new settings both cases loaded properly.
Get the RCBS shotgun reloading manual---it is the best on the market.
My favorite load for skeet & hand trap:
Win AA or AA_HS Hulls
Win W209 primer
Win WAA12 wad
1 1/8 oz. of # 8 shot
18 gr. of Red Dot powder
Have fun............................

 

[ReloaderFred]

The newer cases are a shiny orangish looking color, while the older cases are more red and duller in appearance. I load them both, and the newer ones don't last as long as the older ones did. In fact, I've seen them split on the very first firing, right out of the factory box.

I prefer the Remington hulls anymore. They're plentiful and load great.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[JimKirk]

Slice one of each brand/type in half with a fine tooth hacksaw, then compare them side by side, you will get a better understanding of how they're made.

I miss the old AA hull because I don't see as many Remington hulls as some of you guys.

If someone has some extra 20 ga STS Remington hulls they would like to part with, give me a PM.

Jimmy K

 

[RainDodger]

I've got a couple thousand of the old AA hulls, but I personally think the green Remington STS hulls are the best. Good luck finding any laying around though!

 

[msta999]

Thanks for all the reply's. So the basewad is the cardboard looking part you see in the bottom of the case, correct? Those things come out sometimes? Has anyone experienced this and what happen? Was there some kind of sign to let you know before you shot? Sounds like, if it has the cardboard basewad, you wouldn't want to load it more than once.......but then, reading here, sounds like some do.

I have a couple hundred early AA's and a couple hundred Remington Gun club coming. Thanks for your help identifying old and newer AA's.