.308 brass question

Jasonsmack

Jasonsmack

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This maybe should have been a question for the reloading forum but there is likely a bunch more guys here that know about specific headstamps and their history???

I am going to reload some 308 ammo and I was just wondering if there is any difference between the LC headstamped brass and the LC "Match" headstamped brass? I bought a mixed box of brass and there is a bunch of the "match" marked brass. Maybe it has a bit tighter quality contol or something like that?
 
The difference is that the "LC" stamped has a crimped primer pocket while the "LC Match" doe not.As far as QC goes the cases vary in Weight/Volume capacity[Powder capicity] in any given box of 20 cartridges
 
I guess it might be a mystery. None of the brass has crimped in primers or cannelure marks. The only visible differences in the two are of course the "match" markings and the color of the sealer used around the primers. All I was really wondering is if I should maybe be using this stuff to reload for my Savage instead of the plinking ammo for the M305 and M14S.
 
NM Cases

Lake City match brass is excellent for working up accurate loads in a bolt action rifle. Use milsurp brass in your M305. What year is your brass? '72 is regarded as some of the best produced. I use match brass in a .358 Win. Savage bolt-action rifle, sub-moa groups.
 
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I just dug through it a bit again. Most of the match brass is '72 and '77. However there is some 1980's LC Match brass in there that has the cannelure marks in it that coyote tech 421 warned me about. I missed seeing it while I was depriming it - I never expected the marks to be so near to the back of the case. I will likely sort that stuff out and put it in the non-reloadable bucket. I will save the 1970's brass for the Savage 10FP.

Another perfect example of how valuable this website can be. Thanks again guys.
 
Jasonsmack said:
I just dug through it a bit again. Most of the match brass is '72 and '77. However there is some 1980's LC Match brass in there that has the cannelure marks in it that coyote tech 421 warned me about. I missed seeing it while I was depriming it - I never expected the marks to be so near to the back of the case. I will likely sort that stuff out and put it in the non-reloadable bucket. I will save the 1970's brass for the Savage 10FP.

Another perfect example of how valuable this website can be. Thanks again guys.
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The Knurling marks were to distinguish the match ammo from regular issue ammo.

Until the JAG ruled on the legality of the open tipped match ammo in combat, Match ammo was only to be used in competitions, and not issued for combat.These rounds were knurled near the head of the case.

The JAG eventually ruled that the open tip BTHP ammo was not a true hollow point, and that the open tip was just a result of the manufacturing process.This allowed the Lake City Match M852, M118LR, and Mk262 ammo to be used in combat.
These cases are not knurled.

It is recomended that you do not reload knurled cases due to the weaked headcase area.

However, the Lake City Match brass is good brass.

Just remember that Mil Spec cases have less case capacity then commerical brass so reduce loads by 10%.

Military cases are thicker and softer then commercial cases.

SKBY.
 
I have LC Match '71 & '72 not knurled.

It's excellent brass and will give years of use, as long as you're not using full charge loads.

Mine has no degradation in accuracy, and I've been using it for 16 years and it was used when I got it.

Load LC Match with confidence.

RePete.
 
I believe the Knurled rounds were manufactured in the late 80's to early 90's with the Sierra 168 gr MK's .The Knurling was used on target ammunition it was to distinquish between target ammunition and ammunition for deployment.SkullBoy has some of the Knurled cases in question.Military brass should be used in the M14 series rifle as the brass is harder and thicker and will last up to 10 +firing in the M14 rifle
 
Could someone post a picture or two of a knurled and / or cannelured case? I don't think I have seen this before and would like a clear image of what you are talking about.

PS - May you all have a happy and Lieberal free new year!


Fudd
 
As far as I know this is how they read left to right:

Remington
Winchester
Lake City 1987
Lake City Match 1977
Lake City Match 1988 (with cannelure markings)

Picture002.jpg


Picture005.jpg
 
Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures Jasonsmack! That really helped as I couldn't picture where a cannelure like there is on bullets would be on a case. That is more of a knurled case. Has anyone here ever had a reloaded one separate there after firing?


Fudd
 
It is recommended NOT to reload the knurled Lake City cases as the case head may seperate at the knurling.

It is felt that the knurling weakens the case in that area.

SKBY.
 
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