~ 50 yr old match brass score!

[kelbro]

I was scrounging around one of my 'brass' file cabinets and found a decent sized batch of once-fired LC Match 308 brass. It's dated 1977 and I bought it many many years ago. From what I remember, this was rounded up at Perry. I just pulled a sample and found that the weights were very consistent but about 6 grains heavier than current production Lapua. I have not compared H2O capacities yet. I'm planning to anneal, size, trim and chamfer this brass and see how it performs.

It would be great if the extra 6 grains are in the case head and provide a little more primer pocket life. I might cross-section a piece to compare to current production Lapua to see. I'll need to shoot a couple of pieces to find the H2O capacity.

 

[mgunderson]

Expect to see a volume difference. They are known to have thicker walls and less volume. Had a few chunks of the knurled lc match that was exceptional from the mid 90s. No idea about stuff from that vintage. Expect to drop the powder charge.

 

[JLittle]

I’ve been running some LC ‘67 Match for short range practice brass in a Palma gun. Been thinking of retiring it just for posterity sakes.

 

[kevinbritvec]

Starting loads in published data is very close to, even over maximum when using that brass. A full 2.0 grain powder reduction is common vs. Winchester brand commercial cases.

 

[kelbro]

Starting loads in published data is very close to, even over maximum when using that brass. A full 2.0 grain powder reduction is common vs. Winchester brand commercial cases.

Thanks. I was expecting as much.

It will be a good test of GRT/QuickLoad. I have known loads/velocities with Lapua cases. Doing a comparison with the adjusted H20 capacities will be educational.

After some prep, the weight consistency is very good.

 

[Albany Mountain]

I use WCC58 regularly and will use this weekend. Its awesome and funtional for 68 yr old brass.

 

[OldM1Shooter]

LC Match continued the Frankford Arsenal practice of an extra “bump” in forming the casehead for more hardness. MTUs reloaded brass for practice ammo for decades and that was one of the several differences (along with no primer crimp) for USGI Match ammo.

 

[Doug Casner]

Used to call that operation pocket. Doug

 

[OldM1Shooter]

Used to call that operation pocket. Doug!

Thanks! I don't have much info beyond what's been in the Camp Perry match booklets and what used to be The American Rifleman's annual articles on each year's ammo for the Board Matches. Mean radius reports and all that good stuff.

 

[Doug Casner]

It was the same case as ball until it got to heading then it got the match headstamp. That was in the 7.62 case area a 100 years ago. We tried to run it on the best running machines after that. I dont know what thet did in other areas Doug

 

[Doug Casner]

If I remember right it didnt have waterproofing in the case mouth either. Doug