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5.56 vs. .223 ---new question .

trapguy2007
After reading another thread on these rounds ,I would like to know about interchange of brass for reloading .
I have a Savage bolt action and a large supply of military Lake City brass .
Any problems ?
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • dcs shooters
    My suggestion is to full length resize them first. After they are fireformed to the chamber, them neck sizing should do.
    The military brass is thicker and won't hold as much powder if you are going for max loads in them.
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  • 5mmgunguy
    dcsshooters...I have some military 223 brass with a headstamp of WCC. Interestingly they weigh 93-95 grains...the same weight as the last lot of WW 223 brass I bought.
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  • Ambrose
    5mmgunguy: I have noticed that, too. I keep hearing that mil brass is thicker but some comm brass is heavier than some mil brass. So I guess you should just check rather than make assumptions.
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  • BHAVIN
    I have never noticed much difference in mil or commercial 223 brass but I don't load max loads where it would be most evident. I have been shooting LC & WCC brass for years out of bolt guns and they have worked great.
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  • tsr1965
    Well, for all practical SAFE purposes, there are still plenty of thick walled military brass, and thinner walled commercial brass around. I would say that the majority rules, and not everything is created equal all the time. I would still reduce my loads...including starting loads in the military brass by atleast 5%. A blown primer and shot of hot gas in the face will change your mind to otherwise.

    Best
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  • sandwarrior
    trapguy2007,

    Mil-spec brass is made to take higher pressures. Therefore it is thicker. The outside dimensions are the same so that leaves the only room for more brass to go is in the inside. When you put the same amount of powder in a smaller area you will get higher pressures.

    So, this takes us to one of the most fundamental rules of reloading. WORK UP... You can work as high as max pressure in a .223 for a .223 chamber (55k) or as high as 5.56 in a 5.56 chamber (62k). However, running any loads at top pressures will wear your brass and throat out faster than you want. I've usually found the necks split really quick on 5.56 loaded to 62k. It's better to me to have 58k loads and be able to anneal good brass and use it more often.
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