Steel or brass?

[Rookie]

I'm buying a rock river AR15. Top of my list of things to get is ammo - lots of it. There is an obvious price difference between steel case and brass ammo. Since I have no intentions of ever reloading, would it be better to buy steel case? Is there a shelf life difference?

 

[combat45acp]

brass is usually better, more cash though. steel tends to be dirtier because it doesn't expand as much as brass and "seal" chamber.

 

[Rookie]

Is that the only real difference? Steel isn't harder on the rifle? My intent is to have ammo on hand for the just in case scenario. No plans on shooting the bulk of it.

 

[combat45acp]

Is that the only real difference? Steel isn't harder on the rifle? My intent is to have ammo on hand for the just in case scenario. No plans on shooting the bulk of it.

Depends who you talk to, the newer stuff has a better coating than the stuff back in the day, so ya, I think that's about it. Won't be "match" grade but should shoot fine.
I shoot the steel through mine with a silencer (which makes it even dirtier because of the back pressure) and you can run hundreds if not 1000+ without problems if your gun is running right and lubed up.

 

[Ronald]

Brass seems to store better, I've noticed some of my some steel cased 7.62x39 is starting to show some light surface rust.

 

[Rookie]

Is your steel case zinc coated or something else?

 

[hoosier_sully]

It's a mild steel and it usually has some sort of coating on it. I have used it with no ill effects. Like the man said though, brass is best..just more coin.

 

[gunman41mag]

If you don't reload, you can always find someone that will buy your brass

 

[Stschil]

Even if you don't plan on reloading, I personally would go with brass.
You can always police it up and give/trade with someone who does.
I've seen many threads here that folks have posted they need brass.
If I the rain ever stops and I can get my garage built, I'll be able to set up my equipment, then You'll probably see my name on one of those ".223 brass needed" posts

 

[badmac183]

If you don't reload, you can always find someone that will buy your brass

^this

 

[Socomike]

As has already been said, brass is usually a little cleaner then the cheaper steel ammo. That being said, they both get your gun filthy.

For what its worth I have shot over 6000 rounds of wolf ammo through my SBR and around 2000 brass. No signs of premature wear on any of the internal parts. The rifle chews through it all.

 

[djlaundry2000]

ill go with everyonre else. shoot steel to have fun and the brass when its time to get serious....

 

[RobbLG]

Even if you don't have plans to reload... You might consider getting brass, saving it, and giving Andrew at Profire a call to reload it for you...

 

[U.S. Patriot]

MFS ammo is zinc plated. I have ran 40 rounds through my Bushmaster, with no issue. Most of what you read is internet hype BS.

Watch this video, it was done by our own Full Auto.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR3fi1wCSmM&feature=related[/ame]

 

[Socomike]

zinc plated huh...im going to have to check that out

 

[U.S. Patriot]

zinc plated huh...im going to have to check that out

MFS Ammunition 223 Remington 55 Grain Full Metal Jacket Zinc Plated Steel Case Case of 1000 (50 Boxes of 20)

 

[sporter]

For just plinking go with steel.
It's cheap and it works.

Right now AIM has a pretty good deal if you buy a 1000 or even better deal if you buy 2000 of the WPA steel case stuff.