The debate between brass-cased and steel-cased ammunition has been ongoing among firearms enthusiasts. Each type of casing has its pros and cons, but can one truly be deemed superior to the other? Let’s dive deeper into the characteristics, performance and suitability of each to help you make an informed decision.

Brass Ammo: Pros and Cons

Brass ammunition has long been favored by many shooters for good reasons. One of the key advantages of brass is its ability to create a better chamber seal when a round is fired. This is because brass is more malleable than steel, allowing it to expand slightly to fit the chamber perfectly. As a result, there’s less blowback in the chamber, and you avoid the unpleasant experience of gas blowing back into your face.

Another significant benefit of brass casings is reloadability. Brass can be easily resized and reloaded multiple times, making it a favorite among reloaders. This saves money in the long run and allows shooters to customize their loads for specific performance needs.

However, brass ammunition typically comes with a higher price tag compared to steel. This cost difference can add up, especially if you’re shooting frequently. And while brass casings are generally more durable, they are also heavier, which can be a consideration if you’re carrying large quantities of ammo, such as in a mag carrier.

Key Takeaways:

  • Better chamber seal and less blowback
  • Malleable and reloadable
  • Higher cost but more durable

Steel Ammo: Pros and Cons

Steel-cased ammunition is often the go-to for budget-conscious shooters. It’s generally cheaper than brass-cased ammo, making it an attractive option for those who shoot in high volumes, particularly for practice or training. However, steel’s lower cost comes with some trade-offs.

Steel-cased ammunition typically burns dirtier than brass-cased because steel is not as malleable. This means it doesn’t form as tight of a seal in the chamber, potentially resulting in more carbon buildup and fouling over time. The less expensive rounds are more apt to have inconsistent powder charges, which can lead to anything from inconsistent point of impact to firearm malfunctions to squibs — bullets stuck in your barrel. Additionally, steel casings are not typically reloadable using traditional methods, limiting their reuse.

A common concern among shooters is whether steel ammo can damage firearms, particularly the bolt carrier group (BCG) in rifles like the AR-15. While it’s true that steel is harder than brass, the steel used in ammo casings is softer than the steel used in firearms components. Studies and extensive testing, particularly with firearms like the SKS, AK-47 and modern AR-15s, have shown that well-made firearms hold up well to steel-cased ammo. The wear and tear are generally minimal, and the concerns about abrasion are often overstated.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cost-effective and ideal for high-volume shooting
  • Less malleable, leading to potential increased fouling
  • Not typically reloadable, but unlikely to cause significant firearm damage

Comparing the Performance of Steel vs. Brass Ammo

When it comes to performance, the type of casing can impact accuracy, reliability and wear on your firearm.

  • Accuracy: Brass-cased ammo tends to offer better accuracy than steel-cased. The tighter chamber seal provided by brass reduces the likelihood of gas leakage and inconsistent velocities, leading to more consistent shot placement. For competitive shooting or scenarios where precision is crucial, such as in a self-defense shooting, brass is the preferred choice.
  • Reliability: Brass ammunition also has an edge in reliability. Its malleability allows for smoother extraction after firing, reducing the chances of jams or failures to eject. Steel ammo, while reliable enough for most purposes, can be more prone to these issues, especially in firearms with tighter chambers.
  • Wear and Tear: While steel is harder than brass, as mentioned earlier, the steel used in ammo casings is softer than the steel in your firearm. However, steel’s rigidity can lead to increased wear on your firearm’s extractor and chamber over time. Brass, being softer, is less likely to cause such wear, making it a better option for long-term firearm health.

Cost Considerations: Is Cheaper Always Better?

One of the most significant factors in the brass vs. steel debate is cost. Steel-cased ammunition is often considerably cheaper than brass-cased, making it an appealing choice for those on a budget. However, the lower upfront cost can sometimes be offset by other factors.

For instance, if you’re interested in reloading, brass’s ability to be reused multiple times can make it more economical in the long run. Even if you don’t reload, the improved accuracy and reliability of brass can make it worth the extra expense.

Environmental and Storage Factors: How Do They Hold Up?

Environmental considerations also play a role in the choice between brass and steel ammo. Brass is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for long-term storage. Steel, on the other hand, is more susceptible to rust, particularly in humid environments. If you’re storing ammo for extended periods, brass is generally the better option.

When it comes to environmental impact, brass is more easily recyclable than steel. You can bring brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, to basically any consumer-level recycling center and exchange it for cash.

