Hello Gentlemen (and Ladies),
Hopefully I'm posting this in the correct forum…feel free to move if not.
Some background to my question/request:
Could someone give me "straight answers" on the differences or benefits/disadvantages of using Brass Cased ammo vs. Aluminum Cased vs. Steel Cased? I'm trying to save as much $$ as possible as I foray into the gun world (and specifically, competitive shooting) and I've determined that ammo will end up being my biggest cost.
I've only shot Brass so far, because the ranges I've shot at require it. However, as I learn more about the world of firearms, I'm wondering if that policy exists just so they don't have to separate the spent jackets when they resell to 3rd party reloaders (just my speculation) and not for any safety or mechanical reason.
I've heard that Aluminum is fine, but Steel can wear down the firing mechanisms in the gun. I've also heard that Steel works fine in ARs and AKs (In case I decide to expand my caliber experience)
Can anyone shed light on this? Thanks in advance for any imparted wisdom. I've learned so much skimming thru NWFA!
PS. (Potentially Dumb Question Alert)
Why can you only reload Brass and not Steel or Aluminum? (I'm assuming it has something to do with how the metal casing deforms or reacts after ejecting the bullet?)
Hopefully I'm posting this in the correct forum…feel free to move if not.
Some background to my question/request:
- I'm fairly new to the firearms world
- I'm not a mechanical person by nature, and definitely not a gunsmith or reloader
- I have a kindergarten-level understanding of how ammo works
- Right now, I only shoot/own 9mm
- Right now, I only shoot/own Glock pistols
- I also own a PCC (an FX-9 pistol-variant, it's great!)
Could someone give me "straight answers" on the differences or benefits/disadvantages of using Brass Cased ammo vs. Aluminum Cased vs. Steel Cased? I'm trying to save as much $$ as possible as I foray into the gun world (and specifically, competitive shooting) and I've determined that ammo will end up being my biggest cost.
I've only shot Brass so far, because the ranges I've shot at require it. However, as I learn more about the world of firearms, I'm wondering if that policy exists just so they don't have to separate the spent jackets when they resell to 3rd party reloaders (just my speculation) and not for any safety or mechanical reason.
I've heard that Aluminum is fine, but Steel can wear down the firing mechanisms in the gun. I've also heard that Steel works fine in ARs and AKs (In case I decide to expand my caliber experience)
Can anyone shed light on this? Thanks in advance for any imparted wisdom. I've learned so much skimming thru NWFA!
PS. (Potentially Dumb Question Alert)
Why can you only reload Brass and not Steel or Aluminum? (I'm assuming it has something to do with how the metal casing deforms or reacts after ejecting the bullet?)