Why brass

[jericho]

Why do they use brass specifically for cartridges as opposed to stainless steel or alloys?

 

[J E Custom]

Why do they use brass specifically for cartridges as opposed to stainless steel or alloys?

Brass is the most common because it can be formed to very good consistency from the factory
and reformed by the re loader. also it has the nessary strength to handle the pressure whereas
copper does not.

A lot of the foreign military use a fairly soft steel for there cases but they are not intended for
re-use

Also brass does not wear the chambers as bad as other materials would and can be anneald
very easy after hard use.

There are probably more reasons but that is just some.

J E CUSTOM

 

[jericho]

Thanks for the info.You always seem to be the first one to answer my silly questions.I appreciate your patience.

 

[Clark]

Brass should be as strong as possible, but not as strong as the steel of the chamber, or it would scratch up the chamber.

The two metals that get used are Cartridge brass heat treated to be 3/4 hard or full hard:
Reroll Capabilities and Alloys at TMI: Technical Materials, Inc. : Clad Metal and Electroplating

The other metal is steel, that has been fully annealed after forming.