Federal 223 brass short

[Boomer454]

I have a bunch of 223 range brass that I've picked up over the last few years and have started sorting and inspecting and so on.

I've noticed that all of the federal headstamp cases are between 5 -10 thou shorter than the trim to length. Same with lake city. The pmc an hornady brass I've got are much closer but still slightly under the 1.750 minimum length.

Is this normal for the "military" type brass?

 

[mmattockx]

It's normal for all brass, not just 'military' brass. Every brand will have their own preferred dimensions and it makes no difference overall.


Mark

 

[BattleRife]

I've noticed that all of the federal headstamp cases are between 5 -10 thou shorter than the trim to length. Same with lake city. ?

If the Federal brass you have has the SCAMP dots in the headstamp, it was made in the Lake City plant and that is why they are similar.

 

[supernova]

Most Federal rifle brass is short. Its not uncommon to have some too short for a lee FCD on the first loading. .223 grows pretty quick, the issue will quickly solve itself.

 

[Denver Steve]

Most detrimental thing about shooting brass that is a bit too short is that you will build up a carbon ring a bit quicker. Which isn't too big of a deal if you take the time and clean the carbon from the throat each time you clean your rifle.

 

[B]

I didn't have short brass for years and thousands and thousands of rounds of bulk FMJ then it was almost all "short" and it seems to be more often than not ever since.