Can You Reload 5.56x45 Military Brass? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether you can reload 5.56x45 military brass is a common one among reloaders, and the answer is a qualified "yes." However, it's crucial to understand the nuances involved to ensure safety and consistent results. Military brass differs significantly from commercial brass, necessitating specific considerations throughout the reloading process.
Understanding the Differences: Military vs. Commercial Brass
The primary difference lies in the manufacturing process and the resulting case hardness. Military brass is often manufactured to tighter tolerances and is typically harder than commercial brass. This increased hardness can lead to challenges during resizing and potentially increase the risk of case failures if not handled correctly. Furthermore, military brass may contain different alloy compositions, influencing its behavior under pressure. Lastly, military cases often exhibit more significant variations in headstamp dimensions and primer pocket consistency.
Challenges and Considerations for Reloading Military 5.56x45 Brass
-
Case Hardness: The increased hardness can lead to increased wear on your resizing die and potentially damage to your press. Using a case lubricant specifically designed for hard brass is vital to prevent excessive friction and wear.
-
Primer Pocket Consistency: Military brass primer pockets often exhibit greater variability in size and shape. This can affect primer seating depth and potentially lead to misfires or hangfires. Careful inspection and potentially specialized tools might be necessary.
-
Case Neck Thickness: Variations in case neck thickness can influence bullet seating depth and consistency. This requires extra attention during the bullet seating stage.
-
Headstamp Variations: Different headstamps indicate varying manufacturing processes and potentially different brass compositions. This can affect reloading parameters.
-
Potential for Corrosion: Military brass is sometimes exposed to more demanding conditions, leading to potential corrosion. Thorough cleaning and inspection are crucial before reloading.
Preparing Military 5.56x45 Brass for Reloading:
-
Inspection: Carefully inspect each case for cracks, dents, bulges, or any other damage. Discard any cases exhibiting imperfections.
-
Cleaning: Thoroughly clean each case to remove dirt, debris, and any corrosive residue. A vibratory tumbler is highly recommended.
-
Deburring: Remove any sharp edges from the case mouth and primer pocket to prevent damage to your dies and ensure consistent performance.
-
Sizing: Use a sizing die appropriate for military brass, potentially one with a carbide resizing ring for enhanced durability and reduced wear. Apply a generous amount of case lubricant.
-
Primer Pocket Uniformity (Optional): For greater consistency, you may consider using a primer pocket uniformer to ensure consistent seating depth.
-
Case Trimming: Trim cases to the recommended length to maintain consistent overall cartridge length and prevent overpressure.
Reloading Procedures:
The reloading process for military 5.56x45 brass is essentially the same as for commercial brass, but with the extra precautions detailed above. Pay close attention to the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific reloading dies and powder. Always double-check your work and use a reloading scale to ensure accurate powder charges.
Conclusion:
Reloading military 5.56x45 brass is achievable, but it requires more attention to detail, better quality equipment, and a cautious approach. Understanding the potential challenges, utilizing the appropriate tools and lubricants, and performing thorough inspection throughout the process are paramount for safety and successful reloading. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when reloading ammunition.
