dumb ammo question for tonight....

[saskgunowner101]

I picked up some PMC Bronze ammo in .223 earlier today. And I realize that I need to get a life, cause I took a few cartridges out to have a look.

And I notice the brass is discolored for about a half inch, from the neck to below the shoulder. Anyone able to tell me what this is?? And what possessed me to look at a cartridge in the first place??

 

[636andy636]

Its just annealed cases.
Does it look like this?

 

[saskgunowner101]

Yup! Looks exactly like that! So why would factory ammo be annealed?? Is'nt this what's done to reloads to make the brass last longer? So why then factory??

 

[636andy636]

Not sure never looked into it. But I do know lots of military 5.56X45 comes annealed.

Maybe someone else can clarify the reason for it.

 

[Merllin]

When done right, annealing extends brass life and makes neck tension more consistent, something very important for accuracy.

Most cases are annealed, but then they are polished so taht you cant see the annealing. I think I also read somewhere that the military wants to see that there cases are are annealed so they know. Thats why the ammo isnt polished back up afterwards.

 

[saskgunowner101]

Thanks for the input. I suppose the important question is how good is it going to shoot in my rifle today, weather permitting!

 

[sunray]

All brass gets annealed after forming. Milsurp brass just doesn't get polished to be pretty.
PMC is good reliable ammo. Of course, that doesn't mean your rifle will like it.
"...what possessed me to look at a cartridge in the first place??..." Nothing else to do in Saskatoon? snicker.