Federal AR223 Tactical headstamp

[shamrock12]

NOTE: I tried posting this question in Ammo/Reloading subforum but have received zero response. Since Federal .223/5.56 is one of most popular ammo I figured there should have been some responses and therefore I am posting here, thank you.

Anyway, I noticed that the headstamp on my Federal American Eagle "AR223 Tactical" loads (stamped FC 223 REM) have a few dimples/dots on the brass. Identical to Lake City 5.56 brass. It is my understanding that the dimples are for identifying which machines they came out of. However, my question is: do those dimples also automatically identify them as being Lake City made?

Also, do anyone know if all brass for "AR223 Tactical" loads are currently made at Lake City? The boxes I bought them does not have "LC" marked next to the manufacturer's stock numbers (AE223J, AE223BL, etc)

[Carcassonne]

I kinda remember that dimples mean the brass was made at a different location. 9mm brass sometimes has dimples, and other times it does not.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1038443

What difference does it make if the brass is or is not made at the Lake City plant? Lake City is government owned. Different companies bid on the lease for the plant. The winner gets to manufacture ammo there until they lose to another company the next time bids are placed. Winchester has run that place before. Chances are LC uses the same machines and material as all the other ammo companies. The only possible difference is that the US government may specify that only U.S. made raw materials (brass, copper, lead, steel) can be used in their factory to make the components.

5.56 NATO brass is supposed to be thicker than .223 brass, and it should be thicker regardless of where it is made.



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[-hanko]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1038443

5.56 NATO brass is supposed to be thicker than .223 brass, and it should be thicker regardless of where it is made.

It is thicker. It also shows a cross (+) symbol if it is indeed NATO brass.

Turkish ammo makers tend to allude their meets NATO requirements, but since NATO has never inspected a Turkish ammo plant, that's BS at the very least.

[shamrock12]

I just would like to know for a couple reasons. I am curious and would like to know how to identify Lake City made brass and whatnot. Also brass resellers usually sort and separate Lake City brass from the rest. I've even seen some selling Lake City .223 Rem brass separately from Lake City 5.56 NATO brass.

But I need a clear description that would allow me to positively identify Lake City made .223 Rem brass.

[kmas]

you must be retired to have time for such detail

hope you find your answer