Mike Millsap, Author at Talking Guns

talking-guns-talkingguns-talkingguns.net-steel-vs-brass1.jpg

By Mike Millsap

Ammunition is a crucial component in firearms, and its casing plays a significant role in
determining the overall accuracy, reliability, and longevity of the firearm. When it comes to
centerfire ammunition, two of the most common materials for casings are brass and steel.
While steel-cased ammunition has become a popular, lower-cost option, brass-cased
ammunition continues to dominate the market, especially among enthusiasts, military
personnel, and law enforcement agencies. This article explores the reasons why brass-
cased ammunition is considered superior to steel-cased ammunition in most
circumstances.

Introduction: A Brief Overview of Steel vs. Brass-Cased Ammunition
Ammunition cases, or shell casings, are an essential part of any centerfire cartridge. These
casings house the primer, powder, and projectile, and play a critical role in the firing
process. Historically, brass has been the material of choice for cartridge casings, but in
recent years, manufacturers have begun to use steel as a cost-saving alternative.
Steel-cased ammunition is often favored by budget-conscious shooters due to its lower cost
compared to brass. This is particularly evident in calibers like 9mm, .223 Remington,
7.63×39, and .308 Winchester, where steel-cased ammo is widely available. However, brass
casings have maintained their popularity for several key reasons, including better
performance, durability, and compatibility with a wider variety of firearms.

This article will examine the various factors that contribute to the superiority of brass over
steel, including reliability, performance, ease of reloading, and the overall impact on
firearm longevity.

Material Properties: Comparing Brass and Steel
To understand why brass is generally considered superior to steel for ammunition cases, it
is important to look at the fundamental properties of both materials.

Brass: Composition and Characteristics
Brass is an alloy composed primarily of copper and zinc. It is widely used in ammunition
casings because it possesses a combination of desirable mechanical properties:
• Ductility: Brass is highly ductile, meaning it can be easily shaped without breaking.
This makes it ideal for manufacturing smooth and reliable casings.
• Corrosion Resistance: Brass resists corrosion better than steel, making it more
durable in different environmental conditions.

• Strength and Elasticity: Brass is strong enough to withstand the pressure
generated during firing, but it is also elastic, which means it can expand and contract
without cracking or warping.
• Workability: Brass is relatively easy to machine and form into complex shapes,
making it ideal for mass production of ammunition.

Steel: Composition and Characteristics
Steel, on the other hand, is an alloy made primarily of iron and carbon, with additional
elements such as chromium and manganese. Steel offers several advantages in terms of
strength and hardness but also has some inherent limitations when compared to brass:
• Hardness: Steel is harder than brass, which makes it more resistant to wear.
However, this can be a double-edged sword when used in ammunition cases.
• Brittleness: Steel tends to be more brittle than brass. While it can be very strong, it
is more likely to fracture or crack under extreme pressure or stress.
• Corrosion: Steel is more prone to rusting than brass, especially if it is not properly
coated with a protective layer such as lacquer or polymer.
• Less Ductility: Steel is less ductile than brass, meaning it is harder to shape and
form into the precise specifications required for ammunition cases.
Reliability: How Steel and Brass Perform in Firearms
One of the most important considerations when comparing steel-cased and brass-cased
ammunition is their reliability in firearms. Reliability refers to how well the ammunition
functions during shooting and how often it causes malfunctions, such as jams, misfeeds, or
failures to eject.

Feeding and Ejection
Brass casings are more reliable in feeding and ejecting from firearms due to their ductility
and elasticity. Brass expands when fired, creating a tight seal with the chamber and
preventing gases from leaking around the casing. This results in consistent pressure and a
smoother firing cycle. After firing, brass contracts, allowing it to easily be ejected from the
chamber without binding.

Steel-cased ammunition, however, does not expand and contract in the same way as brass.
Steel is less elastic, so it may not form as tight a seal in the chamber. This can lead to the
“sticking” of the casing inside the chamber, especially in firearms that are not well-
maintained or have tight tolerances. In addition, steel casings are often coated with a
lacquer or polymer finish to prevent rust, which can create additional friction and make
feeding and ejection less smooth.

As a result, steel-cased ammunition is more likely to experience feeding issues and failures
to eject. These malfunctions can be frustrating for shooters, especially in high-stress
situations where reliability is paramount.

Firing Consistency

The consistency of firing is critical for accuracy and performance. Brass casings tend to be
more consistent in terms of dimensions and pressure tolerance. This consistency
contributes to reliable ignition and uniform firing behavior, which is essential for
maintaining accuracy and reducing the likelihood of jams or misfires.

