Casing Material Alteration

CharlesSmith · March 18, 2009, 09:43 AM

Question for you all:
Casings are usually made from Brass with a copper/zinc alloy. However, I want to magnetize a casing, and none of these elements are ferrous.
Is it possible to make a casing with a high iron content while achieving proper obturation? I ask because I'm investigating a method of rifling rounds without grooves in the barrel.

madmo44mag · March 18, 2009, 09:45 AM

One thought that occurs is a metal insert cast into the head land of the case????

CharlesSmith · March 18, 2009, 09:53 AM

aaah, yes...it would have to be between the propellant and the head, so as not to come out the barrel as another projectile...of course that seems to necessitate a longer anvil/flash hole, depending on whether it's a Berdan or Boxer primer. Would that be a problem?

**Mike Irwin** · March 18, 2009, 11:18 AM

Mild steel cases have been used successfully for small arms ammunition for nearly 100 years.

Mainly military, but some commercial, well.

Most steel cases come out of Europe and Asia in Combloc calibers, 7.62x39, 14.5x114, 9mm Makarov, things like that.

The United States during WW II made steel cased .45 ACP ammo. I don't think the US ever made steel cases for .30-06 or .30 carbine.

CharlesSmith · March 22, 2009, 08:22 AM

Ah, but I want to try this on a .50 cal round...which I believe have a brass casing. In any case, does anyone know if there is a significant increase in muzzle velocity firing smooth-bore?

Shoney · March 22, 2009, 02:25 PM

I can see magnetic cases as an asset in hard to find small cases or for finding brass from far flinging weapons. However, why in the 50BMG???????????????

March 18, 2009, 09:43 AM	#1
CharlesSmith Junior Member Join Date: February 21, 2009 Posts: 5	Casing Material Alteration Question for you all: Casings are usually made from Brass with a copper/zinc alloy. However, I want to magnetize a casing, and none of these elements are ferrous. Is it possible to make a casing with a high iron content while achieving proper obturation? I ask because I'm investigating a method of rifling rounds without grooves in the barrel.

March 18, 2009, 09:45 AM	#2
madmo44mag Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: Ft.Worth, Texas Posts: 1,522	One thought that occurs is a metal insert cast into the head land of the case???? __________________ Texas - Not just a state but an attitude! For monthly shooting events in DFW visit http://www.meetup.com/TexasGunOwner-DFW

March 18, 2009, 11:18 AM	#4
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Mild steel cases have been used successfully for small arms ammunition for nearly 100 years. Mainly military, but some commercial, well. Most steel cases come out of Europe and Asia in Combloc calibers, 7.62x39, 14.5x114, 9mm Makarov, things like that. The United States during WW II made steel cased .45 ACP ammo. I don't think the US ever made steel cases for .30-06 or .30 carbine. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

March 22, 2009, 02:25 PM	#6
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	I can see magnetic cases as an asset in hard to find small cases or for finding brass from far flinging weapons. However, why in the 50BMG??????????????? __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

March 18, 2009, 09:53 AM	#3
CharlesSmith Junior Member Join Date: February 21, 2009 Posts: 5	aaah, yes...it would have to be between the propellant and the head, so as not to come out the barrel as another projectile...of course that seems to necessitate a longer anvil/flash hole, depending on whether it's a Berdan or Boxer primer. Would that be a problem?

March 22, 2009, 08:22 AM	#5
CharlesSmith Junior Member Join Date: February 21, 2009 Posts: 5	Ah, but I want to try this on a .50 cal round...which I believe have a brass casing. In any case, does anyone know if there is a significant increase in muzzle velocity firing smooth-bore?