7.62 Brass

[redshooter]

I'm looking for some once fired mil brass. Any advice on which is best and which to avoid? I'm likely going to order some Lake City stateside and have it shipped to Mom (after contacting the state dept. don't want to get her busted) to bring home with her in May. I have some trading material in the form of 95 once fired (I think) 338 Lapua Mag brass. I figure that should be worth 1000 once fired 7.62 ball. I'm just wondering what head stamp I should hold out for if I put it up in the EE. So what compares to Lake City and is readily available here, how about IVI, any others?

Off to the range!

 

[big bear]

brass

Federal , poor brass for reloading, primer pockets loosen up quickly, I don't go out of my way to get federal brass, when I use it, I resize it 2x only then scrap it for safety sake.
LakeCity, IVI, old DA all great stuff
Winchester and Remington good

 

[Skullboy]

I'm looking for some once fired mil brass. Any advice on which is best and which to avoid? I'm likely going to order some Lake City stateside and have it shipped to Mom (after contacting the state dept. don't want to get her busted) to bring home with her in May. I have some trading material in the form of 95 once fired (I think) 338 Lapua Mag brass. I figure that should be worth 1000 once fired 7.62 ball. I'm just wondering what head stamp I should hold out for if I put it up in the EE. So what compares to Lake City and is readily available here, how about IVI, any others?

Off to the range!

Stay away from federal brass (even the match stuff).Federal is notorious for having the primer pockets loosen up even after just one firing.

I had the best success using Winchester cases in my M14/M1A/M305s........

If you want Lake City brass, make sure you get Lake City Match brass. Standard Lake City brass usually is machine gun brass.

Some years of Lake City Match brass (early to mid 1990s) will have knurling around the base of the case. This was because M852 match ammunition was not authorized for combat use and the knurling was done so you could tell the difference.

Some will say don't use the knurled brass as the knurling weakens the case head, and others will say it is a myth.

I have shot knurled M852 Lake City Match case out of my bolt gun and custom M14 type rifles with no problems.

M118 and M852 Lake City Match cases will have "Match" stamped on the base. M118LR (Current issue) with have "LR" stamped on the base.

Military brass is thicker and softer then commercial brass, therefore slightly less case volume so you have to decrease your loads slightyl

As for your Mom bringing you brass out of the U.S, there is a sh*tload of paperwork she will have to do to legally do this. Export/Import permits will have to be applied for, and there can be lengthy waits.Paperwork,cost of permits, and general hassle is why a lot of U.S. firearms businesses/companies will not ship to Canada.

 

[dirtytwo]

Not worth the hassle (and the $) importing brass from the US. Henry at Budget Shooter Supply carries Lake City 7.62mm NATO once-fired brass. If it's not on his website (see sponsors links above), just drop him an email and he'll tell you what he has available.

 

[Miltiades]

Over the years I have used IVI NATO brass with good success in my AR-10 and M1A. You have to remove the primer crimp but once done, it's very strong brass. It is somewhat harder than commercial or even Lake City brass. The latter is also good brass. For an accurate rifle, using commercial brass is a better choice. Winchester is good, Remington is O.K. (later production is better than earlier ones). Federal, as stated, have soft brass and tend to go loose around primers. Lapua is great but lately I have noticed variations in neck thickness.

 

[Rocket Surgery]

You know Winchester brass is like some of the best you can get. The old DA brass is the best NATO spec stuff but it's harder to find. Some dicks have a lot of it stashed and won't share. You can buy NATO spec'd brass in canada, I just don't remember where now.

 

[tiriaq]

Your Mom is a licenced exporter?

 

[redshooter]

Your Mom is a licenced exporter?

No, she just spends the winter down in the states. Like I said I have to check on the restrictions. Does anyone know for sure if unprocessed spent cases is considered anything other than scrap metal. That's what I'm going to find out this week. I can still order it from a place in Nevada. I'll end up paying an extra $40 bucks, still worth it but why pay more if you don't have too.

I checked with Budget they are out and he didn't mention when he'd be getting anymore.

 

[Collieman]

Federal Brass

Stay away from federal brass (even the match stuff).Federal is notorious for having the primer pockets loosen up even after just one firing.

