{"id":6052,"date":"2020-08-04T14:07:11","date_gmt":"2020-08-04T14:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=6052"},"modified":"2023-03-15T14:18:13","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T14:18:13","slug":"steel-vs-brass-ammo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/steel-vs-brass-ammo\/","title":{"rendered":"Steel vs Brass Ammo – What Should You Shoot?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As you shop for ammunition, you\u2019ll inevitably run into a box of cartridges labeled \u201csteel case.\u201d Most of the time, the box has a low price tag, often significantly lower than other products found on the shelf.<\/p>\n

Should you buy it?<\/p>\n

Steel is one of the main materials manufacturers use for ammunition cases. The other material ammo makers rely on for casings is brass.\u00a0While steel ammunition is certainly a viable option for numerous gun owners, you may find that brass is the best choice for you. With the right information, you can make the appropriate choice for hunting, target shooting, and self defense.<\/p>\n

Short Answer: Steel vs Brass Ammo<\/h2>\n

Steel is cheaper to buy but more rigid inside the chamber of your firearm. It’s not easily reloadable so you can’t collect your casings and use them again. Brass is more expensive and more malleable inside firearm chambers. To a certain extent, the casings are reloadable.<\/p>\n

Our advice: many shooters believe steel casings wear out a gun faster than brass. But cheaper ammo has its perks. If you’re going to shoot a lot with a firearm that’s replaceable, the ammo cost difference over that course of training is often enough to buy a new pistol or rifle.<\/p>\n

Now, more details on both steel and brass ammo casings.<\/p>\n

About Brass Ammo Casings<\/h2>\n

The Case for Brass Cases<\/h3>\n

\"Brass<\/p>\n

As the standard material for ammunition cases, brass has a lot of advantages that make it a superior option over steel. Of course, it is far more prevalent especially among American manufacturers. Steel casings are still somewhat of a unique item, while brass is material used in the vast majority of ammunition products.<\/p>\n

But just because it\u2019s used more does not automatically mean it\u2019s better.<\/p>\n

Brass Casings Are Malleable<\/h4>\n

Brass has been the case material of choice for decades, largely due to its \u201cmalleability.\u201d Basically, it\u2019s relatively easy to form and machine into a variety of shapes and sizes, and it tends to maintain a strong structure after machining. Because it\u2019s easy to form, manufacturers can create it easier than many other metals. Easy manufacturing is generally low-cost manufacturing, so this means the final product is more affordable to the consumer. But of course, not as cheap as steel!<\/p>\n

Because brass is malleable, it\u2019s also ideal for the specific requirements of shooting. When the propellant inside the case explodes, controlled and even expansion from the case is required. Brass casings expand evenly to completely fill the chamber of a firearm. This creates a more reliable forward pressure. That consistent pressure creates consistent energy, speed, and trajectories.<\/p>\n

Consistent expansion is the main reason that brass has become the dominant material for ammunition cases. But there are other benefits.<\/p>\n

Brass tends to be naturally smoother, creating less friction in the chamber<\/a>. With little to no coating (for most ammunition, no coating), brass provides smooth feeding from the magazine to the chamber and out the ejection port. Even in single-shot firearms or revolvers, brass generally allows for easier extraction of a spent case.<\/p>\n

Compared to steel, brass is also corrosion resistant. That\u2019s not to say that brass can\u2019t corrode and breakdown, nor is it to say that it won\u2019t leave corrosion in your firearm. Brass simply resists corrosion better than steel, and it does so by its very nature, so special cost in generally not required.<\/p>\n

In summary, brass casings deliver:<\/strong><\/p>\n