Steel-cased ammunition, while generally reliable, may suffer from less consistency due to
the variations in steel alloy composition, the coating used, and the manufacturing process.
As a result, shooters may experience more variation in the performance of steel-cased
ammo, especially in long-range shooting or high-volume shooting environments.

Impact on Firearm Longevity
The longevity of a firearm is another critical consideration when choosing between steel
and brass-cased ammunition. Over time, repeated use of certain types of ammunition can
affect the wear and tear on a firearm, particularly the chamber and extractor.

Wear and Tear on the Chamber
Brass is more gentle on a firearm’s chamber because it expands and contracts smoothly
during the firing process. The elasticity of brass allows it to create a tight seal in the
chamber without causing excessive friction. This minimizes the wear on the chamber walls
and reduces the risk of excessive buildup of carbon or other residues.
Steel, due to its hardness and brittleness, can cause more wear on the chamber over time.
As steel expands less than brass, it may not form as tight a seal, which can lead to the
buildup of carbon and other debris in the chamber. In addition, steel casings are more
likely to leave behind small fragments of material during the extraction process, leading to
more frequent chamber cleaning and maintenance.

Extractor and Ejector Damage
Steel-cased ammunition can also cause more wear and tear on a firearm’s extractor and
ejector mechanisms. Because steel is harder than brass, it can create more friction during
the extraction process. This additional friction can increase the likelihood of extractor
damage or failure, especially in semi-automatic firearms that require frequent extraction
cycles. Over time, this can lead to malfunctions and more expensive repairs.

In contrast, brass is less abrasive and less likely to cause damage to the extractor or ejector.
As a result, firearms that primarily use brass-cased ammunition generally experience fewer
maintenance issues in these areas.

Reloadability: The Cost Advantage of Brass
One of the key advantages of brass-cased ammunition is its reloadability. Reloading
involves cleaning and reusing spent brass cases to create new rounds. This is an
economical option for serious shooters who go through large quantities of ammunition.
The reloading process also allows for greater customization of ammunition, including
changes in bullet weight, powder charge, and primer type, which can improve performance
and accuracy.

Steel-cased ammunition, on the other hand, is typically not reloadable. This is due to the
hardness of steel and the coatings often applied to the casings. The steel is more difficult to
resize and reform after firing, and reloading it can be more time-consuming and costly.
Additionally, the coatings used on steel casings can make it difficult to clean the cases
effectively, further reducing their viability for reloading.

For shooters who prioritize cost savings and are willing to put in the effort to reload, brass
is the clear choice. While steel-cased ammo is initially cheaper, it offers little long-term
value for reloading purposes.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Another important consideration is the environmental impact of brass vs. steel
ammunition. Brass is a recyclable material, which means that spent brass casings can be
collected and reused in the production of new casings. This makes brass a more sustainable
choice in the long term, especially for shooters who recycle their spent casings.
Steel is also recyclable, but it is less commonly recycled for ammunition production due to
the added complexity of removing coatings and other contaminants. Additionally, the
mining and processing of steel have a higher environmental footprint compared to copper
and zinc, which are used in brass. Therefore, while both materials have some
environmental impact, brass is generally considered to be a more eco-friendly option.

Conclusion: Why Brass-Cased Ammunition Is the Superior Choice
While steel-cased ammunition offers a more affordable initial cost, brass-cased
ammunition is the superior choice in terms of reliability, performance, firearm longevity,
and reloadability. The ductility, corrosion resistance, and consistency of brass make it ideal
for ammunition casings, while steel’s hardness and brittleness introduce several
challenges, including increased wear on the firearm, feeding and ejection issues, and
limited reloading potential.

For shooters who prioritize long-term value, reduced maintenance, and the ability to
reload their ammunition, brass remains the gold standard. While steel-cased ammunition
may serve as a budget-friendly option for casual shooters or those looking to shoot high
volumes of ammunition, it falls short when compared to the overall benefits of brass.

References:
• McPherson, G. (2008). Fundamentals of Firearm Ballistics. Paladin Press.
• Hatcher, J.S. (1935). Hatcher’s Notebook: A Manual of Firearms Knowledge. Stackpole
Books.
• Brownells. (2021). The Basics of Reloading Ammunition. Brownells Guides.
• Tann, S. (2014). The Science of Ammunition: Case Materials and Ballistics. Springer.