Reloading: Brass vs. Steel

Spent brass cases are something of a point of contention in the modern shooting lifestyle. Some believe that any shooter who doesn’t reload is a fool; others believe that their time is worth more than the money they might save reloading, especially after investing hundreds upon hundreds of dollars into reloading equipment.

For those who do reload their ammunition, brass is the clear winner. Its malleability allows for repeated resizing and reloading, and it stands up well to the process. Steel casings, being less malleable, are not suitable for reloading using traditional methods, limiting their usefulness to one-time use.

Reloading brass casings not only extends their life but also allows shooters to customize their loads to achieve the desired performance, whether for precision shooting, hunting or self-defense.

However, keep in mind not all brass-cased ammunition is reloadable. If the cases are Berdan-primed, that means they’re almost fundamentally non-reloadable and should be bucketed up and sold like the scrap they are.

Choosing the Right Ammo for Your Needs

So, which should you choose: brass or steel? The answer depends on your specific needs and shooting habits.

If you’re primarily shooting for fun at the range, steel ammo offers a cost-effective way to enjoy your hobby without breaking the bank. However, brass ammo is the better choice for accuracy and reliability, making it ideal for competitions and concealed carry. Brass is the only option if you plan to reload your spent casings, and its superior resistance to corrosion makes it the best choice for stockpiling ammo.

Several myths persist in the shooting community regarding steel vs. brass ammo. One common misconception is that steel ammo will quickly wear out your firearm. As discussed earlier, the steel used in ammo casings is softer than firearm-grade steel, and extensive testing has shown that well-made firearms can handle steel ammo without significant issues.

Another myth is that steel ammo is inherently less reliable. While brass does offer better reliability in some cases, steel ammo has proven itself to be perfectly reliable in a wide range of firearms.

What About Copper and Lead Ammunition?

When discussing ammunition, it’s impossible to overlook the traditional use of lead, a material that has been a cornerstone in projectile manufacturing for centuries. Historically, lead’s density and weight made it an ideal choice for smaller projectiles fired from hand-held guns, offering a significant advantage over materials like stone or iron. Lead’s softness and low melting point allowed early firearm users, such as arquebusiers and musketeers, to easily cast their own projectiles in the field.

However, as beneficial as lead has been in the past, it comes with significant health risks. Lead is toxic, and prolonged exposure, whether through ingestion or absorption, can lead to severe health issues. As the dangers of lead toxicity became more widely understood in the late 20th century, the search for safer alternatives in firearm projectiles intensified.

Enter copper, a material that has emerged as a viable substitute for lead in many types of ammunition. Copper, or a similar alloy used in bullet jackets, is not only easier to form but also safer for the environment and human health. While copper is less dense than lead, the difference is negligible, especially at handgun ranges, where performance remains largely unaffected. Moreover, copper’s malleability allows for the creation of expanding projectiles, making it a popular choice for self-defense rounds.

So while lead has historically played a crucial role in ammunition, the shift toward copper reflects a growing concern for health and environmental impacts without sacrificing performance. Copper can offer distinct advantages compared to brass or steel. 

Copper is highly malleable, allowing for the creation of expanding projectiles, which are particularly effective for self-defense purposes. Unlike steel, which is harder and can cause more wear on firearms, copper is softer and less likely to cause significant barrel wear.

When compared to brass, copper is similarly corrosion-resistant but is generally more expensive due to its material properties. Bras is favored for its balance between malleability, cost-effectiveness and reloadability. While copper may be a superior option for certain specialized rounds, such as expanding bullets, brass remains the preferred choice for most standard ammunition due to its versatility and lower cost. 

As ammunition technology continues to evolve, materials like copper will likely play an increasingly prominent role in the future of shooting sports and self-defense.

Brass or Steel? Making the Right Ammo Choice for Your Needs

When it comes to brass vs. steel ammo, there is no one-size-fits-all. Both types of ammunition have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your individual needs and shooting habits. Whether you’re looking to save money, achieve the best accuracy or reload your ammo, understanding the differences between brass and steel casings will help you make the right decision.

FAQs

  • Is steel case ammo bad for your gun?
    • Not necessarily. While steel is harder than brass, the steel used in ammo casings is softer than your firearm’s components. Well-made firearms can handle steel-cased ammo with minimal wear.
  • Can you reload steel case ammo?
    • Steel casings are not typically reloadable using traditional methods. Brass is the preferred option for reloaders due to its malleability.
  • Why is brass ammo more expensive?
    • Brass is more expensive due to its material properties, ease of reloading, and better performance in terms of accuracy and reliability.