Learned the importance of brass...

[openhelix]

Working up a couple 223 loads and wanted to compare everything being the same but 2 different types of brass - equally prepped and same length. Really interesting results.

Control:
Brass length 1.755
Powder - RL-15 (loaded in 24.1, 24.5, 24.7, 25.0, 25.2)
Primers - Wolf small rifle magnum
Bullet - Sierra Match King BTHP 69gr

Variable - Brass
Once fired PPU (Prvi Partizan from 75gr match factory loads)
Once fired PMC (from XTAC factory loads)

With PPU - best load by far 24.7 gr (25.2 was the worst by a large margin)
With PMC - a couple close but 24.1 gr was the best (25.0 then 25.2 were next)

Seems like a bit of a spread in powder loads but the proof is on the paper. Never thought there'd be that much of a difference. Just eyeing it up, powder volume looked similar, none compressed. Any ideas?

[mark501w]

I like PMC brass, I think Remington is my lest favorite.

[Fishslayer]

According to this PMC is actually heavier than LC but has one of the larger spreads in case wight. Doesn't list PPU though. I would guess that their match ammo would be made with very consistent cases.

http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/223rem/

Difference in internal volume will affect where the "sweet spot" lies.

[Witch Hunter]

I know a few guys that shoot benchrest, they buy a hundred Lapua or Norma brass and prep all of it. they wind up using 10-12 pieces that they like and selling the rest that are outside their standards to varmint shooters like me. I can't afford to throw a piece away until the primer pocket gets loose or the neck splits, cause I load up a few hundred at a time to shoot prairie dogs.

[cpatbay]

Short of spending big on Lapua brass, LC is my preference.

[stilly]

According to this PMC is actually heavier than LC but has one of the larger spreads in case wight. Doesn't list PPU though. I would guess that their match ammo would be made with very consistent cases.

http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/223rem/

Difference in internal volume will affect where the "sweet spot" lies.

Interesting.

While I was at Lake Havasu City in a gun shop where a guy had .223 brass for .07 per shell, he told me that PMC had the best .223 brass because it was the closest in weight... I dismissed it and now I know why. He just wanted me to scrounge around in the .223 bin for more shells and leave his LC alone...