Why I Don't Care About Shooting Steel Cased Ammo!

Published on September 2, 2020
Duration: 9:24

This video discusses the author's perspective on using steel-cased ammunition, particularly in AR-15 platforms. The instructor argues that the cost savings of steel-cased ammo outweigh concerns about increased barrel wear, suggesting that barrel replacement is affordable with the money saved. He also addresses accuracy concerns, stating that for plinking and practice within 100-200 yards, the accuracy is sufficient, and that more expensive ammunition is reserved for longer-range shooting or hunting. The author notes that while some firearms might experience gas issues or feeding problems with steel-cased ammo, his own firearms have performed reliably.

Quick Summary

Firearms instructor Elliott Delp argues that the cost savings of steel-cased ammunition for AR-15s outweigh concerns about barrel wear. He suggests that the money saved can fund a barrel replacement, and that steel-cased ammo is accurate enough for plinking and practice up to 200 yards, reserving higher-quality brass for hunting or self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Steel Cased Ammo Opinion
  2. 00:27Why I Shoot Steel Cased Ammo
  3. 00:53Focus on AR-15 Platform
  4. 01:22Barrel Wear vs. Cost Savings
  5. 01:42Cost of Steel vs. Brass Ammo
  6. 02:04PSA .308 & Steel Cased Ammo
  7. 02:22Financial Long-Term Benefits
  8. 02:45Accuracy Concerns with Steel
  9. 03:02Plinking & Practice Accuracy Needs
  10. 03:36Gas Issues & Reliability
  11. 03:57Jams & Feeding Problems
  12. 04:16My AR-15s Handle Steel Well
  13. 04:37When NOT to Use Steel Cased Ammo
  14. 04:57Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Does steel-cased ammunition wear out an AR-15 barrel faster?

While steel-cased ammunition can theoretically cause more barrel wear than brass, the cost savings often make it economically viable. The money saved can easily cover the cost of a new barrel by the time it's significantly worn from extensive use of steel-cased rounds.

Is steel-cased ammunition accurate enough for practice?

For plinking and general practice at distances up to 100-200 yards, steel-cased ammunition is generally considered accurate enough. More precise shooting or longer ranges typically warrant the use of higher-quality brass ammunition.

Can steel-cased ammunition cause reliability issues in AR-15s?

Some firearms may experience feeding or gas issues with steel-cased ammunition. However, many AR-15s, especially those not in the ultra-high-end price bracket, can reliably cycle steel-cased rounds without problems, as demonstrated by the speaker's experience.

When should you avoid using steel-cased ammunition?

Steel-cased ammunition is generally not recommended for critical applications like hunting or self-defense. For these purposes, it's best to use more expensive, reliable brass ammunition that offers superior accuracy and consistent performance.

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