loading .556 brass like .223?

[paul792]

Just a quick question. I stumbled across some 5.56 brass. Is there any difference between 5.56 and .223 brass? Wondering I my buddy who loads .223 can use this as well to load the same power/bullets he does as .223,

Thanks.

 

[Magmalis]

I just use it after I swage the primer pocket. I run a .223 R.E.M. 700 with no brass prejudice. Never had a problem.

 

[Attilathecanuk]

I do, after reaming the crimped primer pockets they are used just like many other.

 

[bigedp51]

American 5.56 cartridge cases are made of harder brass, these cases could not be made thicker like 7.62 so 5.56 cases use harder brass.

So I'm assuming all 5.56 cartridge cases are made to the same standards, this came about after the 1968 Congressional hearings on the M-16 rifles jamming problem.

Meaning our Lake City 5.56 cases and commercial contract 5.56 ammunition made for the military are made heavy duty.

Below 5.56 cases have a thicker flash hole web adding redial strength to the base, meaning the primer pockets last longer and takes more pressure to make them stretch.

Lake City and military grade 5.56 is very good brass for reloading and for use in AR15 or semi-autos. (Built Ford Truck Tough)

How Hard is Your Brass? 5.56 and .223 Rem Base Hardness Tests
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2014/05/how-hard-is-your-brass-5-56-and-223-rem-base-hardness-tests/

I buy bulk once fired Lake City for my two AR15 rifles and my bolt action Savage .223 rifle. And sort and prep these cases and use the best cases in my bolt action.

Bottom line, to me it is far cheaper to buy once fired LC brass and do a little prep work than buy far more expensive Lapua brass.

 

[paul792]

Thanks for the info!

 

[kawicrash]

How does IVI brass compare?
I have a bunch of 86, 87 and 88 years, and I like them.
The primer crimps are a real bugger though. I have an RCBS primer pocket swager and the Lyman reamer, and it's still pretty tough sometimes to seat new primers.
I also have a bunch of IVI 7.62, and some of them don't even need a swage. 75 year mostly.
Most manuals suggest starting loads a couple of grains lower than commercial brass due to reduced case capacity, but bigedp51 is saying the 5.56 brass is harder more so than thicker. I know the web is certainly thicker in my IVI brass than Remington, for instance.

 

[beltfed]

I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the difference in case capacity between brass intended as 5.56 and .223 - there is very little if any as quite often the brass being created will serve as a basis for a manufacturer's civilian .223 and military 5.56 ammo.
There is a greater chance of having variety between two different manufacturers brass than there is due to the markings on the cases.
For consistancy, obviously stick to one brand/headstamp, but for mid to mild loads that are not being used for great accuracy (say 3-gun ammo), I'll mix head stamps without issue.

 

[Ganderite]

When I have a lot of military brass to de-crimp, I use a countersink ($7.00 at Home Hardware) in an electric drill. It champfers the primer pocket edge, cutting off the crimp.