Headstamp meanings

[nstuyt]

I'm sorting and cleaning all my brass for reloading and was curious as to what all the headstamps mean and if their is a difference. I'm currently doing 9mm, .40, .45 and .223. Mostly the bulk stuff like Lake City and WCC. Maybe a link on the web somewhere?
Thanks

[Southpaw45]

Right here.>> http://cartridgecollectors.org/?page=headstampcodes

[PatrickHenry]

Also: http://www.afte.org/ExamResources/ga...92c372e0f6465c

[nstuyt]

Thanks!! Those are both great links!
Now its time to figure out which ones I like best

[troysland]

Just so you know, .223 FC headstamp brass with primer crimp is a pain to reload unless you have a swagging tool. I've been setting those aside to recycle or until I get the Dillon swagger tool. There's a bunch of info online on how reloaders stay away from this Federal brass.

[Cowboy T]

Not only that, but apparently the quality of Federal's bottleneck brass is slipping as far as reloading is concerned. I'd stick with PMC, Winchester, PPU, or best of all, Lake City (LC).

[nstuyt]

Just so you know, .223 FC headstamp brass with primer crimp is a pain to reload unless you have a swagging tool. I've been setting those aside to recycle or until I get the Dillon swagger tool. There's a bunch of info online on how reloaders stay away from this Federal brass.

Well thats a real downer! Ive got around 1400 FC and 1500 LC. I got the trim mate case prep center with primer pocket uniformer and mil crimp remover on the way. Will that do the trick or do i need to get access to a Dillon swagger tool?

[FLIGHT762]

Well thats a real downer! Ive got around 1400 FC and 1500 LC. I got the trim mate case prep center with primer pocket uniformer and mil crimp remover on the way. Will that do the trick or do i need to get access to a Dillon swagger tool?

No, you don't need the Dillon swager, but it's worth buying if you're going to use larger amounts of crimped brass. Your trim mate mil crimp remover will work, it will take a bit more time than the Dillon tool and it will be a bit harder on the fingers.

I use a Forster crimp cutter in the Forster trimmer. It cuts the crimp fast,about 3 turns. You just have to be careful with any crimp cutting tool that you don't cut too much. It works on both large and small pockets.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=44549/Product/Forster-Primer-Pocket-Chamfering-Tool

I already owned a Forster trimmer, so it was cost effective to use their cutter, but you also have to buy the pocket center http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/...productId/5219
with the cutter.

The forster cutter is about $19.00 and the center is $8.00. It works well if you already own the Forster trimmer.

RCBS came out this year with their version of a Dillon type swager tool. It costs about $80.00 or so. I saw it at Shot Show and it looks like it will work as well as the Dillon tool.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/319662/rcbs-bench-mounted-primer-pocket-swager

[nstuyt]

Thanks for the RCBS link! Since im an all green guy and have about 600 more unfired FC rounds I might just get on once they arent backordered.