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By Mike Millsap

The effects of wind on a bullet’s trajectory are crucial for accurate shooting, whether in
military, law enforcement, or competitive shooting contexts. A bullet, once fired, travels
through the air, and various environmental factors—chief among them wind—can
significantly alter its path. Understanding how wind influences a bullet’s trajectory and
how shooters can mitigate its effects is essential for precision shooting.
Introduction

The study of ballistics, particularly external ballistics, involves understanding how a
projectile behaves once it leaves the firearm and travels through the air. A range of factors
affects the flight of a bullet, including gravity, air resistance, and atmospheric conditions
like wind. While gravity is the most significant factor causing a bullet’s downward drop
over long distances, wind plays a substantial role in deflecting the bullet horizontally. Even
minor wind shifts can lead to significant changes in the bullet’s point of impact.
In this article, we will explore how wind affects the trajectory of a bullet, with a focus on
the physics behind the bullet’s flight, the various wind conditions that influence its path,
and strategies that shooters use to mitigate these effects.
Bullet Trajectory and External Factors

A bullet’s trajectory is the curved path it follows as it travels through the air. The shape of
this path is influenced by several forces, including gravity, air resistance, and
environmental conditions such as wind.

Gravity and Air Resistance
Gravity is the force that pulls a bullet downward as it travels through the air. Without the
influence of gravity, the bullet would follow a straight line. However, the Earth’s
gravitational pull causes the bullet to drop as it moves forward. The faster a bullet travels,
the flatter the trajectory, but the effect of gravity is always present.
Air resistance, or drag, opposes the bullet’s motion, slowing it down and affecting its
trajectory. As the bullet moves through the air, it compresses air in front of it, creating a
shockwave. This results in a loss of kinetic energy and causes the bullet to gradually
decelerate, particularly as it travels over long distances.

The Role of Wind
Wind is another important factor that influences a bullet’s trajectory. Wind can exert a
force on the bullet, causing it to drift from its original path. This effect is most pronounced
when shooting at longer distances, where the wind has more time and opportunity to
influence the bullet’s flight.

Wind can be categorized based on its direction relative to the shooter and the bullet’s
trajectory:

• Headwind: A wind blowing directly opposite to the bullet’s direction of travel. It
reduces the bullet’s velocity, causing it to drop more quickly. The effect is akin to
increasing air resistance, making the bullet slower and resulting in more drop.

• Tailwind: A wind blowing in the same direction as the bullet. This will increase the
bullet’s velocity, causing it to travel further before gravity causes significant drop.
However, the effect on drop is less pronounced compared to a headwind.

• Crosswind: A wind that blows perpendicular to the bullet’s direction of travel. This
type of wind can deflect the bullet sideways, causing it to miss the intended target
laterally. Crosswinds are often the most challenging to account for, especially when
shooting at long distances.

• Variable Wind: Wind that changes speed and direction during the bullet’s flight.
This is particularly difficult to predict and account for, as a changing wind can cause
unpredictable shifts in the bullet’s path.

Each of these wind conditions can affect the bullet in different ways, and understanding
these influences is crucial for accurate shooting.

The Physics of Wind on Bullet Trajectory
To understand the effects of wind on a bullet’s flight, we need to delve into the basic
physics that govern projectile motion. When a bullet is fired, it is subject to several forces
that alter its path.

Wind as a Lateral Force
Wind acts as a lateral force on a bullet. For simplicity, let’s consider a crosswind that blows
at a constant speed perpendicular to the direction of the bullet. The bullet experiences a
force that pushes it sideways, deflecting it from its intended path. The magnitude of this
deflection depends on several factors:

• Bullet Speed: Faster bullets are less affected by wind because they spend less time
in the air, reducing the opportunity for the wind to act on them. Conversely, slower
bullets are more susceptible to wind drift.

• Wind Speed: The stronger the wind, the greater the lateral force it exerts on the
bullet. Even moderate wind speeds can have a significant effect on the bullet’s
trajectory over long distances.

• Distance: The longer the bullet travels, the greater the time it is exposed to the
wind. Therefore, wind has a more substantial effect at longer ranges.

Wind and Bullet Drop

While wind primarily causes lateral drift, it can also impact the bullet’s vertical trajectory
in certain conditions. For example, a strong headwind can increase the bullet’s time in the
air, leading to more pronounced vertical drop due to gravity. A tailwind, on the other hand,
may reduce the bullet’s drop because it increases the bullet’s forward velocity.

