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Old September 26, 2012, 12:51 PM   #1
rajbcpa
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How to identify commerical ammo with brass cases?

Sometimes, this is apparent from the package but not in every situation. How do you tell if you are getting brass or steel cased ammo?

thx.
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Old September 26, 2012, 02:15 PM   #2
math teacher
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Use a magnet if in doubt.
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Old September 26, 2012, 02:22 PM   #3
jcwit
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After seeing what steel cases looked like I've never had a problem telling the difference. This is no matter whether they are painted or plated.
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Old September 26, 2012, 06:28 PM   #4
5R milspec
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you can tell I have never seen a blackish greenish (brass case )before.Other than when its been in the weather for some time.
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Old September 26, 2012, 08:53 PM   #5
mrawesome22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rajbcpa View Post
Sometimes, this is apparent from the package but not in every situation. How do you tell if you are getting brass or steel cased ammo?

thx.
Look at it. Some commercial ammo comes in aluminium cases as well.

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Old September 27, 2012, 12:02 AM   #6
dacaur
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since there is some brass plated steel case ammo, the only sure way is with a magnet.... most quality ammo is brass cased though...
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Old September 27, 2012, 05:32 PM   #7
Gerry
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If it's really bright like a mirror without any color, it's probably nickle plated brass which is fine to load. Steel cases look dirty or silverish on the outside at best. It's hard to explain, but they have a look you can't miss once you identify them. I've never encountered a brass plated steel case here before, but I've been told they exist. As others said, use a magnet if in doubt.
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Old September 27, 2012, 05:45 PM   #8
BillM
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Brass plated steel cases DO exist. I have encountered 9mm S&B
brass plated steel "brass" that was visually the same as real brass.
Only way to tell them apart was a magnet.
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Old September 28, 2012, 10:08 AM   #9
rajbcpa
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What would happen if you tried to load a brass plated steel case or an aluminum case?

Would these just split in the resizing die?

I have purchased a bunch of mixed headstamp once fired brass. Should i be checking each case to see if it brass or not? One batch is supposed to be nickle plated brass. Could some of these be steel or aluminum?
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Old September 28, 2012, 08:45 PM   #10
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people do reload steel and aluminum cases. the downside is steel is hard on your dies, and aluminum is not strong enough for multiple loadings.

aluminum is easy to spot, it looks like, well, aluminum. Once you have seen one, you will pick them out instantly. if you are unsure, they are noticeably lighter than a brass or steel case.

For steel, a magnet will get them out. when I come home with a new batch of range brass, the first thing I do is put them in a container and swipe a magnet out of a hard drive (REALLY STRONG) though it a few times to get out all the steel.
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