Federal brass question

ghbucky · July 31, 2020, 03:53 PM

All of my 5.56 brass is from the Federal American Eagle ammunition. They are head stamped with FC and lots of dots.

I also just got some Federal ammo that is supposed to be for police. The headstamps on those are only marked with FC, no dots.

I only shot 20 of the latter, but can I mix that brass with the rest of the federal plinking brass, or do I need to handle them seperately?

**Unclenick** · July 31, 2020, 05:11 PM

If they weigh about the same, they are compatible. As long as cases are brass, and not steel or aluminum or partly plastic (yes, that has been done), and are boxer primed (one whole in the middle of the floor of the primer pocket) and don't have drastically different weights (within, say 4%), you are good to go.

Rod47 · July 31, 2020, 07:52 PM

Watch your primer pockets. About two reloads and primer pockets are too loose. Moderate reloads shot in my AR's.

5whiskey · July 31, 2020, 08:26 PM

I never had a big problem with FC .223 brass. All other and yeah... good for 3 moderate or 4 mild reloads. At least in .270

Rod47 · July 31, 2020, 08:29 PM

Gas guns are tough on brass. Lake City or W-W hold up better.

jetinteriorguy · August 1, 2020, 06:04 AM

I like LC brass for range shooting because it can handle more loading cycles before tossing it out. But for just blasting or shooting when you probably won’t recover the brass I use FC and PMC, or any other random brass I’ve picked up at the indoor range.

sparkyv · August 1, 2020, 08:25 AM

Plinking? No concern, mix 'em up. Competition or trophy hunting might require additional diligence.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghbucky

All of my 5.56 brass is from the Federal American Eagle ammunition. They are head stamped with FC and lots of dots.

I also just got some Federal ammo that is supposed to be for police. The headstamps on those are only marked with FC, no dots.

I only shot 20 of the latter, but can I mix that brass with the rest of the federal plinking brass, or do I need to handle them seperately?

ghbucky · August 1, 2020, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Gas guns are tough on brass.

What is the reason for this?

jetinteriorguy · August 1, 2020, 09:42 AM

They tend to extract in a very forceful manner, possibly bending rims and denting brass on deflectors. I’m assuming the term gas guns is referring to AR15’s and AK47 type semi auto weapons. Of course this is just a generalization, not an absolute.

ghbucky · August 1, 2020, 11:52 AM

OK. Thanks for explaining.

July 31, 2020, 03:53 PM	#1
ghbucky Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2020 Posts: 1,177	Federal brass question All of my 5.56 brass is from the Federal American Eagle ammunition. They are head stamped with FC and lots of dots. I also just got some Federal ammo that is supposed to be for police. The headstamps on those are only marked with FC, no dots. I only shot 20 of the latter, but can I mix that brass with the rest of the federal plinking brass, or do I need to handle them seperately?

July 31, 2020, 05:11 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	If they weigh about the same, they are compatible. As long as cases are brass, and not steel or aluminum or partly plastic (yes, that has been done), and are boxer primed (one whole in the middle of the floor of the primer pocket) and don't have drastically different weights (within, say 4%), you are good to go. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

July 31, 2020, 08:26 PM	#4
5whiskey Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2005 Location: US Posts: 3,652	I never had a big problem with FC .223 brass. All other and yeah... good for 3 moderate or 4 mild reloads. At least in .270 __________________ Support the NRA-ILA Auction, ends 03/09/2018 https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=593946

July 31, 2020, 07:52 PM	#3
Rod47 Member Join Date: August 3, 2017 Posts: 45	Watch your primer pockets. About two reloads and primer pockets are too loose. Moderate reloads shot in my AR's.

July 31, 2020, 08:29 PM	#5
Rod47 Member Join Date: August 3, 2017 Posts: 45	Gas guns are tough on brass. Lake City or W-W hold up better.

August 1, 2020, 06:04 AM	#6
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,173	I like LC brass for range shooting because it can handle more loading cycles before tossing it out. But for just blasting or shooting when you probably won’t recover the brass I use FC and PMC, or any other random brass I’ve picked up at the indoor range.

August 1, 2020, 09:42 AM	#9
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,173	They tend to extract in a very forceful manner, possibly bending rims and denting brass on deflectors. I’m assuming the term gas guns is referring to AR15’s and AK47 type semi auto weapons. Of course this is just a generalization, not an absolute.

August 1, 2020, 11:52 AM	#10
ghbucky Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2020 Posts: 1,177	OK. Thanks for explaining.