Starline 223 Brass - Case Capacity Warning

Published on September 18, 2017
Duration: 12:34

This video highlights a critical case capacity difference in Starline .223 Remington brass compared to military-spec brass like Lake City. When using a maximum charge of 27.5 grains of Hodgdon Varget with 55gr bullets, the Starline cases overflowed, indicating significantly less internal volume. While Starline brass quality is praised for clean flash holes and consistent primer pockets, this capacity issue requires careful consideration for reloaders.

Quick Summary

Starline .223 Remington brass has a lower internal case capacity (29.3-29.6 grains of water) than Lake City brass (30.4 grains). This means maximum powder charges, like 27.5 grains of Varget with 55gr bullets, can overflow the Starline cases, requiring careful reloading practices.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Reloading Error
  2. 01:31Starline .223 Brass Introduction
  3. 02:11Case Capacity Issue with Varget
  4. 03:21Water Capacity Comparison
  5. 04:55Visual Powder Level Comparison
  6. 05:45Capacity Trends: .308 vs .223
  7. 08:15Starline Quality Assessment
  8. 09:31Upcoming Bullet Matchups
  9. 10:41.22 Nosler Project Update

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue with Starline .223 Remington brass?

The primary concern with Starline .223 Remington brass is its significantly lower internal case capacity compared to other brands like Lake City or Remington. This can lead to powder overflowing when using maximum charges, potentially affecting safe reloading practices.

How does Starline .223 brass case capacity compare to Lake City brass?

Water capacity tests show Starline .223 brass holds approximately 29.3-29.6 grains of water, while Lake City brass holds around 30.4 grains. This difference means Starline cases have less internal volume for powder.

Can I use maximum powder charges with Starline .223 brass?

It's not recommended without verification. Using a maximum charge of 27.5 grains of Hodgdon Varget with 55gr bullets caused powder to overflow Starline .223 cases. Always check your specific load data and brass capacity.

Is Starline brass low quality because of its capacity?

No, the video praises Starline brass for its high quality, noting clean flash holes and consistent primer pockets. The lower capacity is a specific characteristic of their .223 offering that reloaders need to be aware of.

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