what diameter is .223 brass?

[.cheese.]

.223/5.56 brass, before it gets necked down looks pretty similar to 9mm in diameter.

Anybody know the actual measurement though? For that matter, a resource where I could look this stuff up for other calibers too?

 

[iamkris]

For that matter, a resource where I could look this stuff up for other calibers too?

Everyone should own a reloading manual, whether you reload or not. THere is a WEALTH of info on all things cartridges, shooting and ballistics in them. Great $20 investment. (Plus...aren't you in college? I thought all college kids knew how to use the internet to research things...geez, I'm 42 and I found these in a matter of 30 seconds )

http://www.reloadbench.com/cartspec.html

 

[.cheese.]

was....

I "was" in college.

unfortunately, the top image which I think had the info isn't coming up since it's hotlinked, but it's swapped for an image that has the site name - and that is exactly the kind of resource I was looking for.

Thanks.

 

[.cheese.]

while I'm at it, I don't have a reloading manual. Do you recommend a particular one?

I'm not actually reloading. I just am interested in a few technical details though.

 

[jefnvk]

My new Sierra reloading manual, which is very nice with the exception of no cast lead loads for a 45LC, gives the same dimensions as the pic above for 9mm, .394" at the base and .391" at the actual case with a bas thickness of .050", .223 is given as .378" at the base and .376" at the case, with a base thickness of .045"

 

[iamkris]

Do you recommend a particular one?

Speer is the standard for me. I've owned every edition since I was 18.
Lyman is great if you have an interest in cast bullets.
Sierra and Hornady seem pretty standard to me.

I've not tried any others.

...and I was just joshin' ya'