Question on case consistency

[mummac]

I've been saving brass anticipating breaking into reloading this fall. I was just throwing it all into big bags seperated by caliber, but now I'm seperating by manufacturer too. My question is concerning the consistency with the same brand. Are Winchester .223 valuepack cases the same as their varmint cases? The headstamps are the same. How concerned about this should I be?

 

[stans]

It really depends upon the intended use for the brass. If you are planning on using it for precision target shooting or for hunting and the ammo will be loaded to maximum pressures, then all the brass should be from the same manufacturer and from the same lot in order to be the most consistant.

If you are loading reduced loads and just using the ammo for casual practice and plinking, then separating by manufacturer should be more than sufficient.

 

[mummac]

Well, the .223 is going in an AR setup for target shooting so I suppose I'd like it as accurate as possilble. Accuracy is the reason why I'm going to start reloading. Well, accuracy and the fact that reloading seems fun. I've got some .22-250 cases all mixed up too. Man, a year ago, I was saving all this stuff in the boxes it originally came in before I shot it. Then I started consolidating it to save storage space. What the heck was I thinking? At least I have a few months to save some seperated by lot. I suppose, I'll start with the mixed-up stuff then move to the other when I learn to reload well and eventually buy un-fired brass if I stick with it. I'll stop rambling now. Thanks stands.

 

[dodgestdshift]

Although not perfect, the best way of determining consistancy is to weigh them on your reloading scale. Depending on how you plan to use them will determine how close the weights should be. Even if the weights are somewhat different they still can be used profitably for hunting tin cans, milk jugs, and paper.