Brass vs Steel cased ammo?

hicaliber

hicaliber

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While trying to decide if I should shoot the bi-metal (steel) Norinco bullets through my Springfield Socom I came across this article.
I posted in a thread on the Canada ammo site but thought I would post it here where it would get more exposure.
I think this is a very interesting article although it has only made my decision more difficult.
The final conclusion is that yes, bi-metal bullets wear the throat and barrel at an accelerated rate. However the added cost of replacing worn parts, including the barrel is still cheaper then shooting premium copper jacketed ammo. The one benefit being the cost of shooting premium ammo is spread out over a longer time period.
Enjoy the read.

http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/brass-vs-steel-cased-ammo/#erosion
 
The effect is exagerated by the platform and caliber tested. Many other types of rifes have consumed mountains of bi-metal ammo and still have rifling.
 
I wonder how this applies to the 308 as the cost of ammo is higher.

With the cost of the nor 305 I could see where replacing parts might be cheaper. On the other hand a rifle where the bolt alone is about the cost of a nor, I'd be more apt to buy quality ammo.
 
"...at an accelerated rate..."It's insignificant. Unless you're shooting competitively or far more than an average shooter/hunter, you'll never see any difference. In any case, steel cases have nothing to do with steel or bi-metal jackets.
Personally, I'd never shoot 'premium' factory ammo. Far too expensive. Handloads only for my rifles. Mind you, Springfield Armory Inc voids their warrantee if you use handloads. Friggin' US lawyer.
 
yomomma said:
I wonder how this applies to the 308 as the cost of ammo is higher.

With the cost of the nor 305 I could see where replacing parts might be cheaper. On the other hand a rifle where the bolt alone is about the cost of a nor, I'd be more apt to buy quality ammo.
Click to expand...

I would love to see this redone with 4 Norinco M305's comparing the Norinco ammo to premium copper jacketed. Canada Ammo has posted they will replace any gun who's barrel is shot out to the point where it key holes from using their ammo.
That is confidence in your product but you can't argue with the facts in that report.
I'm torn, I want cheap ammo but I don't want to adversely affect my barrel.
 
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Brass cased and steel cased ammo is not the same as copper jacketed bullets and bi-metal jacketed bullets. It stands to reason that a copper bullet is easier on the barrel. You can still buy steel cased ammo with copper jacketed bullets cheaper than most factory brass cased ammo. I am currently shooting MFS ammo that is steel cased and has copper jacketed bullets out of my Norc m305 with no issues. I dont notice it being all that dirtier than Federal blue box .308 and it is half the price. No issues with action cycling or extraction. Marginal loss in accuracy but nothing to worry about.
 
Thank you ,sir!

I think every one is saving their rifles for their widow's new partner!;)

Not me! Got about 400rds through my 300 mag main hunting rifle, probably closest thing to being worn out. Shooting > 5-6000 rounds through one of these military type rifles is a mess of shooting unless you are a serious competitor. And those guys replace barrels that shoot better than I ever could.

Enjoy yourselves at the range!:cheers:
 
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