I had the best success using Winchester cases in my M14/M1A/M305s........

If you want Lake City brass, make sure you get Lake City Match brass. Standard Lake City brass usually is machine gun brass.

Some years of Lake City Match brass (early to mid 1990s) will have knurling around the base of the case. This was because M852 match ammunition was not authorized for combat use and the knurling was done so you could tell the difference.

Some will say don't use the knurled brass as the knurling weakens the case head, and others will say it is a myth.

I have shot knurled M852 Lake City Match case out of my bolt gun and custom M14 type rifles with no problems.

M118 and M852 Lake City Match cases will have "Match" stamped on the base. M118LR (Current issue) with have "LR" stamped on the base.

Military brass is thicker and softer then commercial brass, therefore slightly less case volume so you have to decrease your loads slightyl

As for your Mom bringing you brass out of the U.S, there is a sh*tload of paperwork she will have to do to legally do this. Export/Import permits will have to be applied for, and there can be lengthy waits.Paperwork,cost of permits, and general hassle is why a lot of U.S. firearms businesses/companies will not ship to Canada.

Great, just what I needed to hear after picking up some federal at a gun show,once fired.
Oh well we live and learn....

 

[Skullboy]

The Simple, short answer is you can't do it.

All reloading components (bullets/powder/primers/brass) are restricted item for export out of the U.S.

You can not export those things without the proper paperwork/permits/licences.

Falsely declaring rifle brass as "scrap metal" will get your mother into a world of hurt if she is stopped by U.S. Authorities. Fines, imprisonment, and refusal of entry into the U.S. could be a result of this type of activity.

 

[Skullboy]

Great, just what I needed to hear after picking up some federal at a gun show,once fired.
Oh well we live and learn....

I have a bunch of Federal Gold Medal Match brass I still use........just keep an eye on the primer fit.

I have had some federal case go 6 to 8 firings with no issues before I retired them......and I have had a few that would barely hold a primer after one firing..........their consistency varies greatly.

This is why I use Norma or Lapua brass...........

 

[redshooter]

All reloading components (bullets/powder/primers/brass) are restricted item for export out of the U.S. could result.

You can not export those things without the proper paperwork/permits/licences.
Falsely declaring rifle brass as "scrap metal" will get your mother into a world of hurt if she is stopped by U.S. Authorities. Fines, imprisonment, and refusal of entry into the U.S.

I'm going to inquire to see just what I need to do. I'm not saying that it's ok. I'm just wondering if anyone has asked the question is there a distinction between empty brass cases and spent cases. I use to drive across the border at least once a week for years. One thing I know to be fact is regulations are very strange. Again has anyone asked if unprocessed spent cases is considered a reloading component. Processed cases obviously are but spent cases are scrap metal unless you are going to process it, then it becomes something else. I'm not doubting your assertion that reloading components are restricted. What I'm saying is it may just be a case of it not being tumbled and the you can call it scrap and do what you please with it. Regardless I'm not and never was going to send my Mom across the border with something that may get her in trouble. Believe me I'm old hat at the border thing, I use to cross about 200 times a year. I know not to screw about.

 

[Skullboy]

I'm going to inquire to see just what I need to do. I'm not saying that it's ok. I'm just wondering if anyone has asked the question is there a distinction between empty brass cases and spent cases. I use to drive across the border at least once a week for years. One thing I know to be fact is regulations are very strange. Again has anyone asked if unprocessed spent cases is considered a reloading component. Processed cases obviously are but spent cases are scrap metal unless you are going to process it, then it becomes something else. I'm not doubting your assertion that reloading components are restricted. What I'm saying is it may just be a case of it not being tumbled and the you can call it scrap and do what you please with it. Regardless I'm not and never was going to send my Mom across the border with something that may get her in trouble. Believe me I'm old hat at the border thing, I use to cross about 200 times a year. I know not to screw about.

It does not matter if the brass is new or used.......Firearms related items stay firearms related items in the eyes of the U.S. authorities........

The places to contact are the U.S. State Dept, or the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

 

[redshooter]

It does not matter if the brass is new or used.......Firearms related items stay firearms related items in the eyes of the U.S. authorities........

