Ever notice a difference in brass?

[Palladin]

Started reloading with WWB brass in .45ACP and was getting along great. Then I switched to PMC brass and noticed a pronounced coke bottle effect when the bullet was pressed in. Several cases even started to collapse.The coke bottled cases won't drop in a Frankford Arsenal cartridge gauge either. Is this just me?

Also do you start every load from minimum with any component change? for instance lube, primer or brass.

[zephyp]

Are you using carbide dies? Then you dont need lube which sounds like what your problem might be.

[Palladin]

Hornady New Dimension Titanium Nitride dies.
When I said lube I meant bullet lube. I was wondering if the Rooster Jacket was tough enough and thick enough to cause this. I changed cases and lube on the same load.

[zephyp]

Ok, sorry I thought you meant case lube. If you also changed bullet lube and havent used that brand before try one or two through the WWB brass. You can also use a caliper to measure the ID of the 2 brands of brass after resizing just to see if there might be a difference.

All brass is not created equal. I picked up a bunch of Aquilla .45 ACP and based on some of the cartridges NIB and spent brass I'm not sure there gonna reload ok. Also google PMC brass and see that several other folks are having problems too.

[Palladin]

You can also use a caliper to measure the ID of the 2 brands of brass after resizing just to see if there might be a difference.

All brass is not created equal. Also google PMC brass and see that several other folks are having problems too.

I got so carried away in here I forgot that's how I found VGOF in the first place. Been googlin for over two hours this mornin' and discovered everyone has lots of opinions on everything good and bad, but I do believe I'm on the right track now. I was trusting the max gauge as the end answer and not using my caliper enough. Thanks for the gentle reminder.

Apprehension =longer lifespan, fewer injuries...

Sooooo, back to the basement for tinkering and testing!

[MuShuGordon]

Is there a difference in the process or materials used in the making of brass by different companies? If that didn't make sense, does Aquila make their with a certain compound of metals and PMC make theirs with a different composition of metals? That could make HUGE differences in the performance of the two models. Yes it could.

[zephyp]

Is there a difference in the process or materials used in the making of brass by different companies? If that didn't make sense, does Aquila make their with a certain compound of metals and PMC make theirs with a different composition of metals? That could make HUGE differences in the performance of the two models. Yes it could.

For the most part wrt the casual handgun loader they are relatively equivalent. I think the problem now is there are so many different manufacturers and so geographically dispersed that we are beginning to see radical differences. Its not necessarily that different manufacturers use a different composition of metals - they probably use a different quality in different proportions (brass is an alloy) and have certain impurities present. Having said that there are variations even between American manufacturers and all brass is not created equal.

[MuShuGordon]

Is there a difference in the process or materials used in the making of brass by different companies? If that didn't make sense, does Aquila make their with a certain compound of metals and PMC make theirs with a different composition of metals? That could make HUGE differences in the performance of the two models. Yes it could.

For the most part wrt the casual handgun loader they are relatively equivalent. I think the problem now is there are so many different manufacturers and so geographically dispersed that we are beginning to see radical differences. Its not necessarily that different manufacturers use a different composition of metals - they probably use a different quality in different proportions (brass is an alloy) and have certain impurities present. Having said that there are variations even between American manufacturers and all brass is not created equal.

Now, is there a difference in the factory ammunition loads? Meaning, would a Federal casing be more prone to malfunction than a Winchester casing? The reloads are definitely a different story though. Are there certain casings that reload easier and what do I need to look for?

[zephyp]

If you are a casual loader for handgun I wouldnt worry about it. If on the other hand you are going to load rifle cartridges for some serious target work and want maximum accuracy then it becomes an issue. You have several variables when putting together a load. Basic ones are brass, primers, bullet, and powder. You find a combination that works and stick with it. The primary thing here with brass it to use the same headstamp preferably from the same lot - if you want to control the variables and achieve maximum accuracy. It really depends on the load, other variables, and rifle. You may find winchester brass works better for you than ferderal.

[MuShuGordon]

Thank you Master Yoda, is there anyway that I can find out the best compounds in the brass out there? Do manufacturers put the compounds that make up their brass online? Or do they even care about publishing such data?

[Palladin]

Mushu, IMHO, one thinking about reloading should acquire at least two comprehensive reloading manuals and read them for a minimum of six months before even considering pulling the handle on a reloading press. Many variables involved, and little room for error. Not a pastime for youthful indiscretion...

[Vahunter]

Mushu, IMHO, one thinking about reloading should acquire at least two comprehensive reloading manuals and read them for a minimum of six months before even considering pulling the handle on a reloading press. Many variables involved, and little room for error. Not a pastime for youthful indiscretion...

That I agree with 100 percent

I have found differences in brass quality in the same lot but I guess it's just something we have to live with.

[zephyp]

Thank you Master Yoda, is there anyway that I can find out the best compounds in the brass out there? Do manufacturers put the compounds that make up their brass online? Or do they even care about publishing such data?

I wouldnt worry about if you're going to be a casual loader. Only someone interested insqueezing every last bit of accuracy out of a load would go to that much trouble. For target and hunting I wouldnt worry. Now if you're seriously trying to achieve sub MOA over long distances then maybe.

[MuShuGordon]

Well guys, my first reloads are going to be with a retired Gunnery Sergeant who has been reloading for many many years, longer than I have been alive. He will be teaching me, step by step, how he does it and how he has learned. Also, I have been collecting jars (from my basement) to put casings and bullets in. Woo Hoo. Anyone need some big jars?