THE HEAD STAMP THREAD

[SWThomas]

I'm curious about a few head stamps I came across sorting brass today. I figured I would make a thread and maybe we can all offer info about certain head stamps. Like who makes them and if there are any known issues with a particular head stamp. I know there's a list decoding head stamps out there but it doesn't offer first hand insight from someone who has used them.

Here's what I got. These are all 223 and 5.56 cases.

- FC 223 REM (I've read multiple times that Federal brass sucks)
- RP 223 REM
- MAL 5.56 12-84
- L C 7 6
- PSD 13
- PMC 223 REM
- WCC 12

Any input on the quality of these cases would be great. Any other info, like if they're crimped, would be good too.

Feel free to list anything I didn't post and give your experience with it. This isn't 223 specific.

 

[broncman]

All those are pretty self explanatory except maybe the MAL and PSD.
Federal
Remington Peter
Lake City with year stamp
PMC
Winchester Cartridge Corporatiom

 

[CatShooter]

WCC is Western Cartridge Company.

 

[NateHaler]

Federal brass may not be the best for reloading -- although I think its reputation is probably as much lore as fact -- but it sure as hell is adequate for new ammunition. Federal Gold Medal Match is some of the best-shooting factory ammo in the world. 8)

MAL as in Malaysian (vs. "bad" in Latin, one can only hope)

PSD is likely of South Korean manufacture, and typically features a bit of red sealant around the primer pocket, and the primers are crimped.

Last but not least, if you're picking up brass at a range or if you're not sure whether it's Boxer or Berdan primed, it's well worth a quick peek inside with a penlight to ascertain what you have. Berdan-primed cases should go in the metal recycling bin.

 

[smoooth]

You guys can send me all your hated Federal brass, heck, I'll even pay the shipping.

CBC is from Brazil, if I recall.

 

[BigDMT]

WCC is Western Cartridge Company.

+ 1. Winchester usually stamps with W-W.

 

[XTR]

WCC is Western Cartridge Company.

+ 1. Winchester usually stamps with W-W.

WCC is the Winchester government contract stamp. If you get lots of military range brass you'll sometimes find it in with the LC. (Western purchased Winchester almost 100 yrs ago and that's why we have Winchester-Western or W-W stamps, and now it's all owned by Olin)

 

[broncman]

Once sorted, the Federal 308 brass has been verrry good. I shoot it over my winchester cases as it is a closer dimensional match to Lapua for practice.

 

[BigDMT]

WCC is Western Cartridge Company.

+ 1. Winchester usually stamps with W-W.

WCC is the Winchester government contract stamp. If you get lots of military range brass you'll sometimes find it in with the LC. (Western purchased Winchester almost 100 yrs ago and that's why we have Winchester-Western or W-W stamps, and now it's all owned by Olin)

I see. So they are all one in the same? I suppose that makes both interpretations of the stamp correct. Thanks for that info.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

Everything you ever wanted to know about head stamps.. From what I know and the chart the Winchester designations denote the location of the plant.

http://cartridgecollectors.org/?page=headstampcodes

 

[SWThomas]

I scored a bunch of range brass today. A lot of 223. Anyone have experience with these head stamps???

- Tulammo 223 Rem

- GFL 223 Rem

 

[Rem6br]

Be sure those are brass and not steel cases not saying you can't tell the difference but those are usually steel cases

 

[SWThomas]

They're definitely brass.

 

[CJ6]

They're definitely brass.

But are they Berdan or Boxer primed. You can reload both styles ,but Berdan is a lot more work.

 

[itchyTF]

A number of years ago I bought a can of Malaysian (820 rounds, I think) and haven't had any fail to fire. Since it was just blaster ammo I couldn't tell you what the accuracy was. Although I can't recall the cost I know it was INEXPENSIVE back then.

 

[XTR]

They're definitely brass.

But are they Berdan or Boxer primed. You can reload both styles ,but Berdan is a lot more work.

I was at the range shooting at the same time as someone with a 308 gas gun. Somehow I got one of his Berdan primed cases in my bag. That one cost me a decapping pin and assembly. Snapped it off clean and couldn't get it out. Had to call Forster for a replacement.

 

[SWThomas]

How can you tell the difference by looking down the neck?

 

[KiowaDriver85]

One centered flash hole (boxer) vs two off-set holes (berdan).

 

[dickn52]

SOMETIMES but not always, there will be the infamous red whatever around the primer.

 

[SWThomas]

One centered flash hole (boxer) vs two off-set holes (berdan).

Awesome! Thanks for that!

I have a bunch with red sealant around the primer. I guess I know what I'll be doing next time I'm at the bench.