Cartrige Case Requirements

H&R088 · March 13, 2009, 05:56 PM

Do all manufacturers have to meet certain minimum specs with their brass?

Scorch · March 14, 2009, 12:09 AM

SAAMI (Small Arms Ammunition Makers Institute) sets the standards for ammunition and components. Manufacturers do not necessarily have to comply (compliance is voluntary), but their lawyers kinda try to get them to.

T. O'Heir · March 14, 2009, 01:25 AM

SAAMI sets the standards for case dimensions, but not for the brass thickness, quality or strength. Federal brass, for example, tends to be softer than other brands. That only means it doesn't last as long as other makes.

Slamfire · March 14, 2009, 08:35 AM

As stated, the only standards are voluntary.

The risk to the manufacturer is lawsuits.

The thickness and hardness of the brass will be determined by the material characteristics, and the pressures to which it will be exposed.

If you are interested in standards DoDiss has old military specifications. Might look at Mil C 70441 for a 30-06 spec. There is more information on the drawing call outs within the spec, but you won't be able to find the drawing.

dahermit · March 14, 2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

SAAMI sets the standards for case dimensions, but not for the brass thickness, quality or strength. Federal brass, for example, tends to be softer than other brands. That only means it doesn't last as long as other makes.

That is only true if your cases eventually fail (discarded) because of primer pockets becoming too large. If the cases fail because of case neck splits, then the "softer" brass would allow more loadings before that happens. Therefore, if you are experiencing case neck splits with Federal with fewer shots than other brands, then Federal cases (necks) are harder than the other brands.

March 13, 2009, 05:56 PM	#1
H&R088 Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2007 Posts: 103	Cartrige Case Requirements Do all manufacturers have to meet certain minimum specs with their brass?

March 14, 2009, 12:09 AM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	SAAMI (Small Arms Ammunition Makers Institute) sets the standards for ammunition and components. Manufacturers do not necessarily have to comply (compliance is voluntary), but their lawyers kinda try to get them to. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

March 14, 2009, 01:25 AM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	SAAMI sets the standards for case dimensions, but not for the brass thickness, quality or strength. Federal brass, for example, tends to be softer than other brands. That only means it doesn't last as long as other makes. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

March 14, 2009, 08:35 AM	#4
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	As stated, the only standards are voluntary. The risk to the manufacturer is lawsuits. The thickness and hardness of the brass will be determined by the material characteristics, and the pressures to which it will be exposed. If you are interested in standards DoDiss has old military specifications. Might look at Mil C 70441 for a 30-06 spec. There is more information on the drawing call outs within the spec, but you won't be able to find the drawing.