Handgun Brass: I’ve read on different occasions about how one brand of brass is softer or harder then one or the other. Anecdotal evidence is hardly conclusive. I understand how repeated firing of brass in a gun can cause the brass to harden. I also understand that you don’t want brass too hard because it will become brittle, which is why hardcore accuracy loaders anneal rifle brass case necks. I also understand that hardness is determined in three ways; scratch resistance, impact or dent resistance and rebound ability.
So, that being said, is there any published technical data available that puts to rest the “My brass is harder than your brass”, argument? The manufacturers don’t seem to offer that level of information on their websites; I’ve yet to see published data about R scale hardness and bullet case brass. I’ve read about crush testing tubing using vice grips and a torque wrench, but has anyone published such a test? Enquiring minds need to know!
So, that being said, is there any published technical data available that puts to rest the “My brass is harder than your brass”, argument? The manufacturers don’t seem to offer that level of information on their websites; I’ve yet to see published data about R scale hardness and bullet case brass. I’ve read about crush testing tubing using vice grips and a torque wrench, but has anyone published such a test? Enquiring minds need to know!