Mitigation Techniques for Wind Drift
Given the significant impact wind can have on a bullet’s trajectory, shooters employ various
strategies to mitigate wind drift and improve accuracy. These strategies range from
understanding wind patterns to adjusting the rifle’s sights or even the shooter’s position.

Wind Reading
One of the most important skills for a shooter is the ability to read the wind. Successful
shooters can analyze the wind’s speed, direction, and consistency to predict how it will
affect their shots. There are several methods for reading the wind:

• Observing Wind Indicators: Shooters can use flags, trees, grass, or even dust to
gauge wind speed and direction. By paying attention to how these indicators move,
shooters can get a sense of the wind’s behavior at different distances.

• Mirage: Mirage is the shimmering effect caused by heated air near the ground, often
seen in hot environments. The movement of the mirage can indicate the direction
and strength of the wind. While it’s not as accurate as other methods, mirage can
provide valuable insight into the wind’s behavior at long distances.

• Wind Flags: Many shooting ranges provide wind flags, which are placed at various
points along the shooting line to help shooters gauge wind speed and direction.

Adjusting the Sights
One way to account for wind is to adjust the rifle’s sights. Most modern sniper rifles and
long-range rifles feature windage adjustments on the scope, allowing the shooter to
compensate for wind drift. By making fine adjustments to the scope’s windage dial, the
shooter can shift the point of impact laterally, compensating for the lateral drift caused by
crosswinds.

Holdover and Holdoff
In addition to adjusting the sights, shooters can also use the technique of holdover or
holdoff. Holdover refers to aiming slightly above the target to account for the bullet’s drop
due to gravity, while holdoff involves aiming to the left or right of the target to compensate
for wind drift. This is often used when the shooter does not have time to adjust the sights
or when the wind is unpredictable.

Wind Gauge and Technology
Modern technology has provided shooters with advanced tools to measure wind speed and
direction more accurately. Wind gauges and anemometers are widely used by both military
snipers and competitive shooters to assess the wind’s behavior in real-time. Additionally,
advanced ballistic calculators and apps can help shooters predict the effects of wind on the
bullet’s trajectory, taking into account environmental factors like temperature, humidity,
and altitude.

Practical Considerations in Different Environments

Wind conditions can vary dramatically depending on the environment. Shooters must
adapt their techniques to the specific conditions they encounter.

Open Terrain
In open terrain, wind can be relatively constant, with few obstructions to disrupt its flow.
Shooters in these environments rely heavily on wind flags and other indicators to gauge the
wind’s behavior. However, wind patterns can shift suddenly, so experienced shooters
constantly monitor the wind and adjust their shooting accordingly.

Urban and Forested Environments
In urban or forested environments, wind conditions can be more unpredictable due to
obstacles like buildings, trees, and hills. These structures can cause turbulence and cause
the wind to shift direction rapidly. Shooters in these environments need to be especially
attuned to local wind patterns and adjust their shots accordingly.

Long-Range Precision Shooting
In long-range precision shooting, the effects of wind are often most noticeable. At distances
of 500 meters or more, wind drift can cause significant lateral displacement, making it
difficult to hit small targets. Shooters may need to adjust their sights multiple times during
a single shot, as wind conditions can change rapidly at these distances.

Conclusion
Wind is one of the most significant environmental factors affecting a bullet’s trajectory, and
its influence increases with distance. Understanding how wind interacts with a bullet’s
flight path is crucial for shooters, as even small wind changes can result in significant shifts
in the point of impact. While compensating for wind can be challenging, shooters have
developed a variety of techniques and tools to mitigate its effects, including wind reading,
sight adjustments, and technological aids. By mastering these methods, shooters can
increase their accuracy and precision, even in the most challenging wind conditions.

References
• Hatcher, J. S. (1935). Hatcher’s Notebook: A Manual of Firearms Knowledge. Stackpole
Books.
• McCoy, R. A. (2002). Modern Exterior Ballistics: The Launching of the Bullet. A. S.
Barnes.
• Sigler, R. L., & Giesen, D. S. (2012). Wind Effects on Ballistic Trajectories. National
Defense Industrial Association.
• Frank, G. (2017). Ballistic Trajectory Prediction for Long-Range Shooting. Journal of
Military Ballistics, 19(2), 223-231.

Mike Millsap, Author at Talking Guns

Why Steel-Cased Ammo Falls Short

The Answer, My Friend, is Blowin’ in the Wind