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Offline usmc2111

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Military Brass
« on: December 21, 2007, 04:28:39 AM »
I have a chance to get some .223 brass. But have heard you can't reload it? I am going to purchase a AR-15 and was wondering if it would be worth it.
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Offline beemanbeme

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Re: Military Brass
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2007, 05:04:19 AM »
We really need more information.
 What kinda .223 brass are you gonna get?  Is it milsup and boxer primed?  If so it has a rim pressed in around the primer that has to be removed before it can be reloaded but it's a one time affair and they make a little tool that makes short work of it.
I've reloaded a bunch of it. 
If it's commercial brass, reloading it will be as straight forward as any other cartridge. 
One thing, the twist of the barrel of the AR you're getting will have a lot to do with which bullets you will need to reload to get the best from it. 
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Offline Steve P

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Re: Military Brass
« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2007, 10:05:38 AM »
Quote from: usmc2111 on December 21, 2007, 04:28:39 AM
I have a chance to get some .223 brass. But have heard you can't reload it? I am going to purchase a AR-15 and was wondering if it would be worth it.

You cannot load the steel case 5.56 NATO cases.  Most brass cases can be reloaded.  Some will have to have primer crimp removed and some will need to be annealed.  If you get thousands and thousands of .223 brass casings and don't like them, let me know.  I will give you my address and the $8.95 flat rate shipping for brass disposal......

Steve  :)
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Offline usmc2111

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Re: Military Brass
« Reply #3 on: December 21, 2007, 01:44:11 PM »
I'm still talking with the guy right now really won't know anything till after first of the year. I'm looking at the 20" SS 1/8 or1/9 twist bull barrel. Not really sure yet. I've just started looking. Built a few for friends already so now its my turn. Looking about 700 total right now. Just got to get the wife's OK.
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Offline Catfish

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Re: Military Brass
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2007, 02:48:21 PM »
Any brass with a crimped in primer needs to have the crimp removed before you can load it properly. The best way to do it is with tool made to remove the crimp. Dillon make a real good one but it is not cheap. I think that you can still get some that will work in your press. As was said it is a 1 time deal but a hassle. If your going to use alot of brass it may be worth your time as you can get the brass with crimped primers 2 or 3 cents ea. cheaper.
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Offline Tn Jim

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Re: Military Brass
« Reply #5 on: December 25, 2007, 06:59:33 AM »
If the brass has a military head stamp there is about a 95% chance the primers are crimped in. I use a RCBS tool that fits in your press to remove the crimp. I use a set of Lee 223 dies to size them and so far have done 4100 cases. Make sure you check the length of your cases. All of the Lake City cases I have gotten were over length by several thousandths. Also, check them all when you get them. Some of these cases came from military ranges (judging from your screen name I take it you remember them). A few of my cases had the little gravel from the ranges stuck down in them and would have broken my decapping pin if I hadn't found them. Typically military cases are a little stronger than their civilian brothers. It takes a little extra prep work but I don't have any problem with them.
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Offline usmc2111

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Re: Military Brass
« Reply #6 on: December 25, 2007, 01:12:48 PM »
You are correct Tn Jim. Has Mil stamp heads. Know a guy that helps clear ranges before they redo them. Some are weathered but most are new looking. Haven't reloaded before so thanks to all for the info so far. Buying the dies for .243 and .223 after the first of the year.
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Offline Lloyd Smale

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Re: Military Brass
« Reply #7 on: December 25, 2007, 02:37:09 PM »
keep in mind that because the brass is slighly thiicker you will need to reduce your loads occordingly.
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