steel cases

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billtheshrink

New member
With the shortage, what are the thoughts on steel case ammo for AR-15? I have never wanted to use it, and of course the mfg will say its fine. What do you all think? It seems the only available product for less than a buck a round!
 
I just bought 200 rounds of the stuff at the last local gunshow, since its all that's available. I have no qualms about running it through an AR of decent repute. What make is your AR?
 
Do you mean "jacket" or "case". I assume you're referring to "bi-metal" ammo—the copper washed, steel "jacket" stuff is fine in a chrome lined barrel/chamber. Except for "cleaning issues" I do not believe it will cause any additional wear on a regular molly barrel either—if cleaned right. If you're referring to steel "case" I know that some say it's hard on extractors, but I haven't seen it. I do see a lot more smoke/carbon down the neck/shoulder of a fired steel case (than brass cases) and subsequently in the chamber... again requiring more cleaning. Bi-metal— the steel jacket under the copper wash is very soft, I've experimented by cutting them up with pliers annealing them etc. Given that the steel part is not self lubricating in the same way a regular copper jacket is, it might be a good idea to allow the copper to build up in the bore... just a thought.

-SS-
 
How does steel case ammo degrade the barrel?
Click to expand...
technically its not the steel case as they are usually coated (zinc, poly, or lacquer) to prevent extra wear on the chamber. but the bi-metal bullet can increase wear on a barrel due to the fact it has steel mixed in with the copper, thus making the jacket harder then a normal copper jacketed round. Harder metal causes more friction on the barrel which equals more wear and more heat... at least that's how I understand it.

But I have noticed the lacquered cases tend to get stuck in ARs after the barrels heat up lacquer gets soft then hardens it can take some really muscle to get them unstuck.

Personally If your looking to shoot on the cheap its a non issue. The amount of ammo you'd need to buy and fire is FAR over the cost of the rifle and you can always re barrel a gun.
 
I have no problem shooting Wolf steel cased ammo in an AR. I use it in my AC556 when running it full-auto. Just keep a can of spray cleaner because the stuff is a little dirtier than better quality ammo.
 
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