Brass identification THIS IS NOT A TEST

[Deelayed]

I got 1000 count of mixed 223/556 brass the other day and some of the head stamps are a bit hard to identify . i will post some pics but I cannot find that hosting site for uploading pictures I will try and interpitate in the mean time . let mr know if any of these ring a bell . I have already separated the ones i could read but these hsve me stumped. Any help will be greatly apprieciated.

WMA 19

LC 17

PSD 17

WMA 18

LC 19

WMA 17

PSD 88

LC 16

IMI 19

WCC

FC 13

[RSSmith]

Many are listed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...ary_headstamps

[Deelayed]

Many are listed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...ary_headstamps

Thank you for your response. Yeah I checked out that info it was very informative. But I was wondering how i am supposed to tell the difference between the 223 anf 556 with no markings . everything that i have read says the cartridges are pretty much identical except for the thickness of the case itself .. The 556 being able to take higher pressures. I have some 77 grain hp that I need to run with the 556 .

[edgerly779]

The pressure is derived from your load data. Not from the case. Are you loading using .223 specs? Or 5.56 specs.

[VictorFranko]

This seems a more complete list of headstamp ID:

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

[hambam105]

Dang! I was tricked, this is a test!

[The War Wagon]

Many are listed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...ary_headstamps

OUTSTANDING first post!

[RSSmith]

Thanks! I’ve been a long time viewer. To be honest I posted a couple times back in the early 90’s but have no idea what happened to those credentials?!?

Anyways, glad to be a part of the forums.

[alpha_romeo_XV]

The two numbers are the year of manufacture. LC 17 vs LC 19 is Lake City brass one made in 2017 and one made in 2019

imgur.com is a free photo hosting site that has worked fine for me for several years. I also browse memes and gifs on it just for laughs.

[Deelayed]

The pressure is derived from your load data. Not from the case. Are you loading using .223 specs? Or 5.56 specs.

I have not loaded anything yet . I want to make sure I use 556 brass for a heaver grain projectile. . I was under the impression that 556 brass was thicker . but if thats not the case ( pun intended) than I stand corrected .
I have some shooters world AR PLUS. and some shooters world TACTICAL RIFLE. But the 556 data only goes up to high 60's in projectile grain .
The AR PLUS. Does not even show any data for 556 and even with the data on 223 it does not go past the high 50s in projectile weight . im thinking I have to get a stronger powder or just trade or sell the damned bullets

[Dvrjon]

Thank you for your response. Yeah I checked out that info it was very informative. But I was wondering how i am supposed to tell the difference between the 223 anf 556 with no markings . everything that i have read says the cartridges are pretty much identical except for the thickness of the case itself .. The 556 being able to take higher pressures. I have some 77 grain hp that I need to run with the 556 .

Case capacity is marginally different:

-5.56 NATO case capacity: 28.5 grains H2O
-223 Remington case capacity: 28.8 grains H2O (+1.1% compared to 5.56 NATO)

Always start your loads 10% less than the maximum and work up. Nosler Load Data

The 77 gr bullets may extend further into the .223 chamber and touch or come closer to the lands, which can increase initial pressures.

If you reload marked .223 cases to 5.56 standards, it would be prudent to mark them as such, just in case you stuff them into a .223.

More than you ever wanted to know

[Deelayed]

Case capacity is marginally different:

-5.56 NATO case capacity: 28.5 grains H2O
-223 Remington case capacity: 28.8 grains H2O (+1.1% compared to 5.56 NATO)

Always start your loads 10% less than the maximum and work up. Nosler Load Data

The 77 gr bullets may extend further into the .223 chamber and touch or come closer to the lands, which can increase initial pressures.

If you reload marked .223 cases to 5.56 standards, it would be prudent to mark them as such, just in case you stuff them into a .223.

More than you ever wanted to know

Thank you for the info . yeah I havent loaded any 556 yet . but I will definitely check the link out .
I was thinking . since those unmarked(caliber) cases are all military is it hair brained to consider tbem all 556 NATO . .? Military doesnt use 223 do they ?
I have a 223 wylde so the pressure wont be a problem . i only want toload 556 liafs in 556 brass .
I dont want to mess around with mix and match stuff . and im not trying to get MAX liad capacity for maximum velocity .....yet . just going ease into this . im in no rush .

[eagle eye]

Thank you for your response. Yeah I checked out that info it was very informative. But I was wondering how i am supposed to tell the difference between the 223 anf 556 with no markings . everything that i have read says the cartridges are pretty much identical except for the thickness of the case itself .. The 556 being able to take higher pressures. I have some 77 grain hp that I need to run with the 556 .

223 is always marked

[pacrat]

I got 1000 count of mixed 223/556 brass the other day and some of the head stamps are a bit hard to identify . i will post some pics but I cannot find that hosting site for uploading pictures I will try and interpitate in the mean time . let mr know if any of these ring a bell . I have already separated the ones i could read but these hsve me stumped. Any help will be greatly apprieciated.

WMA 19 .................Winchester Mil Ammo

LC 17.....................Lake City Arsenal

PSD 17.....................Korean.........Poonsan Corp. Not to be confused with more common Poontang, which is not incorporated.

WMA 18.........Above

LC 19.............Above

WMA 17........Above

PSD 88...........Above

LC 16 .............Above

IMI 19 ..................Israeli

WCC.............................Western Cartridge Co....aka winchester diff division

FC 13............Federal Cartridge Corp

Special note on Poonsan........safe to shoot with eye-ear protection. Poontang, requires addition of condom before safe to shoot.

Sorry, Couldn't resist...........

[pacrat]

Check your PRIMER POCKETS for crimps on mixed brass.

Some is...............some isn't.