darker brass?

[4cyl2v8]

I was recently at a estate auction and picked up a small box of 6mm Remington reloading supplies.

The box contained 40 Norma 6mm rem cases (never used), 84 r-p 6mm rem cases (primed but no powder or bullets), 19 rounds of Browning 6mm rem ammo, and a few boxes of 6mm bullets in various weights and manufacturers.

I am considering my next rifle to be either a 6mm rem or a 7x57 Mauser. Right now I am leaning towards the Mauser because I already have a few other 7mm's that I shoot and have powders and bullets for that caliber.

I was going to keep these components for some time down the road but had a question about the color of the brass that the Norma cases are. I noticed that the unprimed Norma cases are significantly darker in color than either the Remington or Browning cases. Also they seem to all have a slight discolored ring around the base of the brass. I don't know if the color has anything to do with the age of the brass or if they just came that way? Any concerns with their integrity? I would also like to know if anyone has any idea how old they are? I have read that they don't make this brass anymore, so I am hesitant to use them for everyday use, but I would like to know if they are usable. I took a few pictures to clarify the color and rings.

 

[jonbearman]

The ring is from where it sat in the chamber and the other may be from a reloading die.All brass changes color with age and the color varies by manufacturer because of metallurgy(recipe) of the metal.The norma probably has more copper than the others and tends to darken faster and deeper color.If you have doubts about the lines with respect to head seperation ,get a cheap tooth scraper at your local drug store and go inside the case and feel for a catch feeling down towards where the rings are inside the case.If the walls are smooth then there is no problem.Just tumble all the loose brass and coat it with a little case lube to prevent corrosion over a long storage time.

 

[338Lapua]

Agreed, Norma has more copper than the others brands probably why they are quite soft when new………new cases I have, Have a slight copper tinge to them and copper discolours in cold and humid environments fairly quickly, I wouldn’t worry too much. If you have a tumbler give them a polish up and use em.