steel cases

billtheshrink · February 13, 2013, 11:39 AM

With the shortage, what are the thoughts on steel case ammo for AR-15? I have never wanted to use it, and of course the mfg will say its fine. What do you all think? It seems the only available product for less than a buck a round!

The Great Mahoo · February 13, 2013, 11:55 AM

I just bought 200 rounds of the stuff at the last local gunshow, since its all that's available. I have no qualms about running it through an AR of decent repute. What make is your AR?

Sweet Shooter · February 13, 2013, 01:19 PM

Do you mean "jacket" or "case". I assume you're referring to "bi-metal" ammo—the copper washed, steel "jacket" stuff is fine in a chrome lined barrel/chamber. Except for "cleaning issues" I do not believe it will cause any additional wear on a regular molly barrel either—if cleaned right. If you're referring to steel "case" I know that some say it's hard on extractors, but I haven't seen it. I do see a lot more smoke/carbon down the neck/shoulder of a fired steel case (than brass cases) and subsequently in the chamber... again requiring more cleaning. Bi-metal— the steel jacket under the copper wash is very soft, I've experimented by cutting them up with pliers annealing them etc. Given that the steel part is not self lubricating in the same way a regular copper jacket is, it might be a good idea to allow the copper to build up in the bore... just a thought.

-SS-

spacecoast · February 13, 2013, 01:50 PM

It runs through my AK just fine!

Come and take it. · February 13, 2013, 02:01 PM

Runs through a mini just fine too. On AR15s they are hit or miss. Some ARs can eat em up without a hiccup. Others get stuck cases.

L_Killkenny · February 13, 2013, 04:23 PM

I'd rather go without than feed any gun of mine a steady diet of it.

chris in va · February 14, 2013, 12:23 PM

It's been shown to degrade a barrel's accuracy after 5000 rounds.

Double Naught Spy · February 14, 2013, 12:30 PM

How does steel case ammo degrade the barrel?

Venom1956 · February 14, 2013, 12:54 PM

Quote:

How does steel case ammo degrade the barrel?

technically its not the steel case as they are usually coated (zinc, poly, or lacquer) to prevent extra wear on the chamber. but the bi-metal bullet can increase wear on a barrel due to the fact it has steel mixed in with the copper, thus making the jacket harder then a normal copper jacketed round. Harder metal causes more friction on the barrel which equals more wear and more heat... at least that's how I understand it.

But I have noticed the lacquered cases tend to get stuck in ARs after the barrels heat up lacquer gets soft then hardens it can take some really muscle to get them unstuck.

Personally If your looking to shoot on the cheap its a non issue. The amount of ammo you'd need to buy and fire is FAR over the cost of the rifle and you can always re barrel a gun.

HankC1 · February 16, 2013, 10:21 AM

Extract fine if chromelined chamber and polymer coated case.

Skans · February 16, 2013, 11:55 AM

I have no problem shooting Wolf steel cased ammo in an AR. I use it in my AC556 when running it full-auto. Just keep a can of spray cleaner because the stuff is a little dirtier than better quality ammo.

Pharm · February 18, 2013, 04:34 PM

I've also shot the steel cased Wolf with zero problems.

February 13, 2013, 11:39 AM	#1
billtheshrink Member Join Date: May 9, 2005 Posts: 63	steel cases With the shortage, what are the thoughts on steel case ammo for AR-15? I have never wanted to use it, and of course the mfg will say its fine. What do you all think? It seems the only available product for less than a buck a round!

February 13, 2013, 11:55 AM	#2
The Great Mahoo Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,264	I just bought 200 rounds of the stuff at the last local gunshow, since its all that's available. I have no qualms about running it through an AR of decent repute. What make is your AR? __________________ “There are three reasons to own a gun. To protect yourself and your family, to hunt dangerous and delicious animals, and to keep the King of England out of your face.” - Krusty the Clown

February 13, 2013, 01:50 PM	#4
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 3,405	It runs through my AK just fine! __________________ My guns include S&W and Colt revolvers, Colt and Ruger pistols, Remington 870 shotgun, Henry and Marlin .22LR rifles, Hi-Point 9mm carbine and Lancaster Arms AK. I reload handgun rounds with a Lee hand press, over 18K rounds since Nov. 2009 with nary a squib nor kaboom.

February 14, 2013, 12:30 PM	#8
Double Naught Spy Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2001 Location: Forestburg, Montague County, Texas Posts: 9,738	How does steel case ammo degrade the barrel? __________________ "If you look through your scope and see your shoe, aim higher." -- said to me by my 11 year old daughter before going out for hogs 8/13/2011

February 13, 2013, 01:19 PM	#3
Sweet Shooter Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2011 Posts: 391	Do you mean "jacket" or "case". I assume you're referring to "bi-metal" ammo—the copper washed, steel "jacket" stuff is fine in a chrome lined barrel/chamber. Except for "cleaning issues" I do not believe it will cause any additional wear on a regular molly barrel either—if cleaned right. If you're referring to steel "case" I know that some say it's hard on extractors, but I haven't seen it. I do see a lot more smoke/carbon down the neck/shoulder of a fired steel case (than brass cases) and subsequently in the chamber... again requiring more cleaning. Bi-metal— the steel jacket under the copper wash is very soft, I've experimented by cutting them up with pliers annealing them etc. Given that the steel part is not self lubricating in the same way a regular copper jacket is, it might be a good idea to allow the copper to build up in the bore... just a thought. -SS-

February 13, 2013, 02:01 PM	#5
Come and take it. Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 987	Runs through a mini just fine too. On AR15s they are hit or miss. Some ARs can eat em up without a hiccup. Others get stuck cases.

February 13, 2013, 04:23 PM	#6
L_Killkenny Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,556	I'd rather go without than feed any gun of mine a steady diet of it.

February 14, 2013, 12:23 PM	#7
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 11,718	It's been shown to degrade a barrel's accuracy after 5000 rounds.

February 16, 2013, 10:21 AM	#10
HankC1 Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2005 Posts: 270	Extract fine if chromelined chamber and polymer coated case.

February 16, 2013, 11:55 AM	#11
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 6,260	I have no problem shooting Wolf steel cased ammo in an AR. I use it in my AC556 when running it full-auto. Just keep a can of spray cleaner because the stuff is a little dirtier than better quality ammo.

February 18, 2013, 04:34 PM	#12
Pharm Member Join Date: February 5, 2013 Posts: 38	I've also shot the steel cased Wolf with zero problems.