norinco 556 brass for reloading

Not the best brass but they do reload fine. Brass is a bit thick and softer. You need to full length resize and trim them. Have used reloads in both bolt guns and ars. Check them with a case gauge. I have a few pails full of them that I saved in case 556 get very scarce.

Bottom line, they work but they take more work than others. I prefer Winchester brass. Thinner, harder and not too expensive or hard to find.


Don't use them for 300 blackout conversion as the brass is too thick.
 
Decent brass to reload.
My experience has been that one should not expect as many reloads from it.
It sizes nicely. Only needed minor case trimming for me.
I found the primer pockets a lot nicer than Federal brass.

Winchester is my go to for .223 reloads
YMMV

Shoot straight - chrisco
 
I only load Norinco for the 223. I started because my initials " J C " are pretty close to the head stamp " C J ". I tend to find a load and stay their unless I can't find a component then I start the load development over. The advantages to norinco is 1. Extremely plentifully (inexpensive) and 2. no primer pocket crimps. I have reloaded my current 100 cartridge box of 223 CJ 8 times with a moderate load developed for a savage axis and the groups are great and have not had any issues (case splits nor primer pops). After the ninth firing (by me) I discard the cases and start again so I do not know the fail point. I have an annealing machine but I have not bothered annealing because the brass is so inexpensive.
 
I've loaded about a 1000 norcs. its ok. definitely needs to be trimmed. I noticed splitting on the second reload sometimes, not too often to worry me, but I will not use more than the twice. Primes real nice! Keep an eye on it and its great!
 
Got nothing but pierced primers and a frozen bolt from it in new Weatherby Vangard 2........a buddy gave me a couple boxes to try ,they work fine in his Swiss Arms black rifle but not my bolt...so I gave the rest back after about 5 shots......Harold
 
mbogo3 said:
Got nothing but pierced primers and a frozen bolt from it in new Weatherby Vangard 2........a buddy gave me a couple boxes to try ,they work fine in his Swiss Arms black rifle but not my bolt...so I gave the rest back after about 5 shots......Harold
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Don't think you can blame the brass for that. Norinco brass will have a bit less internal volume due to the thicker brass so max pressure can be reached with less powder. Reloading issue.

I've had batches of reloads (not norinco) that worked great in April but had major over pressure in May. My bad. Just the pressure increase with ambient temperature on reloads tested in the colder months. I'll save those for next winter.
 
Left out case cracks to shoulder/neck area.PS this was with factory ammo not reloads as I was just using the Norinco to get on paper.
 
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I reload Norc brass I pick up at the range. I have never measured one for length, and have never trimmed one.

I load a moderate to mild load and have had 100% success with them in CQB matches (short range).

I would not use them for accuracy loads in any rifle.
 
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