5.56 brass

rodnocker1 · Post by **rodnocker1** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 8:53 pm

I just bought my 1st AR15 and am wanting to start reloading for it. The problem is finding inexpensive once fired brass. I've picked up 100 or so rnds of .223 around the range ( 5 here, 10 there, that kind of thing) but that's hardly a start. I had intended on getting some of the "once fired Winchester 5.56 military crimp" from Widener's but I hemmed and hawed around too long and when I went to buy it, it was gone. I know I can still get .223 brass but would rather have the 5.56. I don't have any LEO ranges around, so that is out.

Does anyone know of a good source for 5.56?

BobCat · Post by **BobCat** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 10:13 am

Try:

http://gibrass.com/brass.html - $60/1,000 LC 5.56mm

http://www.brassmanbrass.com/inventory-001.html - LC .223 $65/1,000

http://www.scharch.com/ processed military $92.50 /1,000 shipped

I'm just sick with these prices. A couple years ago you could get Lake City .223 (i.e. military 5.56 - same as these three) processed and primed with Winchester primers for $70 / 1,000. Not any more.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Andrew

rodnocker1 · Post by **rodnocker1** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:36 pm

Thanks BC!

gibrass.com is what I was looking for. I'd found the other 2 sites and didn't want the .223 while scharch is a little pricey. I may have another line on some but if it falls through, I am going to gibrass.

Again, Thanks for the link.

rodnocker1 · Post by **rodnocker1** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 7:20 pm

It was just pointed out to me on another Forum that the 5.56 case and the .223 are the same. Previously, I had been trying to find out if there was a difference (google search, etc) and a fellow had sent me a cutaway of a 5.56 and a .223 case showing (or at least his case cutaways showed) that the 5.56 case was thicker toward the base. He even made it a point to indicate the different thicknesses.

According to him, this made the 5.56 stronger (and less likely to pull the rim off and leave a broken case in the chamber) than the .223 . He also said that since the outside dimensions are the same, this meant the internal dimension of the 5.56 was smaller (due to the thicker metal), which in turn meant you could use less powder to achieve the same velocities, due to increased pressures. This sounded feasible, especially since he had "evidence" to back this up.

Now I have learned that he was WRONG and I have been jumping through hoops (and having others do the same) trying to find the ever elusive 5.56 brass while there are tons of .223 out there and it's the same thing!!!!! I am still learning about AR15's and 5.56/.223, so any and all ACCURATE AND CORRECT information is appreciated (as you can tell, I need all of the help I can get) and Thanks to all who have tried to help me out. I'm sorry to have wasted everyone's time and Forum bandwidth on this thread, just because I believed the 1st guy, who was WRONG!!!!! (did I already mention that?

)

Again Thanks and Sorry.

BobCat · Post by **BobCat** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 8:27 pm

The 5.56 ans .223 chambers are actually not absolutely identical but I think the difference is at the neck. There is a site with something like the phrase "ammo oracle" in the URL that explains it more clearly than I can. Probably find a link on Ar-15.com.

If you decide to weigh cases (not suggesting it, but some of us are goofy), you may find that LC cases (after resizing, depriming, and trimming to 1.750") are about 90-92 grains. Some Winchester I've weighed was closer to 95 grains. Heavier may mean more durable, but it means less volume so if you are near a max load, you can run into high pressures / blown primers if you suddenly switch to a heavier case without adjusting the powder charge. If you are that close to a max load you are an experienced reloader and don't need any advice from me.

I shouldn't whine about the price of brass, but I'm the second cheapest man in the world - just my nature. If you think about what people who shoot nothing but factory rounds pay, that puts the cost into perspective.

Anyway, have fun and "hold 'em tight" - in the X-ring.

Regards,
Andrew

dukalmighty · Post by **dukalmighty** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 3:20 am

I am very lucky i shoot at a range where i got a year membership and made good friends with the employees running it ie letting them shoot my arsenal of firearms whenever i would show up,and now if i need any brass no matter what calibre i walk in with a bag and fill it up then go home and sort it,if i want specific calibres he will watch what ppl are shooting and once they are done will sweep up the once fired 45acp ,or 9mm,or 40s&w or .223 or .308 etc.I also have a castmaster bullet maker from magma engineering and a star lubrisizer,primers are expensive and cost about .03 cents a piece, i try to buy powder in 5 or 8 pound jugs to cut costs but average about 3.00 a box in pistol calibres,

ShootingStar · Post by **ShootingStar** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 3:21 pm

rodnocker1,

Based upon what I have read, the source that said 5.56 brass was thicker was Correct. .223 brass is thinner. I blelieve I read this in the Sierra reloading manual. This is the best manual by far that you can get, so get it. It has a special section on reloading for the AR-15. Most manuals only have sections for bolt guns and you have to adapt it to the AR.

I'll check my manual and get back with you, but I'm sure I got it from a credible source. I'm just getting started myself reloading for the AR and just went through my first box of 100 bullets.

-ss