Funny, I'm in the process of doing exactly what the OP is doing - getting some factory 223 with the intention of reloading the brass. Reading the thread, adjusting for my situation/preferences, I still am not seeing the specific answers I was seeking, so here's an attempt to reduce things.
First, crimped primer pockets do not concern me. Have started reloading 30-06 the M-1 and it's a negligible issue (as several have pointed out), so it won't affect my choice of ammo. Second, my reloading will be just for plinking/practice use. Nothing sophisticated or demanding in terms of uniformity or other qualities in the brass.
So, with those two assumptions in place, my questions remain:
* Is there any factory brass that is to be avoided? In another thread (I have been searching this forum for relevant info), someone mentioned AMERC and Wolf. AMERC's a no-brainer - only headstamp that gets "recycle on sight" status. But how about Wolf? Some of the better deals on bulk 223 are for Wolf brass-cased. Anyone have specific, hard info that Wolf is undesirable for 223 reloading? I'm a bit skeptical about that assessment, absent specifics.
* The opposite side of that question: is there any headstamp that is (for whatever reasons) clearly the best choice for 223?
* About how much brass life/# of reloads can one expect for 223? And with that in mind, are there any particular headstamps that are likely to give more, or fewer, safe reloads?
Thanks as ever for any help.