High Brass Shells

[rhinov]

This may sound silly to you, but I would like to know the differance between high brass and low brass. Could someone please help me with this.

[damage inc]

Low brass

High brass

High brass is usually for higher pressure loads, but not always.

[dairyland]

From an article at http://www.shotgunworld.com/ammo_s092000.html:

High brass shells are shotgun shells that have a brass base (or head) that extends up the body by about 3/4" or so. Low brass hulls extend up the body by 1/8-1/4" or so. In paper hulls (now rarely seen) high brass is used for reliability of extraction. High brass was used in the early plastic hulls to prevent splitting and burn thru; it is mostly no longer needed due to improved plastics. In modern shot shells, the only real difference between high brass and low brass hulls is a marketing difference. Powerfull factory loads use high brass hulls, while standard or target loads use the low brass hulls. There is no correlation between the mechanical strength of the hull and amount of brass in the base.