223 rem./ 7.62X45

[earlcurtis67]

what is the difference if any in these two brass, found some new LC brass at Midway but I didnt realize there were two differnt offerings from LC. thanks E

 

[5spd]

One is 22 cal and the other a 30 cal designation, didn't see it on the site over there though.

 

[r bose]

U mean 5.56x45?

 

[earlcurtis67]

U mean 5.56x45?

yes, 5.56X45

 

[Laurie]

223 and 5.56mm are civilian and military versions of what are similar but not identical cartridges. They share the cartridge case but have minor rifle chambering spec differences. Also, the 5.56mm military version has the primer crimped into the case-pocket to stop it backing out in automatic weapons with 'generous' headspace. This requires crimp removal on the first reload before a new primer can be inserted.

This subject has been beaten to death in magazine articles, shooting websites and forums, so there's little sense in trying to sum it up again here. Just Google 5.56mm v 223 Rem and you'll have a huge choice of material to browse.

 

[earlcurtis67]

Laurie, thanks for the explanation but I was mainly asking about the differences in the new unloaded brass and weather one would be better than the other for reloading in a bolt gun. I apologize for not being more specific. e

 

[Laurie]

Ahhh...! Over here in Europe, the answer to that is unequivocally go with commercial brass, especially Lapua Match. The military stuff we have is very heavy with restricted internal capacities, more than enough to severely limit charge weights. Years back I bought a few hundred new unprimed German MEN cases - v ery good quality but loads had to be reduced by 1-1.5gn compared to Winchester. Lapua at that time was similar, but the company later changed its civilian product to a much lighter / roomier versions which is excellent.

I understand though that some of your (ie US) military brass, Lake City especially, is very good and is sought after. The downside of it in once-fired form is still the hassle of removing the primer crimp of course, unless you buy it already prepped.

I'm always dubious too about anything fired in a semi or full-auto police or military weapon unless you know its history - gas guns can be very rough on the brass and some of them leave something to be desired in their headspace stretching the case-body. I've seen commercial 223 range droppings fired by police here in (I think) SIG assault rifles that I wouldn't try to size and put into another rifle, they were so badly battered - and that's just the damage you can easily see on the outside. But, you're interested in buying new anyway, so no issue there.

 

[DHD]

Many 223 bolt action shooters, and most 223 semi auto shooters, have tried Lake City brass with varying success.

I've seen the brass you are referring to and the crimped primer issue does not apply so you are one step ahead already (and it won't have been fired in a possible/probable generous chamber). Just to confuse matters, have you looked at the General Dynamics brass they offer? The LC brass referenced is affordable and I doubt many will say it won't work in your proposed application.

My luck has been pretty good using LC brass after all the fun case prep. Many will say start with Lapua and you'll already have the best but I have a lifetime supply of once fired brass and I have a little bit of "cheap" in me.