mixed headstamp

[hunterwinco]

I have been grabbing once fired range brass for my 223 AR. I have a question for you all! Do you not worry about mixed headstamps and just load whatever brass you have? Currently I have Remy, Win, and some PMC. Am I ok to look upon this a all just "generic" .223 cases if I am loading mellow? I ask this because the other calibers that I load for I have all the same headstamp brass. I have never loaded with mixed headstamps. I appreciate all comments! -thx

 

[kragluver]

I load mixed headstamp in .45 ACP, but I never mix rifle brass. I don't load "hot" in any caliber; I've seen enough published data that shows there is significant pressure variation in brass types due to variations in volume. In my case, I doubt I'd ever reach a dangerous pressure condition; however, I probably would find a change in point of impact and group size. For rifle, I feel you should always work up from minimum charge anytime you change a component. I'm sure there are those who would say the same for pistol. .45 ACP is not a high pressure cartridge and I don't load hot. I've not seen a problem in that case. I'd feel differently if I handloaded for .357 or .44 Magnum.

 

[nambu1]

I load everything. It will not hurt anything. Somethimes the PMC brass has crimped primers. I usually load mid range.

 

[kelbro]

There is quite a bit of difference in volume between Rem and Win .223 brass. Your loads with mixed brass will probably not shoot the same. You could have pressure problems. I have the best luck with sorted brass.

 

[SCPigpen]

For plinking I'll mix. For serious business I segregate.

 

[hunterwinco]

These would just be plinking fodder for my Stag AR. I am more concerned about potential pressure spikes. I would assume that I would be OK with loads on the lower end. That being said do you do guys do a "work up" on each case type and observe before loading them all up?

 

[Win75]

There is quite a bit of difference in volume between Rem and Win .223 brass. Your loads with mixed brass will probably not shoot the same. You could have pressure problems. I have the best luck with sorted brass

+1 Always sort your brass.

 

[Walkalong]

I like to sort my .223 brass into "lots" of same or similar stuff.

 

[04JRB]

I used to mix stamps in the beginning. Now, some of my loads in one stamp may be a little much for another in .223. I keep seperate logs for all brass. Rem, LC and Win are the 3 that I use, all vary in charge by a little bit even with the same bullet.

 

[WNTFW]

I have seen something on the net showing the .223 does not vary much in case volume. Considering the potential for problems (unsafe) and inaccuracy I sort by headstamp. It is easier with the primers still in due to color of sealant on range pickup. Usually my range pickup is from shooters that shoot a batch of 1 thing.
If you think about the whole process sorting by headstamp is not hard. Finding where your brass went & trimming is more tedious. I don't find it that hard to keep it separated.
Kids are freaks of nature that can read headstamps like crazy.

Bottom line is it is 1 less variable to worry about. When I shoot bad I own it. Can't blame it on the mixed brass.

 

[goon]

I try to sort like headstamps together now that I have enough brass that I actually can.
But before, I mixed commercial brands all the time and still do for mid-range plinking loads.
I do always segregate military brass though and I work up separate loads for it.
For handguns, I also always stick to higher mid range loads as my max and just use whatever casings I have primed.

 

[Otto]

Same headstamp brass is always preferable. But sorting range brass into all the different makes is a hassle. I've found that buying once fired military .223's (like WCC or Lake City) is much easier and simpler. You're also assured that the brass is actually "once fired".

 

[Ian Sean]

For my plinker loads I mix. I do cull out the best brass for "good" loads though.

My plinkers are made as cheap as possible, Mild on the powder and cheapest bullets I can find.

No problems yet on mixing.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Again I guess I'm just anel...I like uniformity. Must be my military training...I sort by head stamp...

 

[.38 Special]

Different internal volumes equal different pressures, which equal vertical stringing on target. "Plinkers" may not mind this, but I'm irritated by not knowing whether the miss was me or the gun regardless of how "serious" I'm being. So I segregate.

Having said that, the top shooter in my old Bianchi club scrounged 9mm brass from anywhere he could get it and regularly kicked our collective butts with it. So I figure a lot depends upon the distance at which you are shooting...