Brass vs Steel Ammo: Which is Better?

Published on March 18, 2022
Duration: 4:59

Instruction from Kevin Mikalowski, Director of Content for USCCA, breaks down the differences between brass and steel-cased ammunition. Extensive testing indicates steel-cased ammo functions reliably in modern firearms like AR-15s and East Block rifles, even with lacquer coatings, and is suitable for plinking and some training. While generally cheaper, brass is recommended for matches due to potentially better accuracy and cleaner shooting.

Quick Summary

Extensive testing shows steel-cased ammunition functions reliably in modern AR-15s and other firearms. While generally cheaper, brass ammo offers a superior chamber seal and is better for reloading and competitive accuracy. Steel is best suited for plinking and general training.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Brass vs Steel Ammo Comparison
  2. 00:16Gun Giveaway Reminder
  3. 00:32Brass Ammo Advantages
  4. 00:47Steel Cased Ammo Disadvantages
  5. 01:03Steel Ammo Reloading
  6. 01:23Ammo Price Fluctuation
  7. 01:37Testing Steel Ammo in Rifles
  8. 02:02Steel Ammo in Modern AR-15s
  9. 02:31Lacquer vs. Polymer Coating
  10. 03:36Steel Ammo Functionality and Accuracy
  11. 04:20Recommendation for Ammo Use
  12. 04:33USCCA Introduction

Frequently Asked Questions

Is steel-cased ammunition bad for my AR-15?

Extensive testing shows steel-cased ammunition functions reliably in modern, well-maintained AR-15s. The steel cases are annealed and softer than critical firearm components like the bolt carrier group and barrel, debunking common concerns about damage.

What are the main differences between brass and steel ammo?

Brass ammo offers a better chamber seal due to its malleability, resulting in less blowback. Steel ammo is typically cheaper but may have less effective sealing. Brass is also preferred for reloading and often offers better accuracy.

Can I reload steel-cased ammunition?

No, steel-cased ammunition cannot be reloaded using traditional methods. The properties of steel make it unsuitable for the expansion and contraction cycles required for safe and effective reloading, unlike brass cases.

When should I use steel-cased ammo versus brass-cased ammo?

Steel-cased ammo is a cost-effective choice for plinking and general training. Brass-cased ammo is recommended for competitive shooting and situations where optimal accuracy, cleaner shooting, and the ability to reload are important.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from USCCA

View all →