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Thread: 5.56 / .223 brass difference?

  1. #51
    thomae
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    Going back to the original question:
    Quote Originally Posted by Texas Solo View Post
    I have 1000 rounds of once fired Winchester 5.56 brass. I know the difference between 5.56 and .223 loaded ammo, but I'm unaware of any difference in the raw brass. I do know that military (LC) brass is thicker and can increase pressure, but I'm talking about Winchester brass.

    Is there any reason why I can't load the 5.56 brass to .223 specs and use it in my #10PH with it's .223 chamber??

    I plan on using SB (small base) die for the first loading, then fire form and neck size after that.
    The short answer to your post (You've already read the long, long answer) is that yes you can.

    Just as you should any time you change components, you should work up from a minimum published load to something that works safely in your rifle instead of simply starting out with a hot load that worked well with a different (insert your choice: bullet, primer, powder, brand of brass, rifle, wife, etc...)

    As others have mentioned, you will need to make sure the primer crimp (if there is one) has been removed one way or another, and small base dies are probably not a necessity. I've taken military brass, cleaned, prepped, swaged the primer pocket, full length resized, and it works like a champ.

    As with any reloading effort, all standard safety rules and warnings all apply.

    Bottom line: It's just not that complicated.


  2. #52
    helotaxi
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    You can mince words and split hairs and cite specs, but the bottom line is that for the reloader, the brass is completely interchangeable as much as two brands of commercial .223 brass are interchangeable. Chamber specs don't mean a thing when discussing brass. Hardness specifications for mil-spec also don't matter a bit because the neck and body still size just fine. Swage the primer crimp and load it just like you would a commercial case.

  3. #53
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    Just to prove a point, the 5.56x45 military cases are harder in the base area of the case.

  4. #54
    seanhagerty
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    But I read that 5.56 cartidge cases are made from brass. On the other hand .223 cases are made from brass.

  5. #55
    helotaxi
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    ^^Lol

  6. #56
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    Quote Originally Posted by seanhagerty View Post
    But I read that 5.56 cartidge cases are made from brass. On the other hand .223 cases are made from brass.
    You are correct, "BUT" you must soak .223 brass in Viagra to make them as hard as 5.56 brass.

  7. #57
    Basic Member Jamie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bigedp51 View Post
    You are correct, "BUT" you must soak .223 brass in Viagra to make them as hard as 5.56 brass.
    I haven't tried that yet. I do dip my .308s in Red Bull to get them to reach 1000 yards. Without it, they just stop and drop at 600 yards.

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