The places to contact are the U.S. State Dept, or the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

Thanks.

It may be worth the bother in the long run. Only one way to find out.

 

[djankle]

hahaha

 

[redshooter]

I called the Windsor border patrol not to long ago to inquire about declaring a USGI stock that I am pickig up in Michigan. The border people said that there is no problem with any gun part as long as it is legal to posess in Canada.

Depends which side your talking about. The Canadian side is no prob. If your allowed to have it and declare it across you go. I'd be wary on the US side. Lots of changes since 9/11 and they are in constant flux. I know for fact many Border Patrol guys don't have a clue. If you have something you shouldn't you may be none the wiser, and the guy/gal at the booth may not know either. AS I understand it if your not a resident and haven't done the paperwork your not supposed to posses things like ammo and gun parts. The fact that you can just go up and buy it doesn't mean you can posses it.

 

[djankle]

I believe there's a 5000 round limit on ammo that you can declare.

 

[Skullboy]

Ive brought back, and DECLARED bullets, casings for use in reloading. No problem at all. Lovely border guard didn't even charge me tax.

They were new casings.

I called the Windsor border patrol not to long ago to inquire about declaring a USGI stock that I am pickig up in Michigan. The border people said that there is no problem with any gun part as long as it is legal to posess in Canada.

I have said this many,many times.........Canadian customs is not the problem. They could care less as long as you pay taxes/duties.

It is illegal according to U.S. law to export USGI parts out of the U.S. without the proper export licences and export permits.

This applies to almost all firearms related items including reloading components.

If you did as you said above, you violated several U.S. Export laws. If you were stopped at one of the numerous border checks the U.S. authorities conduct, they will detain you, seize all your goods, maybe your vehicle, and can hold you for up to 30 days in jail without charging you.

Several CGN members have been subjected to border checks on the U.S. side of the border.They have told me it is not very pleasant.They were detained for 8 or more hours, had their vehicles searched, and all controlled goods seized.One member was out over $1000.00. The U.S. Agents gave them a stern warning, flagged them in their computer system and luckily let them return to Canada.......empty handed.

Here out West in Washington State the U.S. authorites watch the gunshop parking lots for out of country plates.Then radio ahead after you leave to their "friends" who are waiting for you down the road.

If you are going to bring stuff into Canada from the U.S. without the proper paperwork please keep it to yourself.

Do not give incorrect advice on how/what/where you can bring in items from the U.S........Someone may take you at your word and end up is serious trouble.

For those that wish to find out what is allowed to be exported from the U.S, and what licences/paperwork is required contact:

-The U.S. State Dept. - They control the export of the bulk of firearms and firearm related items [

-The U.S. Commerce Dept. - They Control Shotguns, shotgun parts/Accessories, and optical sights/scopes/mounts.

If you look around the site there are several posts with the contact info of those two agencies.

 

[Skullboy]

I live in Windsor. I can drive to gander mountin tomorrow and buy 1000 shotgun shells and a case of .223, declare it at the border, MAYBE pay a little tax. Done.

I believe there's a 5000 round limit on ammo that you can declare.

It is illegal for you as a Canadian t purchase or possess ammunition in the U.S.......Unless you have a valid hunting licence for the area you are in, or have an invitation to a competition.

Even then you CAN NOT take ammunition out of the U.S. without export paperwork........

Canada says you are allowed to bring back the following:

-5000 primers
-5000 Cases
-5000 Bullets
-8kg powder

That does not mean you can just go into the U.S., buy the stuff and waltz back over the border.......

And if those U.S. shops are caught selling to you, they will be in big trouble and can face HUGE fines............Midway USA was caught shipping scopes to Canada without the proper export paperwork. IIRC, they were find roughly $200,000.00 ........ and they no longer ship to Canada......

And FYI, this site is monitored by Canadian and U.S. agencies looking out for this type of activity.......

 

[Skullboy]

Oh well I'm just going by what the Canadian border people told me.

I'll continue to do it too.

If you are caught in the U.S. you will be in serious trouble. They do not f*ck around with things like this.

In the future please keep your "adventures" to yourself.Don't drag anyone else down with you........

Also you are violating board rules by discussing/encouraging illegal export of restricted items out of the U.S.